Joe Strauss: The clock strikes 1 p.m. CST on a Wednesday, high tide for those who've spent the last week waxing down their boards in preparation for climbing atop the Tsunami that is Joe Strauss Live!!! Judging by your questions and comments, Baseball's Best Fans (c. St. Louis Cardinals Marketing, LLC) are rather perturbed by Tuesday's turn of events against the wild card-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The balloon party planned by broadcast rightsholders after a four-game sweep of the SD Padres in July has been placed on hold. Only 29 games remain. The season is increasingly becoming a study in simple math. It's getting real. On top of that, St. Louis is preparing for Saturday's Mizzou season opener of what ESPN has classified college football's softest "cupcake" schedule. (Where have we heard that before?) Time's a'wasting. The ChatMeister senses the perfect wave. Time to board up and hang ten. Let's Get It On!!!

Rich McIntyre: A Card's fan since his first 1956 trip to Sportsman's Park at the age of 3 surfs the wave for the first time...... and after last night, feels dead inside. Hammered, punched in the gut, left at the alter. Oh, the humanity!!!

Joe, are we fooling ourselves on Colby Rasmus and is it time to consider packaging as part of a trade? For someone who was supposed to come charging out of the minor league gates, he isn't happening (unlike Brett Wallace). I know, I know, patience..... but when does patience and hope turn to cutting the best deal you can now? I have this uneasy feeling, similar to when Reyes could have been traded for real value. Tell me I am old and senile, that my mind is clouded with Cardinals of the past... but I am not seeing the second coming of Stan Musial. Straighten me out, oh wise one! (And thanks for these....)

Joe Strauss: YOu're never too old to ride the wave, Mac, as long as the wet suit fits. You are among legions of ChatHeads voicing their angst over the club's apparent decision to have Raz' play winter ball rather than NL ball. I never worshiped at the alter of Raz' as the Second Coming of The Man. Those who anointed Rasmus in such a way bear the responsibility of unreasonable expectations, not the kid. Rasmus dealt with much after being sent out in March. He thought he did enough to make the big league. (Statistically, he did. But it ain't necessarily about stats in March.) He fell into a mental funk while also adjusting to Triple-A. He dealt with some personal stuff. (Nothing bad.) His family got involved in a controversy involving some Internet postings. Finally, Raz' gets straightened out and is ticketed for Beijing only to damage his MCL. He's barely old enough to drink. I would never tell you you're old and senile, Mac (though you might start out surfing from the gold tees), but lets keep some perspective. I expect Raz' will start next season at Triple-A and arrive quickly if his performance dictates. He hit a speed bump this season.
That said, some interesting calls regarding the outfield await. Ludwick, Schumaker and Ankiel have shown they belong. Little Dunc' will be back from neck surgery. Raz' would make for LH-hitting OF bats. You assume one will eventually go.

J.Brad: JSL!
a.k.a. Herr Chatmeister der supreme,
Would you agree or disagree that this is one of Don Tony's finest managerial jobs in his HOF career?
Would you agree or disagree that if STL doesn't make the playoffs in some form (wild card, division) that it falls squarely on Mozeliak becasuse he and his bosses didn't make a move to at least re-energize the team for the stretch run?
I'm sure Tony would play a few games a little different if you asked him, but in my opinion he has squeezed just about every ounce of effort he could hope for out of this team. I hope they make the postseason because they have been one of my favorite Cardinal teams to watch in quite awhile. I like this team even better than the 06 squad even though they brought home the ring.
Thanks for your input!
you da man
Brad in TN.

