Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up for a rather uniquely configured edition of Joe Strauss Live!!! We're going to have a quickie session for about an hour then return later this afternoon to pick up other compelling inquiries from the ChatHeads. The ChatMeister's print responsibilities dictate the early break-off. So, without further delay, let's get to what Cardinals PR goddess Melody Yount less-than-reverently refers to as "your little chat" but what the rest of you know as an unstoppable cyber-tsunami breaking on the shores of Cardinal Nation. So Let's Get It On!!!

GSW: Chatmeister,

A moment while I don my board shorts to take my turn riding the tsunami . . . ah . . . speculation on Mo's efforts to add a bullpen arm points toward Fuentes and Marte (one report had CO scouts already in Memphis). What's the expected asking price, and what should Mo be willing to part with? At $5+ mil, Fuentes seems pretty far above the Cards' slot for releivers (even primary setup men) - is he signed beyond this year?

Joe Strauss: There is real interest in Fuentes, who is a pending free agent and would be considered a rental barring a trade-and-sign arrangement. Fuentes is making $5.05 million this year. Any team acquiring him would be liable for less than half that (or about $1.7 M around the trade deadline). It's certain doable financially. Certainly the Rockies are fishing for prospects and names such as Rasmus, Anderson and Garcia will be thrown around. John Mozeliak insists he is not going to trade Rasmus. I believe it, but no GM would publicly make available his top prospect since it would only erode leverage. If the Cardinals make an "impact" move this month, I anticipate it will be for a pitcher rather than a hitter. Fuentes fills a glaring need and could potentially represent the Cardinals future closer if the organization is unwilling to commit to Chris Perez or to retain Jason Isringhausen. Stay tuned.

Dave Cobler: Hi Joe;
Wow, what a game on Monday night. The Cards seemed to make the game look easy thanks to Lohse great start on the mound and an offense that saw Duncan go long. Mulders return was special to see. I am so proud and happy for these young men who wear the "Birds on the Bat".
I am also blessed to be a part of the best baseball fans in the country! I am proud of them for their knowledge and overall sportsmanship in these forums and at the ball park.
Joe; You have a lot to do with all that. Leaders persuade people toward good or bad. Your sportswriting brings the best out of people because of the knowledge you clue us into and the professionalism we witness day to day. Jack Buck did it on the airwaves while broadcasting all those years. Cards fans have the best and they get the best with JSL!!! I live near KC and have a scale to weigh some things on. Yeah, I'm thankful to be a Card fan and have the pleasure to look forward to JSL!!!

I just wanted to sincerely THANK YOU Mr. Strauss! It matters not if I make this weeks board.

Joe Strauss: Thanks for the kind words, Dave. Glad to have you on board riding the tsunami.

mjdelpe: There was a graphic put up on the TV during the last Cards/Royals game that showed an interesting stat that I had never seen before. It was so quick that I didn't really get the complete story. It was the Cardinals record against certain pitchers the first time they faced them, something like 0-10. The next stat was the Cards record against that same pitcher the second time, and their record was like 10-2. I believe Kyle Davies was the pitcher that day and , of course, they had lost first and then beat him the second time. Maybe this shows a little discussed trend of how well the Cardinals Team as a whole is able to diagnose and make adjustments, kinda like the first half/second half of a college football game. I just wondered if you were aware of this and what your thoughts were on it? BTW, even though I can't participate live, I always read every edition of JSL!!! a couple of times so I don't miss out on the "tongue in cheek" comments.

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals do most of their advance scouting via video. They do not employ an advance scout per se. Video coordinator Chad Blair acts as a de facto advance guy within the clubhouse and works closely with the coaching staff. Buzz Bissinger referred to Chad as "the secret weapon" in 3NIA. He does a tremendous job. However, the less major-league exposure a guy has, the less info the club has to go on. That has added to some hitters' frustration in recent seasons. The ability to prepare a game plan based on first-hand experience is obvious. A number of teams use the Cardinals' scouting model. But since you're asking for a common thread, that would seem a legitimate explanation.

renomike99: Hi, Joe.

Was wondering whether the Cardinals might consider putting Wainright back in the closer role after he returns from the DL. Proven closers are hard to find, and Wainright has proven he can close. Also, the Cardinals starting pitching has held up well in Wainright's absence, while the bullpen (especially the back end of it) seems like it needs help. I can visualize Wainright closing the final game of the NLCS or the World Series. In fact, I've already seen it happen. No knock against Izzy or Franklin, but I have a hard time believing that either of them would be as successful in the closer role as would Wainright. Your thoughts.

Joe Strauss: There's a far greater chance of seeing Chris Carpenter than Adam Wainwright in the bullpen this season. Wainwright was one of the league's top 5 starters before he went down. If Wayno is bueno, he is in the rotation.