mike kelly: Whatever happened to Matt Clement??? Forgive me if that's been asked before on this chat, but I don't follow the Cards like I do the Blues (a rarity in this town, I know). I thought the Cards inexplicably signed this career DL pitcher and gosh, I think he's been on the DL all season? Or Mo realize how dumb that was and quietly release him some time ago??

Joe Strauss: The organization released Clement last month. He was a "lottery ticket" that didn't pay off.

J.Brad: Herr Chatmeister,
a.k.a. the keeper of the tsunami,
What's your take on why there wasn't an ejection at Cincy on Sunday after the warnings? A Cardinal was hit by a pitch and nothing happened. I thought Tony might get tossed at that point, and with good reason. Had it been reversed, the Cards would surely have gotten an ejection of the pitcher and manager. What gives? Enjoyed your handicapping of the wild-card race.
Is there a pythagorean style equation that you used? Do tell!
thanks for your input oh guru of the weekly bonanza we like to call JSL!
J. Brad in Lakeland, TN.

Joe Strauss: TLR seemed more than a little irritated after the game. Methinks there could be some continuation when the team meets again in Great American BP Sept. 16-18 or in the season-ending series at Busch. As for the JSL!!! odds, we call upon our extensive statistical experience at various horce racing venues. Indeed, it is true that JSL!!! set the over/under on Rams wins at 6 1/2 two months before the Vegas books caught on. But we digress.

k30: Will you please beg Mo to put Carp and Waino BOTH in the rotation (assuming both are healthy)? :)

That's my question! Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Walk to the next chat over and you'll find that Mo addressed your concerns.

tim: What would you think about hitting Molina second? I know hes slow but thats seems like it would be the perfect fit for him because he makes great contact and hits for average. And it would only make him better hitting infront of Pujols letting Ludwick hit 4TH so Pujols will get some protection.

Joe Strauss: I'm not sure your theory flies. Albert leads the team in doubles and Molina is among the least likely on the team to take extra bases. With a leadoff hitter on base, you typically don't want to see Molina bounce a ground ball, either. Within this lineup, No. 6 or 7 seems to work best.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Help - I'm getting thirsty, and my Kool-Aid's running out. What needs to happen for the Cards to take the wild card (aside from winning more games than the Brewers, smart a$$)?

Joe Strauss: Braun needs to stay out and Ned Yost must continue to bend CC Sabathia until he breaks. A Cardinals sweep of next week's two-game series wouldn't be a bad thing, either.