Joe Strauss: I thought TLR did a primo job in 2002 holding that team together. He then wrung 100 wins from a 2005 team devastated by injuries to core position players. I'd rank this year perhaps third to those, but still good enough for him to warrant MOY consideration. (He wins if the Cardinals make the postseason.) To lay responsibility for an October miss on Mo' and ownership is natural but simplistic. First, this team is significantly better than the '07 model and, because of injuries in '06, probably as good as the team that won the World Series. For 132 games, the Cardinals had the league's third-best record after many perceived this team in a "transitional" phase during spring training.
True, the club did not answer the Cubs and the Brewers at the trade deadline. It was written here that inactivity would cost the club credibility points among some quarters of its fan base. However, it is fair to say another LH reliever would not be enough to bridge the talent gap with the Cubs or the matchup problems against the Brewers. A fan base that pays premium prices should expect a premium product. Agreed. But at some point every franchise must retool. Ask the Braves and the Yankees. I would advise the fan base to watch what happens next winter. If you feel patronized by ownership and the front office, it's your right to vote with your wallet. But I don't buy into the belief that this club intentionally tanked its playoff push.

51 redbird: How much closer to the Cubs and Brewers would the Cardinals be if they had Harden and Gaudin and the Cubs didn't? How much more difficult will it be for the Cardinals to consistently be the best team in the NL Central when Cuban's money is paired with Jim Hendry's moxie? Too bad the birds aren't for sale, I think.

51 redbird

Joe Strauss: As I was saying.
If you want to criticize the club for over-rating the return of Mulder, Wainwright and Carpenter, have at it. That's legitimate. But if you believe the Cardinals should have turned out the farm system for a mega-deal, especially one involving an injury risk such as Harden, you're going to experience interference.

tc22: Joe,

Todd Wellemeyer has been pitching very well and shows great potential for next season. He already has pitched over 150 innings this season. Are the Cardinals worried about over working him down the stretch considering he's already doubled his career high in innings pitched? I know I am!

Joe Strauss: What a prescient question, since Wellemeyer stalled after returning for Tuesday's 7th inning after throwing 100 pitches. Wellemeyer has pitched effectively lately, as his record indicates. However, Tuesday may have qualified as a "push" since he was backed by a rested bullpen with the heavy part of the Brewers' lineup approaching.

tc22: Joe,

I love Skippy Schumaker and what he's done this season. He certainly has improved as a leadoff hitter, especially since he has been hitting LH pitchers much better than he was earlier. Do you think TLR has the confidence in him to lock him in as the full time leadoff hitter next year? It appears that if Colby Rasmus starts next season, Skippy might be limited to platoon action or possibly be trade bait. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: Skippy Walk-off remains vulnerable against LH pitching. (He's at .171 against lefts in 105 AB, compared to .352 in 341 AB versus rights.) I'll take Schu' for 400-425 at-bats in a season. As stated, I don't anticipate Raz' making this team out of camp next March. He will reach St. Louis during the season. Duncan could be traded. Ankiel is a free agent after '09. Ludwick is valuable for his talent and his service time (1st-time arbitration-eligible). Schumaker is not yet arbitration-eligible. I could see him packaged as part of a mega-deal, but I believe he stays as a No. 3 1/2 OF.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Why no interest in Guardado? The asking price seems so low (undrafted short season A player, not in Twins' top 20 prospects) as to almost make the deal a salary dump. Did the Cards have a better record than MN at the time of the waiver claim? The conspiracy theorists suspect (hope?) there is a better Cards RP move on the horizon . . .

Joe Strauss: As an American League player (Texas), Guardado first had to clear his own league before NL clubs got a shot.
I would anticipate significant turnover in the bullpen before next season. Perez and McClellan appear the only locks to return. Tyler Johnson has yet to throw a ball since rotator cuff surgery. Springer, Villone and Isringhausen are free agents. Flores is arbitration-eligible but remains exiled in Memphis. Garcia's future is still projected in the rotation. Brad Thompson has worth as a swing guy but he may be valued more elsewhere now that Anthony Reyes is no longer his roomie in TLR's double-wide doghouse. Jason Motte may push for a spot in '09. Otherwise, a jump ball.

Teubbi: Joe,

I'm from Iowa, and can't get the Cards games on the radio. Your chat and the Post Dispatch website are a lifeline to me.

I'm sure this is something that must be discussed frequently in StL, but I haven't seen anything lately--what's Carp's status? I kind of doubt that we'll see him again this year--but is there more specific information about his rehab and recovery?

