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.

richrauch: Greetings, thou hallowed Chatmeister! If it's the third day of the workweek, it's finally time for another JSL!!! Please, if you would, regarding #22 David Eckstein, WS06 MVP: What sort of a homecoming reception did he receive from us, The Best Fans in Baseball? Also, what were the circumstances which led to his departure from StL? Answer or not, THANKS for the weekly fix! --Rich in C.R.

Joe Strauss: Eckstein should get no less a reception than So Taguchi, in the ChatMeister's opinion. He loved playing in St. Louis, though he became a bit jaded at the end due to a lack of negotiations. Eckstein says he never received a modified offer from the Cardinals after filing for free agency last November. The club offered him 3Y/21M during spring training but didn't feel Little E. justified a comparable offer after a tough '07 season. Eckstein and TLR appeared to get along well in Arizona. I'm not sure the same would be said about Eck and the front office. Eckstein is again a free agent after this season. He's playing with a tremendous amount of energy.

Zuke354: What is the possibility of Freese being converted to second?

Could provide another RH bat in the line up, which may be improtant with all the lefties outfielders (except Ludwick) and the potential of Wallace eventually making the team. Not sure Hoffpair is loved by the organization and Barden can't seem to beat out an overvalued and struggling Ryan.

Joe Strauss: David Freese can now join Skip Schumaker as a player Cardinal Nation wants to see converted to middle infield. This ain't Little League, folks. It's not a simple matter to convert an OF or corner infield to second base. (Although TLR believes it is no biggie for an infielder to grab an OF glove.) You're right about Hoffpauir. The club sees his defensive shortcomings more than his offensive numbers. He's a hustle player who overachieves but his lack of range kills him with the current administration. Ryan's stock fell dramatically this season. He was seen playing OF for Memphis at season's end.

51 redbird: Thanks for your column, I look forward to reading it. However, the questions from last week went largely unanswered. The Cubs got Harden, a dominating pitcher when healthy, and Gaudin, a reliever who can spot start and pitch multiple innings, without giving up any important parts of their club. Together, they make one strong starter, at the least. Reminds me of how Whitey Herzog traded multiple players to get the needed components (such as Sutter) to win. Just how many outfielders and potential closers do you need? And if Cuban buys the Cubs, you think he won't make a big play for C.C. or anyone else of elite status? The Cardinals' management needs to step up their expectations if they want to compete year in and year out in the future.

Now you might say, "How many injured pitchers do you need?" But elite pitchers are rarely available. When healthy, Mulder was a winner, but never as dominate as Harden can be. The main differences between Harden and Clement: the salary they would command and that ability to be dominant. Harden has given up one run or less in EIGHT of his nine starts. His 2008 salary: $4,750,000.

Joe Strauss: Even the Cubs acknowledged Harden is a health time bomb. Harden acknowledged this week experiencing unspecified pain and is being backed off. That said, there will be pressure on the club to make an "impact" move(s) this winter. Tomorrow's P-D will offer TLR's thoughts on the topic. (A MUST READ!!!) I dare say one or two outfielders will be dealt this winter. It is becoming increasingly likely that Colby Rasmus may be shopped, or at least made available. Don't criticize the Cardinals for Mulder, Clement, etc. then advocate acquiring Harden. There are similar risk factors involved. Harden has been disabled five times in his career.

STL5#1: Hello!, oh Great Chatmeister. Enjoy your columns and insight into the Birds.

Okay, pretend for a moment that Bill DeWitt loses his marbles briefly and decides to hire El Diablo as GM of the Cardinals. It's november, the hot stove is burning, rumor mills a-churning. You have by most accounts money to spend, 30 million or so, and the power to do what you think needs to be done to restore the Cards to World Champions. Assume that the list of potential free agents as of 9/4, do indeed file and all are available on the open market. Start wheeling and dealing. Do you go after free agents, and if so, do you put your efforts into trying to land a big fish, or do you sign a couple "mid-level" players. Or, do you possibly try and pull off the big trade, possibly trading some of our prospects for a stud pitcher or a big bat?
Start working, time's a wasting. Time to be aggressive and out-hustle your rival GM's. The challenge of returning the Cards to #1 rests on your shoulders.
What moves would you make?

