Joe Strauss: OK, back up for what could be a very abbreviated session of Joe Strauss Live!!! We let the general manager (try to) ride the tsunami for an hour and the ChatHeads migrate to his side of the board. Believe me, the Chatmeister doesn't forget. That said, let's push ahead to the spin-free portion of Wednesday chat. You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!!! But let's get it on anyway!!!

therealdealankiel: Joe,

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO IZZY. Thank you for what you've done for the Cardinals and St. Louis. You were a vital piece of one of the most successful stretches this OR ANY team has ever had. On behalf of all of the TRUE Cardinal fans, we're looking at your entire body of work...this year has been and will be forgotten.

Clear your mind and get back on the mound. Although your time in STL may be up, I anxiously await your 300th save in another uniform...just not for the Cubs Izzy!

Joe Strauss: Consider it done. Many share you sentiments, RDAnks.

Chris Rushin: I know that Barry Bonds has a lot of baggage but why not sign him for the stretch run? He has said he will play for the min. and TRL can handle him. Last night we had a .244 hitter with no pop hitting behind a legitimate MVP candidate. He had the highest OBP last year and he might conform to know this might be his last chance at a ring.

Joe Strauss: There's no way BB could get in shape to contribute this season. He has not been working out in recent weeks and, at best, might help someone as a DH next season. As the ChatMeister opined in a column following Bonds' indictment on perjury and obstruction charges, he is at the end, not the beginning of the end. Funny how the same fan base that despised Bonds in previous years now clamors for him as its savior. Ain't gonna happen.

tlwilborn: Greetings Great One:

In your most humble opinion, what do you think of the acquisition of Felipe Lopez? I watched him in Washington and thought he was extremely undervalued by the Nationals. Further, he has the Cardinals-sought personality, notwithstanding the Nats gripes against him. Since he is under contract only until the end of the year, any chances the Cardinals will sign him for next season. I just knew months ago he was going to St. Louis, so I think he's another Cairo/Grud kinda guy.

By the way, I really do enjoy and value your comments, Oh great one.

Regards
tlwnlin
Alexandria, Va.

Joe Strauss: Lopez appears re-energized since escaping the Anacostia gulag known as Home of the Nationals. He is a pending free agent who has value as a utility player and a switch-hitter, especially against righthanded pitching. It would appear, however, that the club will have to choose between Lopez and Aaron Miles, who is arbitration-eligible and far less likely this winter to accept a deal after being non-tendered. Your reverance is appreciated and entirely justified.

tc22: Dear Tsunami Master,

I've been using a smaller board to ride the tsunami this month ever since the Cardinals front office locked down the bank on July 31 by refusing to pursue any quality relief pitchers to help a beleaguered staff. With only the wild card as a possibility now, do you expect the Cardinals to be scouring the waiver wire for pitching help or should I continue to down size my board and wait for the Sept call ups in hope of rescue? Please advise.

Joe Strauss: With Wainwright likely returning for Friday's start, I would expect any relief help to be coming from within. The club has only nine more days to make a move, since any player acquired in September is ineligible for a postseason roster.