Thanks so much--go Cards--let's get it back to 1.5 after the Brewers series!

Joe Strauss: As stated in today's P-D, Carp's return remains vague. He is likely weeks away. By then, the standings could argue more for shutting him down than returning him to a high-stress situation. Carpenter recently said his shoulder felt "weak" in his first throw after exiting an Aug. 10 start. The club insists it will err on the side of caution. I may be proven wrong, but it appears only 50-50 Carp' returns this season, maybe 40-60.

Candleshoe: Straussmeister: How can they not sign Miles? He's hitting three bucks and can play anywhere. He switch hits, makes the plays on the infield, and can apparently pitch a little. I cannot imagine a more valuable teammate for 09.

Joe Strauss: Miles is an arbitration guy. The Cardinals non-tendered him last year before resigning him for $1.4 million. Miles has shown he can play SS on occasion and is no longer considered a defensive liability. He may no longer be willing to accept a non-tender arrangement if the club is unwilling to exchange arbitration numbers with him. It's not a simple call, especially with Kennedy owned $$$ in '09 and resources having to be committed for a SS. But if you're seeking validation, the ChatMeister agrees. He's a good guy to have. However, the Cardinals must also find some power for their bench this winter.

kaeagles: Hello Joe,

The boards have had lots of traffic concerning TLRs comments about Colby Rasmus recently. Personally I agree, Rasmus didn't meet expectations this season. With it being previously reported that Rasmus is sensitive, what do you see the long term ramifications of him not being recalled next week?

Joe Strauss: That's up to him. A first indicator may come from his willingness to play winter ball, perhaps in the Dominican Republic.

rrandallflowers: If we lose again tonight we will be in 3rd place for the wild card position, 5.5 games out. Would you recommend trading Looper and or Lohse so we don't lose them in the off season without compensation? What might we get in return?

Joe Strauss: The team would receive compensation for either in the form of a draft pick(s). Any trade would have to be completed this week in order for them to be eligible for postseason play. The team most likely would receive pennies on the dollar. I don't see it happening.

Jason Winders: Greetings, El Diablo.

After taking a sound scolding over Izzy a few weeks ago from the manager, I thought I might ask:

Is it OK for me to boo Rick Ankiel when he strikes out or pops up (the only two options currently available on his Strat-O-Matic card) or will his manager come out in a week or two and say Rick has been playing through a case of ebola compounded by a touch of gingivitis and the fans who booed such a warrior are evil, evil people?

Joe Strauss: Could be. Ankiel isn't right physically. His "abdominal strain" is not improving, yet he continues to bat cleanup. TLR admitted "concern" after Tuesday's game and I wouldn't bet against a change in Rick's playing status. I'd like to believe the organizational spin, but Chris Duncan's condition last August, which never was officially confirmed by the organization until he required double hernia surgery, sure leaves room for skepticism. Since you are speaking with El Diablo, I can only believe you are "evil" by association.

Tackleberry: JSL ( A Boy Named Sue-Nami),

Looking back now, will LaRussa's greatest regret in '08 be that he did not use Perez effectively in his initial call-up, and thus never got a true read on what he was capable of doing for the club?

Joe Strauss: A fair question. However, at last asking, TLR has yet to confer the role of "closer" on Perez.
Perez remains the guy who pitches the ninth inning whenever the Cardinals lead by three runs or less.
Hope that clarifies things.

old cowboy: First time surfer, IMO the Cards didn't look so much flat to me as they did extremely tight/pressing. And from where I sat in my living room with my old dog(thus my impressive insight)the lack of a bigger bat from a middle infielder was accentuated last night. Oh Wyatt Erp of the airwaves, your thoughts please?

Joe Strauss: Schumaker and Ludwick each reached scoring position with less than two outs and the heart of the order approaching in Tuesday's early innings, but the Cardinals did not score on Ben Sheets. Sure, the Cardinals could use more middle infield pop. But I don't think you can lay Tuesday's loss on it. Did anyone really expect a power surge from C. Izturis, A. Miles, B. Ryan and A. Kennedy before the season? I think most would have set the collective over/under at no more than 12 home runs.