KB in O'fallon

Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister would actually have only about "$5 million or so" available since he would have commanded "A-Rod money" to take the job.
You'll get your answer toward the back end of September, STL5. JSL!!! wants to see what Jason Motte, Josh Kinney and Chris Carpenter look like the rest of this month. I'll say this: The need for another starting pitcher (a No. 3-4) and another bat are obvious. More on this later.

BDAx2: Wednesday...Thursday...any day is a great day when the Chatmeister is on the board!!!

I can't remember the last Cardinal who was signed for the next season to get released, so do you forsee any scenario in which Ryan Franklin and/or Adam Kennedy are NOT on this team in 2009?

Give me your 7 man bullpen for 2009--feel free to use "other" for arms you think will come outside the organization.

Joe Strauss: Given his lack of use, I don't see Kennedy as part of this team's plans in '09. As for the bullpen, Perez, Motte, Franklin and McClellan offer a base. There is a need for two LH. At this point, Tyler Johnson can't be considered a lock. The club's approach toward R. Flores is uncertain. There is a need for another veteran RH arm (think Russ Springer for less jack) and at least one veteran LH who can do more than match up (Fuentes?).

Cardinal70: Hello, O King of the Chat! I'd make a tsunami reference but Gustav's still dumping rain on us here in Arkansas.

What are the odds, in your mind, of TLR packing up at the end of the year? Duncan's contract is up, the transition is still underway, etc. Or is the fire still there?

Joe Strauss: Read Friday's Post-Dispatch. I can't beat myself, so to speak.

James A. Webb: With the Cardinals obvious miserly ways, I've been wondering when Pujols' contract runs out. In his next contract, he will demand $20-25 million (or more) easily on the open market. Do you think the Cards will ante up or let the Yankees have him?

Joe Strauss: Albert's contract runs through 2011 if the club picks up its option. JSL!!! is convinced if Albert hits the open market, he's gone. I would anticipate the Cardinals approaching El Hombre about an extension no later than before the 2010 season. If they take him to his walk year, my guess is he'll do just that... walk. Albert is a bargain right now. By the time he reaches free agency, he could be closing on 450 home runs and a third MVP. He will be only 31 after this deal expires. There's no reason he won't expect "Manny Money."

cardshawai`i: Hiya Joe,

In your opinion is there any chance the Cards will be in the running for CC Sabathia this winter? That would be quite a formidable rotation with Waino, Carp, and CC at the top. Might be worth the investment. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve in Honolulu

Joe Strauss: It ain't hap'nin, brother. By the way, the tsunami loves the Ma'alaea Pipeline. Book it.

Dave: Let the Tsunami role, but stay away from New Orleans. Long time reader, first time writing a question. Thanks for these chats. The SLPD articles are good, but I don't get all of the interesting tidbits now that Chicago is home. Pujols is hitting near .360, but his power is down. Maybe its his fascistis, but does Pujols need more protection in the lineup? A mistake hitter, say soon-to-be free agent Adam Dunn might make a good 5th spot and keep Ludwick at 4th. What's your take on Pujols HRs and RBI dips?

Joe Strauss: I believe the manager would agree with your assessment. Ludwick's numbers are solid, but the league has yet to give him the respect of a Dunn or a Rolen or Edmonds in their prime. Dunn would be an interesting name to plug into LF. That would necessitate the trade of C. Duncan and possibly Rasmus or Schumaker, since there would be a blockade formed by by Dunn, Ankiel and Ludwick. There needs to be some RH punch at either 2B or SS also. Let's see what happens with Albert's elbow after this season, hmmmmm.

