Joe Strauss: Actually, Chat Heads, this is Mike Smith. Joe's chat will start in about 15 minutes. He's finishing up legwork on the Chris Duncan story. Thanks for your patience.

Joe Strauss: MEMPHIS -- My apologies for being so late today. Events surrounding the team necessitated the delay. Whoever said nothing is as regular as the tides apparently was not a rider of the Big Wave. As you've no doubt heard, the Cardinals have optioned Chris Duncan to Memphis and elevated Brian Barden. Another move is expected regarding the pitching staff, perhaps two moves. Meanwhile, Khalil Greene and Troy Glaus just walked across the AutoZone Park outfield to the home clubhouse. The Redbirds are playing a twi-night doubleheader tonight after losing Tuesday's night's tilt to rain. I'm sure you've got mucho questions about the approaching trade deadline, TLR's recent rebuke of Little Dunc's critics and, of course, much homage for the ChatMeister. It's time for JSL!!! Let's Get it On!!!

NY Card Fan: Mighty Joe,

Please enlighten me, oh wise one. Why in the world are the Cardinals waiting on and expecting anything from Khalil Greene at this point? Putting aside his obvious issues and struggles this season, please let me remind all concerned that he hit a crisp .213 last year with 100 K's in 389 AB's. His track record now includes a full season and a half of poor productivity. Why would the organization reasonably expect that he's going to "turn things around"? Is this a case where the FO just doesn't want to admit that they took a chance with Greene and it simply didn't work out? Isn't it time to cut our losses and just cut ties with KG?

Joe Strauss: Look, Khalil was a very productive player for San Diego prior to last year, when life-long problems with anxiety and obsessive compulsiveness became more pronounced. Those problems continued to intensify after the Cardinals dealt for him last December. During his current stay on the DL, Greene has sought professional help in St. Louis in addition to retreating briefly to South Carolina to be with family. Getting medication right for someone dealing with an anxiety disorder is not simple. Greene believes this stay on the DL has afforded him the time to properly address the condition. He is saying the right things. It's unclear when he might be activated. But only then will we know for sure if he is ready to do the right things. The ChatMeister anticipates Khalil will return to a utility role, which may help as well.

dthibbard: Why not trade for Ian Snell and Freddis Sanchez and put Skip in LF and use Snell to replace Wellemeyer. Doesn't that solve everything?

Doug in St. Augustine. Card fan since 1952

Joe Strauss: Why the fascination with Ian Snell? Sanchez would offer a decent option at 2B if you wanted to return Schu to the outfield. Indeed, the idea was recently floated within the Cardinals clubhouse. Sanchez' availability was probably enhanced when he rejected the Pirates' lowball extension offer.

KidTwist: While I would love the Cards to get a Chad Qualls or even Jon Rauch from ARI or Heath Bell from SD, is it more likely they make a move for a strong 7th inning guy not unlike McClellan? I think Fernando Salas for Brian Stokes of the Mets is more the kind of deal Cards fans should expect rather than Holliday/Halladay/Qualls. Is that what our expectation should be?

Joe Strauss: John Mozeliak appears more inclined to seek another starting pitcher than a set-up reliever. However, there are numerous voices within the organization that believe a reliable, veteran 8th-inning guy would exert greater influence within a pennant race. Meanwhile, Mitch Boggs is pitcher well in Memphis. Blake Hawksworth also commanded respect during his recent call-up. Boggs is scheduled to start Thursday against Nashville. It's safe to assume a series of pitching moves in the near future.