Mike: Ole Chatmesiter I ask that you please pull out the crystal ball to answer my question- I have really enjoyed watching Mather play this year, and it seemed when he got consistent playing time he did quite well. But will Mather ever get a shot to play everyday here? Or will the crowded outfield keep him strictly as a bench player?

Joe Strauss: For now, I see him as a bench guy. He and Duncan would form an obvious platoon if not for the Ludwick/Schumaker/Ankiel alignment. Again, an outfielder is almost certain to be dealt before next season. With Duncan, Brian Barton and Rasmus, you have seven guys for 4-5 spots. Even if Barton and Raz' return to Memphis, there's a crunch.

BradV: Did I read right in todays SPD, Mark Johnson will be the September call-up as a back-up catcher, instead of Bryan Anderson???

Joe Strauss: That would be called "informed speculation."

Don Muenz: Hi, Joe.
Last week, I wrote a lengthy email about why I am not optomistic about 2009.
Please let me know if, or why, you are optimistic.
Thanks, Joe.

don muenz, columbus, ohio

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals will have significant financial flexibility this winter with Lohse, Looper, Isringhausen, Izturis, Mulder, Spiezio, Encarnacion and Springer's contracts coming off the books. (They are also paying $2 million on Jim Edmonds' contract this season.) They have a glut of outfielders and several prospect chips they can dangle. There is no excuse to stand pat. It's long been my perception that the club would use this season to evaluate itself top-down. That evaluation should be complete and an aggressive offseason upcoming.

sick of defending: OK. IM tired of hearing why we should still back the birds THIS SEASON! From the jump the front office has lied!!! And Tony continues to say this games not important or that game is not important! Front office did not give the team a chance. Still these young guys did. We were told if they kept us in it they would get us the peices we needed.( a bat, bullpen help) That didnt happen!! Last season they said and I quote "the checkbook will be open". Well I guess it might have been open but no checks were written. MO must go!!! He is not a major league GM and will never be. He is just another bargin that Dewitt took that isnt working. We look like the Cubs waiting for Carp and Mulder (ie: Wood and Prior) and that plan was doomed from the start. I love TLR but why is he downplaying these important games? I understand that there all important but these two are more importand! Yes even if we swept both we would still have to play well to make it to the playoffs but loosing both puts us all but mathmatically eliminated. Cardinal fans deserve more than we are getting this year and not from the players, from the organization. If we are so worrid about 3 years from now then trade Pujols for a bunch of prospects so we can be good in 3 years! By then I will not be spending $100 a game to watch. Oh yea we got the allstar game and that seems to be all thats importand now.

Joe Strauss: Counselors are standing by.

Mike: heyhey!

the cardinals clearly have plenty of options for the outfield next year. curious though, how confident is the club in Ryan Ludwick performing at (or even near) the level he has this year in 09? i tend to think this year may be somewhat of a fluke but Ludwick's stock certainly has risen. Any chance of a Ludwick trade and an OF of Mather/Barton/Shu/Duncan, Rasmus, Ankiel? Thanks for your time.

Joe Strauss: There is little -- perhaps zero -- chance of Rasmus being in next April's everyday lineup barring catastrophic injury elsewhere in the organization. As for trading Ludwick, what are you seeking in return? Ludwick is almost certain to drive in 100 runs with 30 home runs despite receiving inconsisent playing time for much of the first half. He's hitting around .300. Again, what are you seeking in return to offset that kind of production from an average to average-plus defender?

D-Mac: Okay Joe, the obvious question is why is Tony sticking with not only Ankiel, but also Glaus? Neither one has hit his weight in the last couple weeks, yet Tony keeps them in the line-up. Does Tony not want to play the young guys who can hit because he doesn't want to "disrespect" the veterans? Kinda like when he kept trotting Izzy out to lose games for us? Just curious...