Janice from Memphis: O keeper of the raging waves, why does everyone think that Perez is the closer of the future? Why not Jason Motte??? Will he and Perez compete for that spot next spring?

Joe Strauss: I can see Motte as a 7th inning guy given the chance to work his way deeper into games. Motte is relatively raw. Perez has refined a slider this season and has always closed. There needs to be a veteran RH presence out there as well along with Franklin. There would be value to bringing back Russ Springer, though some may argue an effective Motte gives you what Springer represents. JSL!!! assigns much value to Springer's leadership as well as his consistency.

vikelt: TLR's method of specific roles for relievers seems to violate the 'if it ain't broke,don't fix it" rule. If a guy is going well,why not let him continue. The "role" idea proliferates pitchers in one game and that means all of them have to be "on"; one guy being off can do the team in. Is the consideration the pitch count? I am an old guy who remembers when there was no such thing. There was a four man rotation and 200 IP was expected. E.g., Bob Lemon for a 9 year stretch AVERAGED per year 272 innings,21wins and 20 complete games. What is your take on this?

Joe Strauss: You seem to be a member of the Tommy Lasorda "use 'em til you bruise 'em" philosophy. Lasorda loved to pitch hot hand. La Russa pioneered match-ups. In 2007, it served him very well. This year has been, well, disastrous. McClellan appears spent because he was the one guy La Russa seemed to ride hard. Everyone denies it on the record, but McClellan has little left. There may be value in allowing him down time after 64 appearances. He and Franklin have averaged more than an inning in 60-plus appearances. Coincidentally, neither is very effective right now. I'm not going to rip an "old guy" but the game has changed a lot since Billy Martin and Bob Lemon ragged out starting pitchers. Do that to some guy making $12 million a year and heads will roll. It's economics, baby.

J.Brad: Chatmeister,
What, no Wednesday chat? I'm jonesin' I tell ya! I guess I can make it...
I know it's soooo far away, but what do you anticipate being the Cards' rotation next year, and will we re-sign Miles? Along that vein, who do you see departing St. Loo among the position players that are currently on our big league roster, and who will stay?
As always, thank you for the enlightening chat and here's hoping for a 7 or 8 game winning streak. JSL! rules
J.B.

Joe Strauss: Carp', Waino (if bueno), Wellemeyer and Pineiro. It would make sense to re-sign Looper, especially if Lohse seeks C. Silva jack (4y/48M). Kennedy, C. Duncan and one of the primary three OF appear at risk. The club could retain Izturis for a year if it finds a strong offensive 2B. La Rue has been popular as a backup catcher, but there may be organizational sentiment behind Bryan Anderson. Miles is a TLR favorite and has made himself a much more valuable commodity. I expect to see him back unless the Cardinals fear him in arbitration.
Calm your jones. JSL!!! returns to Wednesday next week. Several who experienced symptoms similar to yours messaged me to say that reading past chats got them through Wednesday.
Hey, it beats watching Mizzou vs. SEMO.

Mike Westerfield: Joe, Tony has thrown various lineups out there all season and still yet we are 5 1/2 games out of the wild card. The Brewers have gone down as of late and giving us a chance. But now they have the Padres for four games. We need to sweep Florida and Chicago. I think it could be done. Wishful thinking. My point is I think Tony needs to start Lopez in left as long as Ankiel is ailing and like I have mentioned before, Miles needs to be an everyday starter. He has proven he can hit and get on base. I do not know why Tony cannot see it. Of course this is not the only answer with the pitching problems especially with relievers. With the callups and Motte's lights out performance yesterday, maybe Tony needs to use Carpenter, Motte, and try Kinney in McClellan's and Franklin's spot in relief situations, with small run leads in late innings. Of course these are my viewpoints, but with 22 games left and 5 1/2 from the wild card, we do have a small chance. As always thinks for your articles and GO CARDS. Mike from PC, FL.

