Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up for a West Coast edition of Joe Strauss Live!!! Hard to say whether it's the team's success, a new commitment to work by the ChatHeads or the P-D's shrinking marketing budget, but there's extremely light chop surrounding this week's Tsunami. Absent a rogue wave of questions, we may be brief this week, especially with the pending announcement regarding John Smoltz's future. In two weeks the Cardinals have gone from a first-place tie to a six-game lead in what increasingly appears to be an overmatched division. Put away the boogie boards. Time to ride the pipeline.

Fuhrig: Oh Great and Mighty Chatmeister, the merciful and beneficent,
Ayatollah of Write-N-Rolla, Harbinger of Hardball Info, Governor of Gaming Odds, Skipper of Skepticism, Boss of the Baseball Beat:

How did they Cardinals get Miller to sign for BELOW $3 million? I guess the Post-Dispatch's sources for the $3.2-$3.4 reports came from Miller's side.

If the Cardinals sign Smoltz, how much of their payroll will be coming from Boston? Cool.

Given that Smoltzie was released by Boston because he refused to go to the bullpen (aside from stinking it up after being hurt), why would he come here as a setup man? Given the possible double openings in the 2010 rotation and the concerns about having to pluck not one but two starters out of the minors (and/or McClellan, etc.), is there any chance that the team is offering Smoltz a shot at the 2010 rotation if he goes to the pen now? After flaming out at $6 millionish this season, he should come cheaper next year, so maybe he's actually a good gamble.

Joe Strauss: The Post-Dispatch reported Sunday that the window for Miller's signing appeared to be $3-$3.25M, down from the family's original $4 million demand. The Cardinals were committed to keeping the bonus below $3 million, and Miller decided over the weekend that starting a professional career was worth more than an additional $200,000 spread over three years. The Red Sox are liable for all but about $100,000 of Smoltz's leftover deal. As reported in the P-D, Smoltz appears headed to the rotation, at least initially. He is interested in pitching next season at 43 and does not intend to extend his career in middle relief. This is an extremely low-risk potentially high-reward deal. I'm counting on you to tell me how it's a clunker.

uglyjohn: O Omniscient One,

Your correspondent was surprised to read that The Ballclub had taken interest in Smoltz as a 5th starter, rather than as a bullpen arm.

Does this mean The Birds perceive the 5th starter as a more pressing need? Or does it mean they crave an experienced hurler who could fill both needs - as a 5th starter till the end of the season, then as a reliever in October?

yrs,
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Joe Strauss: You asked and answered your own question, sir.

Richfromiowa: Joe, much was made by many fans and media about the so called "Coors effect", that most of Matt Holliday's success was achieved inside Coors's field, and not so much away from Coors Field. Since Holliday is hitting over .300 for the season, with decent power numbers, and still hitting well over .400 after 20+ games with the Cardinals, in your opinion, is it time to put that myth to rest yet? And by the way, thanks for the great Cardinal coverage on this current road trip.

Joe Strauss: Good question: Haven't heard a lot from the spreadsheet guys since Holliday's breakout start here. I'm sure they're in wait for when his NL average dips to .375.

marpdagn: O Great Rider of the Wave:

Now that we have added Smoltz as a STARTER, how do you see the Cards addressing their other glaring need -- a set up man for Franklin? With the promise to Smoltz to start, how reluctant will the Cards be to push him back to the pen if things don't pan out?

Joe Strauss: Smoltz comes on board to help this team win. If starting doesn't work out, a move to the bullpen shouldn't be a problem. Smoltz has relieved before, knows how to warm up and obviously knows the league. It's been 13 days since he was designated for assignment. A better question may be his readiness to start. The Cards' fifth starter spot comes up Sunday in San Diego. There is a need for only three starters in the Division Series and four in a 7-game format. Barring a physical problem with Kyle Lohse, it's hard to envision Smoltz as part of a postseason rotation.