Don Turnbeaugh: In a 5 game series, I think the Birds have the best rotation in baseball in Wainwright, Carpenter and Piniero. But in a 7 game series, I worry about that number 4 starter. Who do you think it will be? Smoltz? Wellemeyer? Lohse? I think Smoltz is the logical choice. He can give 5 good innings and then let the pen finish things up (as should be done every time he starts).

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals are a better team with an effective Kyle Lohse as their fourth playoff starter and John Smoltz serving in a set-up role for a well-rested Ryan Franklin. However, it's instructive that TLR and Dave Duncan are allowing Smoltz to remain in the rotation for the rest of the regular season schedule. Yes, it allows Smoltz to continue his recovery from '08 shoulder surgery. More practical, he remains "live" in case Lohse struggles after his second stint on the DL this season. Lohse is set to start Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. He has four starts to convince the brain trust that he is reliable enough to work Game 3 or 4 of a Division Series in Colorado, SF or Los Angeles. Regular season or postseason, you're looking for more than "five good innings" from your starter.

Bill Brockschmidt: Herr Stauss - wordly wise wave weaver of technicolor dream storms,

Would Matt Holiday resent being a DH against RH starters when the Cardinals advance to the Ultimate Storm and have to play at least 2 games in an AL league park? While Ank's speed and arm would be a plus for him in LF, would Holliday's half year in the AL give him an edge.

Of the AL parks in contension, which would be the most/least advantageous for the Cardinals?

With the intensity of Tony and the FO, MLB's tight-fisted control of the AllStar festivities, and some of the ridiculously boorish "so called Cardinal fans", has this been a fun year for you to cover the Cardinals?

Joe Strauss: I doubt Holliday would "resent" serving as DH. Ankiel is the better outfielder, but TLR won't play him solely because of defense. Ankiel needs to get going these last three weeks. He, Rasmus and Glaus represent a potentially dangerous bench, but none is hitting on eight cylinders right now. I would be leery of Yankee Stadium, moreso than Fenway, because of the wind tunnel effect to RCF. Anaheim Stadium is a fair park. Comerica in Detroit proved no obstacle in 2006. It remains a pitchers park. A dominant pitching staff can succeed anywhere. Right now, the Cardinals' rotation is closer to dominance than any other in the league. Keep in mind Wainwright and Carpenter could pitch as many as three games in the AL park.

This has been an enjoyable year to cover. Lot of news. A good club and clubhouse. It's been a good ride. We've got a story every day regardless. Success and failure have more to do with the team's mood. This is an extremely energized bunch.

davulture24: After the recent tumble, Holliday suffered, I heard he will be back in the lineup on Friday. Wouldn't it be best to sit him a game to ensure that he is back to 100% instead of 85%? I want all our players as healthy as possible come playoffs so if that means sitting certain players for a few games at the end of the year just to play it safe - so be it.

Joe Strauss: I'm not a member of the training staff but every indication Wednesday was that Holliday would be available Friday against Los Bravos. He seemed put off by the questions, probably more embarrassed than injured by his tumble past first base.

haybeav: Joe,

What do you see as the most likely situation regarding who will win the Cy Young?

Joe Strauss: I don't have a Cy Young vote. My colleagues, Bernie Miklasz and Junior Goold, carry that ball for the St. Louis chapter of the BBWAA. I won't speak for them, but my opinion for the last 7-10 days is that the Cy will become a match race between Wainwright and Carpenter. It's difficult to imagine a 15-win pitcher (Tim Lincecum is stuck at 13) outpointing a 20-game winner (a conservative projection for Waino') or the league's most dominant second-half pitcher (Carpenter) who could finish only a win or two behind Waino'. I know the spreadsheet guys love to minimize wins, as if such obvious stats are for the unwashed, but that is why the game is played. Guys who move runners along don't win MVPs. Guys who have nice WHIP and BABIP may be turn-ons for "new" thinkers. But ERA, innings, victories, win percentage and strikeout-walk ratio remain powerful indicators. The ChatMeister is being accused of serving as a Wainwright honk. Not true. I do have him a sliver ahead of Carp', which may contradict conventional wisdom. But this thing is far from over. The Lincecum-ites already are preparing to jump ship. Why commit now? A lot can happen within 4-5 starts.

Doug Hart: Why don't the national sports programs like ESPN and MLB network show the Cardinals more respect for what they have done this year? Yesterday, we have a nice win, Wainwright gets his MLB leading 18th victory, Albert hits 2 more home runs, leading the league in that category, inching closer in the batting average race and RBI race, and Holiday gets hurt. I understand Jeter's accomplishment, but surely we deserved second place on all of the programs? I watched this AM and we never made the top 6 list on either program.

Joe Strauss: I watched last night and the Cards got plenty of love. Jeter's feat occurred late last night on the East Coast, so many may have missed it. I'm with you, somewhat flabbergasted by the Jeter's coronation for tying Gehrig's hit total. I doubt the same balloon party would (will) take place should El Hombre surpass The Man's career numbers. But I'm also amused by the thin skin worn by many Cardinals fans. Who cares about ESPN's news judgment. Jeter gives them a break from the hyperventilating Favre and T.O. coverage. They think market share, not actual news "value." It's an in-house joke. You've got the Post-Dispatch, STLtoday and JSL!!! What more validation do you need?