Joe Strauss: I think since Jason Motte threw 1 1/3 scoreless on Wednesday, TLR should immediately anoint him "the next Mariano Rivera." Anyone who has watched Lopez' hijinks in left field knows that is not a comfortable spot for him. Lopez' offense is fine for 2B. His glove and his bat do not project for the corner OF.

joie: After 1968 it took 14 years to get back to the Series then after 1987 it took 17 years at least after 04 it was only 2 years to get back and win it now in your opinion how many years till we get back again because other than Pujols and Yadi I don't see this current line up getting us there anytime soon

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals rank third in the NL in runs, second in hitting. Look, the bullpen has blown 29 saves and taken a major-league most 29 losses. Sure, the offense is inconsistent. But so is the Cubs', so is the Phillies'. You can't lose 23 games when tied or leading after seven innings. This decade, the Cardinals scored their most runs in 2003, a third-place season that also crashed because of bullpen chaos. Come on!!!

mike: Hey JS- I'm afraid I dont share the optimism some do about this Cardinals franchise, either on this year or next. Joe, not wanting to be a doom/gloom guy, but here's my hangup. Before the deadline there seemed to be general consensus the cards needed another bat and help in the pen. All sorts of reasons given why that didnt happen. As the season has spiraled out of view, most notably even this past 6 game trip, the glaing holes were Relief and some proven offensive help. The reasoning seems to be - take a look & wait til next year. But seriously, given what Cards leadership has failed to do in the middle of a race does bode confidence in what they "might" do in the off season. In the spring Rasmus was "untouchable", "cant miss call up", just a matter of time bla bla bla. Reality- he's no where to be seen. If the Cards are not able to win with this bunch, what is realistic to expect next season? More of the same?? Speculating for the sake of speculating leaves a sense of unfulfillment. And I'm sure the guys in the clubhouse, tho professionally paid players, must feel it too. Give a realistic appraisal of what's to come if you're able. Thanks- Nice work in dreary times!

Joe Strauss: The front office and ownership will be closely watched this winter. As much criticism as the Cardinals took for their inactivity at the trade deadline, I believe they risk losing credibility with an even larger percentage of the fan base if the same happens this winter. LH relief, an impact bat and another starting pitcher are obvious needs. Bench help would be nice, too. The club missed what Scott Spiezio provided (when sane). They need another versatile type who has extra-base power. Stay tuned to the Rasmus situation.

Thom Wilborn: Greeting Oh Great One -- Seer of the Unseen -- Revealer of the Past, Present and Future -- Share with us your knowledge and wisdom so that we fathom the season of almost.

As a witness of more baseball seasons that I care to count, how will pride and character play a role in the rest of the Cardinals' season? I know it doesn't win championship every time, but it can sometimes. Further, we're seeing more mention in our beloved Post (which I sold as a kid) of a transitional season. What's to be transitioned to next year?

Thank you for taking a question and followup Oh Great One. Shukra, Habibi.

Ironman
Alexandria, Va.

Joe Strauss: I'll leave it columnists and labyinthine blogs to discuss "pride and character." Next year's transition better be to greater predictablity within the pitching staff and fewer gambles on health question marks.

Ryan Judd: Hey Joe,
How would you grade Troy Glaus this year? He has decent numbers, plays above average in the field, yet struggles mightily with RISP. His production numbers are adequate (23HR, 89RBI), but with all his AB'S with men on, shouldn't those numbers be much higher or just wishful thinking?

Joe Strauss: I'd rate Glaus a B or B-plus. He deserves Gold Glove consideration and has looked like the same guy who averaged 37 home runs and 100 RBI in 2005-06. Busch Stadium plays larger than SkyDome or Chase Field. True, Glaus remains a frustratingly streaky hitter and he has driven in a low percentage of runners in scoring position. However, for whatever reason Glaus has never been a great cleanup hitter in his career. He does lead the team with 37 two-out RBI.

sbrazda: Is the return of Looper out of the question, Oh-Great-One?? Until that last outing, he'd been pitching like a top-notch hurler auditioning for a whole bunch of clubs? Is he worth a "re-sign"? What do you think?

