riotmute: With Wallace making a great impression within the system, do you think there is a chance we may see the Walrus in the majors in the spring of 2010?

Joe Strauss: Yes.

chrusctp: Finally, the (week)long-awaited Aquatic Avalanche has arrived! Two questions:
1. In his chat Mo seemed to concede that Brett Wallace would get some time in the outfield in winter ball. Other than the fact that he's still been playing third, any other signs/reports/rumors about his position in the future?
2. We all know about Furcal and Hudson. What other free agent middle infielders are going to be available this offseason?
Great job as always!!

Joe Strauss: Many are as convinced that Wallace will end up in the OF or at 1B as they are that he will be an impact major league hitter.
M. Grudzielanek and M. Ellis are pending free agent 2B along with J. Kent, Jamey Carroll, et al. The SS class includes Renteria, Furcal, A. Everett and Juan Uribe in addition to Izturis.

Dave: The Tsunami is whipping through here in Chicago and Lake Michigan is surging high enough to take out the Cubs. With the Cards still hanging in there, I had a question about how the Cardinals handle injuries. Its been going on for a while now, but management tends to go after guys who are prone to getting hurt or end up getting hurt while in STL. The last 2 years have been particularly bad with injuries, but it goes back farther than that. I know injuries are a part of the game, but it seems we have more than most teams. What's the deal here JSL?! Is this an unlikely string of bad luck or is it simply poor decision making on management's part?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals seek "value" in free agency. Part of "value" stems from buying low. The club did it successfully with Chris Carpenter and, to a lesser degree, with David Eckstein. They tried unsuccessfully with Matt Clement and Kip Wells. That said, there is less risk in sinking $1-$2 million dollar in a recovering player than risking a long-term deal on a veteran in decline such as Tino Martinez. The problem arises when the bargain player breaks down and the club needs a replacement. Remember, Jeff Weaver arrived as insurance behind Sidney Ponson. No insurance arrived this year to replace Carpenter, Waino, Clement or Izzy. No minor league starting pitchers were seen as ready for prime time.

Scott: Why is there no love for Braden Looper? Everytime I see a "projected" rotation for 2009, he's never mentioned, despite his great numbers of late. Why is Pineiro loved, and not Looper? Seems a little whack to me.

Joe Strauss: Pineiro is under contract for '09, Looper (and Lohse) are not.

John: The Tsunami makes Fay look like a spring storm...

With Wainwright returning and hopefully Carpenter next week. Can you see lengthen the bench soon?

Joe Strauss: You can lengthen the bench and bullpen considerably Sept. 1. I don't see it happening before then.