Joe Strauss: Wow, was the ChatMeister ever wrong about the size of this week's Wave. Usually the tide ebbs when things appear more favorable than negative. But with the Cards leading the NL Central by two, the Tsunami has reached monstrous proportions this week. Questions about Raz', DeRosa, El Hombre, Ankiel, Halladay, Holliday... where to begin? So far the local 9 is 3-1 in its 10-game road rush to the All-Star Break. Give em' a win tonight behind Wellemeyer and ushers may be passing out postseason order forms during next Tuesday's "This Time it Counts!!!" extravaganza. Well, you came to chat. So, let's Get It On!!!

Mike: Joe,
While on vacation I caught the JSL!!! wave in person from Springfield last Thursday. Kyle Lohse did stand out during his rehab start, partially because of the length of his pants compared to the rest of the team. What's up with the nearly knee-high socks? Does the whole Springfield team try to emulate Brendan Ryan??

Now on to a more serious topic. What are your thoughts on Daniel Descalso and Pete Kozma. Both had some very good at-bats during the game and they turned a nice DP. With Descalso promoted to Memphis on Friday and without a legimate backup to Skip, could he get an auditon next spring training with a chance to make the team?

Thanks - Mike

Joe Strauss: The high sox are a minor-league thing Ryan brought to the Show. Lohse is not a minor-leaguer, and hasn't been one since 2001. I'm not into the pajama pants look, either, but its the norm today.
Following Lohse's rehab, Descalso received his promotion to Memphis minutes after hitting a home run and making a tumbling catch on the tarp at Hammons Field. He's an interesting player, though I'm not sure how projectable. Kozma lined a double to the wall and made a nice play behind Lohse. He has skills but I haven't heard of a dominant one. It's an interesting question regarding Schumaker. I'm not sure how he fits in 2010. If Tony is back, I would expect him to remain at second base. If not, there could be an open competition at the position. Schumaker was rumored as trade bait last winter. His versatility may make him more marketable this winter. Descalso turns 22 in October. Next year may be a little soon for him in the major leagues.

NY Card Fan: Joltin' Joe,

In last week's chat you put the current odds at 2 to 1 against "I'm not a machine, I'm just Albert" signing an extension with the Cards. I believe I heard Cardinal Nation take a collective gasp at your response. Why do you put the odds so low at this point, o wise one? I would have thought that the odds would be at least 50/50 at this point.

Joe Strauss: The question asked about the odds of El Hombre signing an extension "before next season." A little different twist than what you quote. Should he win a third MVP -- heck, even if he doesn't -- Pujols' leverage is off the charts.

Tackleberry: JSL,

Ok, I thought this was a sweet touch of irony. In your column (the print version) in Sunday's paper you had discussed the impact of Ludwick's struggles, as well as Ankiel & Duncan's futility, and at the end of the column you quoted McRae saying 'if we get them going we'll be dangerous.' Next to your column was a large advertisement for All-Star memorabilia and in big letters it said "Time Is Running Out." If you had continued to read from the end of your column that giant headline would have been the next thing you read. Quite appropriate, I think.

Question: When the Cards were 16-7 in April, how many times did the pitcher bat 8th? Zero. Since then they have gone 29-33, so why does Tony keep batting the pitcher 8th? A small sampling, but a solid trend.

Joe Strauss: Tony hits the pitcher eighth in response to a sluggish offense. The Cardinals led the league in runs in April. They haven't resembled that offense since. I've long noted that Tony has rarely batted the pitcher eighth when he led a very good/dominant team.

Cards Fan in Big D: Chatmeister,

While I'm not that surprised that he didn't make the All-Star Team, what do you think it will take for Chris Carpenter win the NL Cy Young?

Joe Strauss: At least 11 wins in the second half. His ERA would rank third in the league if he had enough innings. Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Dan Haren and Josh Johnson are leading candidates now. As we speak, Adam Wainwright leads the NL with 122 1/3 innings. Carpenter has worked 77 2/3 innings.