Also, if not Looper or Lohse, to what core free agents (pitching and/or htting) do you think management will REALLY make a play for?

Joe Strauss: If Carp' and Wainwright are healthy, Looper fits well here as a No. 3 starter. He's been the Cardinals best starter during the second half and his overall consistency is much better than last season. It will take at least three years to get it done, I believe, but Looper recognizes the value Dave Duncan offers as his pitching coach. Free agency questions will be answered in an upcoming edition of JSL!!!

dn3524: Hello Joe,

2009........Felipe Lopez starting 2b, Rafael Furcal starting SS?

How dynamic would that be? Seriously, though, do you see the Cardinals considering Lopez for the full-time 2b job? Not just his time here this year, but with 2 good offensive seasons in the past...Lopez can provide speed and extra base power. Makes too much sense, right? Or will he relegated to the utility guy role?

Joe Strauss: I like it, though I believe it important to retain Miles as well as Lopez. If you sign Furcal, you are likely forced to trade for an outfield bat to place behind Pujols. If you sign an outfielder, you trade for the SS.

The Pastor: Chatmeister,

What a disappointment it is to follow the Cardinals these days. I'm a lifelong fan, but it's still a disappointment that they didn't work out a trade or trades for bullpen help when they had the opportunity. Last night is just one more example in a long line of late-inning losses. Truly, the achilles heel is the bullpen. My question is twofold: First, do you think the front office did the right thing to hold onto prospects while not providing outside help this year? And second, the brightest part of this "lost" season would be what, in your opinion?

Thanks for weighing in. I enjoy your work.

Joe Strauss: I believe there was meaning in making even a fringe deal at the deadline. (Ohman?) The inactivity fed a belief that the front office did not trust this club enough to pursue an immediate dividend. I've been impressed by breakthroughs from Ludwick and McClellan, Glaus' defense, Molina's improvement as a hitter, Schumaker's ascendance and Perez as a potential closer. It's been fun to cover a team that consistently played hard despite obvious flaws. Unfortunately, I now see a tired club seeking its level. There will be an interesting internal debate next month over the true value of said prospects.

SeeingRedSteve: We have blown sooo many opportunities this year that I believe this season should cost Tony his job. He has mismanaged so many situations by 'going by the book' versus looking in the eyes of his bullpen to see that they lack arms, passion and heart. Many of you have called for Tony to be Manager of the Year, however, the best managers are not afraid to put in rookies and work with them (can you say RedSox). If Tony would have managed this season appropriately (see Izzy, bullpen) and motivated his team when it mattered (see last 2 Brewers series at Busch and latest road trip.. 2-13 in those games I believe) then we would be right on the heels of the Cubs who look like they are fading. We have one of the best hitting offenses (where are the hit and runs Tony), have received some of the best starting pitching in the last 45 days (even Loshe has given a few good starts) but we continue to lose ground due to Tony. When Tony gets the boot, we will also lose Dave "Reclamation Project" Duncan, but I would rather see McClellan or Garcia rotation that another retread like Clement. Frustratedly yours. SeeingRedSteve in Chicago

Joe Strauss: Try some decaf, Steve. Perhaps it's not as much a matter of motivation as it is personnel. This club was projected to finish no better than fourth with a losing record. Indeed, they may still finish fourth, but few projected a contending club this deep into the season. I don't quite understand "looking in the eyes of his bullpen to see that they lack arms, passion and heart." Football cliches don't play here. Isringhausen's breakdown had a huge effect, just as when he missed the first 2 1/2 month in 2003. Sure, there have been questionable moves. But moves are always more questionable when none of the options is great. I can assure you Duncan would love to work with a Sabathia, Hamels, et cetera. However, the Cardinals are not inclined to spend wildly on free agent pitching. Please feel free to suggest a manager-pitching coach tandem for next week's chat. Seriously.