Joe Strauss: Glaus is healthy, to my knowledge. The same can't be said of Ankiel. He's 8-for-45 since hurting himself in NY and is limited enough that TLR can't play him in CF. (Ankiel was hitting .353 with 7 HR for July when injured.) I would have not problem seeing Mather out there tonight against Manny Parra. I have a feeling my wish will be granted.

Joe Turek: It's over - bullpen is weak, starting pitching has suffered all year and was never that good to begin with and way too many question marks. Ownership was content with mediocrity.

Joe Strauss: Your thoughts are duly noted. I would withhold rippage of the rotation, however. Four starters have ERAs below 4.00. Yes, concerns about LH relief proved well-founded. The Cardinals have scored plenty of runs but been inconsistent offensively. They have battered bad teams and struggled against good ones (Cubs, Brewers, Mets, Phillies). They entered Tuesday 14 over .500, tying their high-water mark for the season. It is not a good team that may have found its level -- frustratingly close to making the postseason.

BGCARDFAN: Joe thanks once more for these chats. A couple weeks ago you made a comment here about some "rumored" potential Cards people leaving for Cincy this fall.

Can you expand on that at all without giving and specific people or positions?

Onw would assume front office, scouting, and minor league folks but just how close to the team are you talking?

Joe Strauss: Your assumptions are likely correct.

Sean: With the off season around the corner, should the major focus be on getting a cleanup hitter? Having a middle lineup of Ludwick(2), Pujols(3), ?(4), Glaus(5), and Ankiel(6) would help with run support. Or would the focus be on the bullpin?

Joe Strauss: JSL!!! believes the Cardinals already possess an outstanding cleanup hitter. His name is Jose Alberto Pujols. Perhaps you have heard of him.

BGCARDFAN: What if anything yet, are the Cards saying about Wallace position wise?

Some are speculating that his bat may be ready some time next year. Doesn't that open up some very interesting areas for potential trade chips? .... Glaus, Freese, Craig, a couple OF'ers if he goes to left, and maybe even him under the right scenario?

Joe Strauss: The club is already toying with Craig in the OF. Glaus' contract expires after next season. Freese may be the Cards' Minor League Player of the Year at third base. To answer your question, the Cardinals are heavy with RH pitching, major league outfielders, and minor league corner infielders. Wallace will play at Memphis at some point next season but many insist his future will be at 1B. The club doesn't go there, especially with Pujols signed through 2011. However, there are many who question this organization's willingness to make Pujols a "Cardinal for life," meaning Wallace could play the 2010-11 seasons at third base before moving across the diamond. Those who have watched Wallace rake come away impressed. I have not run into anyone, however, who projects Wallace as a left fielder a la Ryan Braun.

Darren Kinney: I'm still holding onto that last glimmer of hope, but it's pretty apparent the Cubs and Brewers are superior to the Cards. What do we need to do to compete with these guys next year? LaRussa has often repeated the need to acquire a bat to protect Albert. Any FA's that would be a good fit? Also, do you think Lohse is gone because he'll want too much (probably a stupid question with Boras as his agent)?

Joe Strauss: Remember, Sabathia and Sheets are pending free agents. (As are Lohse and Looper; but Carpenter is expected to be ready Opening Day.) Lohse and Looper will seek a minimum of three years. Acquiring Furcal to play SS would allow a No. 2 hitter (Ankiel, Duncan or Ludwick) to drop below Pujols and Glaus and the No. 5 hitter (Ankiel or Ludwick) into the No. 6 spot. If you don't consider a 30-100-.300 guy "protection" for Pujols, you're likely not going to find it with one guy. Add another impact bat to the No. 6 slot and you may get there.

GSW: Chatmeister,

What's the expectation of real baseball people (you know, HOF mgrs, GMs, beat hacks) that Raz will be the Opening Day CF if he hasn't even earned a promotion this fall?

Joe Strauss: Minimal.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Why no more columns from you? You're a natural - these chats prove your writing is dynamic and entertaining, and your Mizzou article last year showed you can stir things up with the best of them (BTW, as a proud Tiger alum, I support any schedule that ends with a BCS berth!). I can see it now - "El Diablo's Inferno". Your editors need to wake up and smell the - uh - brimstone?

Joe Strauss: I love it when my agent posts here... That said, I've yet to receive a question about the Tigres '08 schedule. Stay tuned: The P-D may have uncovered that this year's much-anticipated SEMO tilt came about only after Mizzou backed out of a home-and-home with Parkway Central. Still trying to nail that one down.

BDAx2: BMOT (Big Man On Tsunami),

If Carp, Waino, Wellemeyer and Joel are locks for the rotation in 2009 is other spot filled from within or outside the organization? Does Joel's contract guarantee his spot?

MU -9 a little to high?

Joe Strauss: I would think so. ChatMeister Mo' suggested as much in a recent chat when he projected 80 percent of next season's rotation.

JSL!!! believes The Tigers are going to stroke Illinois. The ChatMeister was on the Illini as a "sleeper" team in '07 and was proven right. However, JSL!!! believes Illinois will struggle early this season unless its defense carries them. Missouri catchem them at the right time.

Missouri 31, Illinois 20. (Game not as close as score suggests.) Lay the points and send proceeds to the ChatMeister. Book it.

BradV: Mr. Chatmeister,I haven't heard much about Rico Washington since being sent back down to Memphis. Is he still on the 40 man roster, and if so, how come he hasn't been mentioned as a September call-up?

Joe Strauss: Rico's still on the 40-man but could become a casualty if the club requires room to promote D. Freese, M. Johnson, etc. I don't believe he will be counted among the September call-ups but would be a popular addition to the clubhouse if I'm proven wrong.

Kris Baker: With the unfortunate results the Cardinals and their fans received with high expectations of Mulder and Carpenter having a positive impact on this season, it seems to me to have had a negative impact on the players who were already playing busting their rear ends throughout this season. The ups and downs, will they be playing, or not in time, roller coaster ride couldn't have helped those that brought the Cardinals to the steps and entrance of the big dance. What are your thoughts on what this does to player/team moral at critical times in a season such this one? And, what is the latest on Mulder? Is he truly done?

Joe Strauss: Mulder will attempt to rehab this winter. He does not need more surgery, according to five orthopedics who have examined him.
Carpenter's shutdown was a body blow to a club energized by his dominant start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Carp had a 1.88 ERA when he walked off the Wrigley Field mound Aug. 10. The Cardinals bet big on their own guys. They may receive a payoff from Wainwright but Mulder was a loss (not unexpected) and Carpenter a serious setback (very significant).

Scoot McGoot: Oh all-seeing and all-knowing Chatmeister, could you see a scenario this offseason that would involve the Cards trading away prospects that are either blocked (Anderson) and/or redundent within the system (Boggs, Craig) for a major league ready middle infielder? Ryan seems to be more of a bench player, one good season of 25 year old Tyler Green does not have me convinced, and Kozma appears to be 3 or so years away.

Joe Strauss: Yes, I could.

NYtom: Is tonight a "do or die" atmosphere, notwithstanding the fact the Brewers play both the Mets & Phils in the next couple weeks and several games could be recaptured at that time?

Joe Strauss: A loss would leave the Cardinals six down in the loss column to the Brewers with 28 games remaining. The Cardinals have yet to construct anything more than a five-game win streak this season. That's a tough combination. The Mets have serious bullpen issues. The Phillies are not a dynamic offensive team, despite their reputation. The Cardinals, unfortunately, are chasing the league's top two teams. The Brewers need only go .500 the rest of the way to finish 92-70. The Cardinals need to go 19-10 to match them. That's some tough calculus, sports fans.

Joe Strauss: It's past 3 p.m. The tide is heading out. This week's JSL!!! may not have been the perfect wave but it was plenty challenging enough. Thanks for the on-point questions, though the requisite bowing and scraping to the ChatMeister seemed in a little short supply. Something to improve on. I'll come at you from Phoenix next week as the tsunami reaches the desert. Thanks for participating and enjoy your windfall from this weekend's "Arch Rivalry" game.