Joe Strauss: All right, The ChatMeister's late but The ChatMeister's here, and that's all that counts. The Chris Duncan/Julio Lugo and Matt Holliday/Basket of Faberge Eggs deals have officially gone down since the last chat. I'm sure you're breathlessly awaiting the take here as well as direction for the remainder of the trading period. That said, the Cardinals look like a different team despite their 2-5 road trip. (Wonder how much that shellacking in Houston pushed them to acquire Holliday?) This much is certain: surprisingly good attendance and vociferous public demand for help factored in the organization's willingness to move aggressively this summer. The whole Best Fans in Baseball schtick gets kicked around here at times, but in this case the fan base made itself a serious player in organizational direction. We don't pander here at Joe Strauss Live!!! That's the facts, Jack. So now that you're good and buttered up, let's dive into some Full Contact Chat. Be gentle. The Hyperventilating Prospect Geek Fraternity was just busted up by Dean Mozeliak. Let's proceed.

Brett: Oh Chatmeister...please tell me, will the Cardinals resign Matt Holliday? Mo made a good move but resigning Matt would be great! Will the slimy Scott Boras take his client to the Yankees for big bucks or will Holliday take a little less to stay here long term? Thanks very much.

Joe Strauss: We're not going to give everything away here because then the rest of the St. Louis media would be piggybacking on Post-Dispatch intelligence. That said, the club will attempt to accelerate discussions with Holliday and his agent Scott Boras (a.k.a. The Evil One to a local front office). If Holliday reaches free agency, the Cardinals are likely cooked since the Yankees will be desperately seeking outfield help this winter. Check the playbook that got Jim Edmonds, Mark McGwire, Kyle Lohse and Scott Rolen signed before they hit the market. This will be a full-court press. Details to follow.
That said, Boras does an extremely good job for (most of) his clients. The same reason many fans and front offices dislike him is the reason his client list grows annually. He may not be universally liked, but Boras is respected and feared. Those are often more valuable attributes in his industry.

GSW: ChatMeister,

I guess, to make an omelet, you have to break a few (Faberge) eggs - who knew? (I mean, other than you, oh wise warder of the waves!)

Bernie had an interesting article about the "winners" in the Holliday trade. Not to argue, but I think he missed an important one - Shelby Miller. Whatever the true value of the Cards' prospects, it's clear the farm needs re-stocking, and I don't think Mo (or Luhnow) can afford to let Miller get away. Along those lines, please give your odds on:

1) Whether Miller gets signed,
2) Whether Miller gets $4M+, and
3) Whether DeWitt, et al. get credit for ponying up on all fronts.

Thanks, Joe - as always, you da man!

Joe Strauss: You make an interesting point on Miller. Negotiations have begun but will likely press the Aug. 17 deadline. Having signed Wagner Mateo and turned out the minor-league system, one could make a case that the Cardinals may attempt to lowbacll Miller, or as you suggest, need to go the extra mile in order to restore credibility to the minor-league system. It's only a gut feeling at this point. But given Miller's stated desire to sign and the Cardinals' to cultivate starting pitching, the ChatMeister believes the deal gets done, possible for below $4 million.
It's a little early in the show for setting odds.

NY Card Fan: Mighty Joe,

Do you think that Glaus has any real value as a potential trade chip, hopefully for a somewhat reliable RH relief pitcher? Would an AL team looking for some RH 1B-DH help realistically offer anything that might help the Cards down the stretch? Or in the NL, how about Glaus to the Giants (they need some offense) for Bobby Howry? Or is Glaus still considered "damaged goods" and viewed as untradeable? Maybe I'm delusional, but I'm hoping that Mo can work another minor miracle and turn Glaus into some needed bullpen help. Thoughts?

Joe Strauss: Glaus' shutdown from his rehab assignment does not bode well for dealing him for anything of value. The Cardinals' best-case scenario might be achieving a degree of salary relief and perhaps applying any savings to other organizational needs (signing Miller?). No word yet on when, where or if Troy will resume his rehab.

RF_Baron: Joe.. do you know if Jack Clark would ever like to be in the radio/tv booth? I really like his commentary on the post game shows. I think he'd be a good color guy in the booth. (probably another question for Caesar.) Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Give Caesar a try. I believe he's done ranking the top 10 local fishing shows.