rusty k.: Hey Joe! Love your chat and think you of all the stl writers have the insight to determine just how the cardinals season has gone and where they are headed. Question: Why does TLR seem to use McClellan every day. It's easy to see from the TV he's an over worked pitcher. He's even using him with the expanded roster almost daily it seems. I'm a TLR fan as a mgr. but it's getting old watching how this guy is overworked. 2nd question: Do you really think the cards will go after a big bat and of all the big bat FA's out there, who is the one they will go after. Thanks for your time Joe and I love riding the Thursday afternoon wave! You Are The Man! This is my first time and hopefully not the last! Take care.

Joe Strauss: After defending TLR to the previous poster, I admit to being surprised that McClellan was used Wednesday. I do think they will pursue a bat. But rather than shotgun an answer, we'll talk specifics in perhaps two weeks when the market and team's intentions become more obvious.

Shannon: Ankiel's playing like a shell of himself Joe. Why go through the charade? When will the Birds shut him down and let somebody else have a September opportunity? Any word on what they'll do with Ank?

Joe Strauss: Ankiel may be examined by another specialist during the upcoming homestand. I suspect he is dealing with some sort of hernia, but the club continues to deny that is the case. Something is wrong beyond "a strain."

Ray: Oh All-Wise, Knowing, and Sagacious Chatmeister,

Will somebody tell ‘No Moves’ Mo to turn out the lights, the party is over. The chickens have come home to roost. This is not TLR or a Dave Duncan creation. The blame is with ‘No Moves’ Mo and ‘Not Now’ Luhnow. They saw their shadows weeks ago and now we all are condemned to 4 more weeks of lousy baseball. We have been playing Groundhog Day baseball since May 5 when the team was 10 games over .500 and 4 months later we are still playing the same stinking Groundhog baseball. ‘No Moves’ talks about play a hard 9 innings. Hey ‘No Moves’, how HARD do you think it is for the rest of us to watch your 9 stinking innings?

McClellan and company in the bullpen arms are worn out due to poor quality starting pitching all year and a Loogy (Left-handed One Out GuY) shortage. I think ‘No Moves’ and ‘Not Now’ Luhnow have missed their true callings in life…they should have gone into show business. ‘No Moves’ would be perfect for the part of Don Quixote in the play 'Man of La Mancha'. ‘Not Now’ Luhnow can play the part of Don Quixote’s trusted squire Sancho Panza. Quixote is the mad knight who sees windmills as 4 armed giant monsters that he attacks. To save DeWitt money they can both sing ‘The Impossible Dream’ during the 7th inning stretch. They have both have been following their own Impossibe Dream thinking Carpenter and Wainwright (don't forget Mulder and Clement)were coming back quickly and would be at their October 2006 optimum effectiveness.

I am tired of hearing from ‘No Moves’ no definite answers to any question. Joe, as a reporter are you not frustrated with some of the cold baby pablem answers you are feed on a daily basis?

Joe, why did the Cardinals not sign or trade Loshe before the trade deadline? Doesn't Scott Boras now have the upper hand? I’m still mad that ‘Not Now’ Luhnow passed on one of the best starting pitching prospects in a decade(Rick Porcello)and drafted Peter Kozma. Thank God the football season is here. Let the JSL Tsunami Waves Roll On.
Ray

Joe Strauss: Mixing Groundhog Day and Man of La Mancha... Maybe we could get Robert Goulet play Mo' and Bill Murray star as J. Luhnow in the screen adaptation. It's TLR who talks about "a hard nine," which could also be interpreted as the front side at Glen Echo C.C. As for your rippage of "Harry Potter," the Cardinals passed on Porcello for reasons of signability. Luhnow played the hand dealt him. (That said, Kozma impressed this season, though it is believed at some point he will have to modify his swing.) Your rant is posted. But your Cyber Footprint has left little room on the Internet for others.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Oh, all-wise, all-seeing, all-knowing master of the unfathomable force of aquatic devastation known as the tsunami. (Enough sucking up?) Although I didn't expect them to do as well as they have this year, it's still disappointing when the Cards come close, then fall back. So, let's talk football! Please grace us with your profound over/under insight on 1) Chase Daniel passing yards and TDs, 2) Jeremy Maclin total yards and TDs, and 3) DWash rushing yards and TDs.

As always, you da man.

Joe Strauss: Look, I gave you Mizzou minus the points last week and have yet to receive any financial remuneration (read: kickback). As for this week, JSL!!! believes an athletic event only counts if there is a posted point spread. That's why we don't dig volleyball, lacrosse, LPGA events and most Missouri home games. Come on, Southeast Missouri? Even if they're not embarrassed in Columbia, I'm embarrassed for them. Sorry, no dice. I will say that Chase was the second best quarterback on the field last Saturday. The Juice was loose!!!

GSW: Chatmeister,

I was setting the table last night and noticed we were missing a fork - please ask the Cards to send it back now that they're done with it.

Joe Strauss: Wow. Fifteen yards and loss of down for piling on.

kaeagles: With Jamie Garcia possibly facing TJ surgery this off season do you see management looking for a LH starter for next season? Also, why as an organization do the Cards not value LH pitchers, which is appart by the lack of quality lefthanders the past several years.

Joe Strauss: They valued Mulder enough to give him $13M over two years after shoulder surgery. They projected Tyler Johnson as a specialist. They gave Randy Flores a two-year deal before the '07 season. It hasn't worked out. I frankly believe it's more important that they find LH bullpen help than a LH starter. This team won a World Series without a LH starter but would have been toast without the contributions of TJ and Flores in '06.

chris: Hope today's rain won't turn the wave into a flood. Thanks for providing this Q&A, Sir.

For grins, what will the opening day line-up look like in '09? In particular, who pitches, who plays middle infield, and who will have secured an outfield spot (and still be a member of the Cardinals)?

Joe Strauss: Yours is a good question at a bad time. You can call any St. Louis radio talking head and receive a half-A answer. Later on this month I'll be able to give you a responsible read rather than a blind guess. Again, it's a good question. It's just impossible to offer a good answer right now. Safe to say, there are questions at 2B, SS, at least one starting P, at least 3 relief spots, backup C and perhaps the OF.

10XCHP: Thx for the vine. I understand Lopez's value at the plate but isn't he a defensive liabilty and what has Miles done wrong other than to hit .300 to see his playing time diminished?

Joe Strauss: Good observation. The club informed Lopez they were interested him beyond this season only if he dedicated himself to improving defensively. So far, he has. Lopez has become more aggressive at 2B, but I wouldn't double down on his OF play. Lopez has power. Miles is a slasher. Miles also has a tendency to wear down if overexposed. That said, he has wasn't seen much on the road trip and has made only 10 starts since Aug. 3, three days before the club signed Lopez as a free agent.

kaeagles: Hey Joe,

With Mather's season over what is your evaluation of his performance after 103 AB's and do you see him in future Cardinals plans as a 4th OFer?

Joe Strauss: He's a decent OF with a powerful swing. With experience, Mather is a deterrent. To me, he projects as a late-inning guy on a team with plenty of lefthanded-hitting starting outfielders (like the Cardinals).

Joe Strauss: That's going to have to hold the ChatHeads for this week. Sorry, but daily newspaper duties beckon. We have three more of these scheduled for the regular season. I expect to see a greater infusion of younger players the next several weeks, barring a reversal in the standings. The Tsunami returns to its normal time and date next Wednesday. Just because the season is winding down is no excuse for failing to dial it up. Keep the questions coming. Sorry I didn't get to more today but, again, thanks for your interest.