Joe Strauss: All right, let's get it on for some game-time Joe Strauss Live!!! Seems like the ChatHeads are preoccupied with the series finale against the Marlins (imagine that!) so the question list is abbreviated. For those seeking validation, this may be your big chance. Otherwise, we'll stay up as long as the questions warrant. First pitch is moments away. Surf's up. Let's roll!!!

Mineola Jim: Aloha Chatmeister!
While I was marveling at the gnarly waves off the coast of Kapa'a(It's amazing what a hurricane will do to the surf level on an island even when it is hundreds of miles off shore), I had a discussion with my father and wanted your opinion on it. Which accomplishment do you believe is more impressive for LaRussa and his coaches: converting Skip, a plus outfield defender, to an everyday second baseman or converting Eckersley into a Hall of Fame closer? Have you had a chance to ask Tony to see what his opinion is on this matter?

Remember as a haole like me, you must always keep an eye out for Da Hui!
Mahalo and Aloha!

Joe Strauss: Some would argue pitching is pitching. The ChatMeister would have to say that using a single spring training to move from the outfield into a starting middle infield assignment is more difficult. Eckersley was no slouch as a starter. He made an adjustment. Schumaker made a complete overhaul to his game in eight weeks and has evolved into a competent second baseman for a contending club. Remarkable and something I would have bet against. Jose Oquendo and Joe Pettini deserve much credit for making it work. Of course, so does Schu', who has maintained his standing as a .300 hitter while making a transfer that literally kept him up at nights. Your advice is well taken. Aloha.

sanmansr: Mr. Strauss,

I really enjoy your articles, Thanks for your effort!

Since I never get my question answered, anyway, