Joe Strauss: All right, sports fans, the unfortunate weather patterns of the last week (and a ridiculously early starting time in Wednesday's Diamondbacks game forced postponement of this week's Joe Strauss Live1!!! But as a certifiable cyber-force of nature, there is no stopping the weekly tsunami that governs the rhythms of many Cardinal fans' existence. JSL!!! does not take that responsibility lightly, which is why the ChatMeister remains in Phoenix slaving over this week's discussion. (Remember the official P-D sports department motto: "Row well and live!") The recent 1-5 road trip all but buries the local nine. Making matters more frustrating, the Cardinals would have gone 4-2 had they merely protected every 3-game lead. That would have left them only 2 1/2 off the wild card lead. Oh, the humanity!!! With 22 games remaining, the math is pretty oppressive. The surge approaches. It must be time to Get It On!!!

TechnoPhobia: O keeper of the mighty waves, I am too depressed by the "recent unfortunate turn of events" to surf along and ask a question about why and how did this happen. So..since you seem to have the most direct connection to Isringhausen, I have several questions. Does Izzy still plan to have surgery and, if so, when? Do you think he can bounce back from another surgery, and do you think there will be a market for him (albeit with a big discount)? How long do YOU think he played hurt this year? Could you let him know that there are still plenty of people in St. Loo who care about him and wish him a happy birthday?

Joe Strauss: At last asking, Izzy planned to have surgery after participating in Albert's charity golf event Monday. Like the ChatMeister, the Izzinator does not like to pass up free golf. The surgery does not involve a ligament and it's expected Isringhausen will be available before spring training. He wants to reach 300 saves and is well aware he must agree to a steep discount. As noted recently, Izzy's save percentage during his five complete seasons with the Cardinals was about 89 percent. He has residual value. I believe his condition bothered him for a significant portion of this season. It compromised his feel for the ball and the way his right wrist hinged. I doubt he will pitch again for the Cardinals but, like you, believe he deserves much respect for what he did for the franchise.

Rick Mostak: I religiously read your chats each week. They are both entertaining and informative, the best combination possible. Do you think the Cards are willing to commit to the long term contract necessary to fill the middle infield position? I agree that the Cards should have the funds to make some acquisitions, but the number of years to sign someone like Furcal or Cabrerra jams up the path for guys like Greene, Solano, Kozma, Vasquez and Castillo. Are the Cards willing to do that in order to be more competitive in 2009? Is a one year contract with Renteria or going with the same mix at the middle infield as this year with Barden possibly in the mix the answer? Your insights are appreciated. Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Welcome to the Temple of the Tsunami. Yours is a good question. It appears increasingly obvious the club is going to discard Adam Kennedy, either via trade or outright release. TLR is committed to finding out what Felipe Lopez brings and remains a Miles advocate. TLR craves another impact bat. Unless the club can find a SS with punch (Furcal, Tejada), I would not be surprised if it tried to retain Little Cesar for one more season while seeking a power outfield bat. Renteria may be a stopgap, but his career is in decline. The Rockies may be willing to listen to offers for Troy Tulowitzki, a name that intrigues many quarters of the Cardinals' organization. I don't get the vibe that TLR is enthralled by any Triple-A position players.

therealdealankiel: Mr. Strauss,

I haven't completely thrown in the towel on '08 yet, but the way some of our farmhands finished out the year reminds me there is still something to play for (experience and 2009!).

Of the guys we saw briefly(Garcia, Stavinoha, Mather, Worrell, Boggs), who do you think has REAL major league upside, and who are the fringe players that may just be overachieving?

Of the following players, who is traded, who gets the call to STL, and who is a AAAA player disguised as a ML prospect?

*Daryl Jones
*B. Wallace
*A. Craig
*B. Anderson
*C. Rasmus
*T. Herron
*J. Todd
* F. Salas

Thanks Joe, keep up the good work!

Joe Strauss: I believe Wallace, Anderson, Raz' and Todd will appear in St. Louis next season unless dealt this winter. Craig rates behind Wallace and Freese at third base and received a late-season look in the OF. Salas is an intriguing guy who turns 24 next season. He bears watching, probably at Memphis. The club has a decision to make regarding Anderson: Does he back up Molina next season or is he packaged in a trade? Tyler Herron struggled badly at Springfield this season. He is only 22 but, like Clayton Mortensen, may have shown ill effects from being rushed. Durability remains an issue.

Eric2.: Hey Joe!
Now, I am a Cardinal fan, so there is some bias....but Pujols has to be the leader in MVP.

I think Aramis in Chicago has done a great job---about half of his RBI's have come after the sixth.
But if Pujols keeps continuing on this pace, he will have 95 runs, 40+ doubles, 35 Home Runs, 100+ RBIs, .465 OBP, .363 BA...oh ya, with about 53 strikeouts....and possibly 10 stolen bases.

But what I like the most, is that .363BA/ .465OBP....

I think at the end of the year, baseball writers/ voting should look at Pujols and really ask themselves; is there really a more valuable player than AP?

Albert isn't just having "another Albert Pujols year," the guy's channeling Ted Williams.

Thanks Joe! I always appreciate your responses.

Joe Strauss: I hate to burst your balloon party, E., but a fade by his team will negatively effect El Hombre's chances. Ramirez and Braun will receive significant support, as will Berkman if the Astros continue with their recent push. David Wright is also on the radar. Albert's percentages are outrageous, the best of his career, but voters tend to gravitate toward players who reach the postseason. I do believe this year's will be an extremely tight vote.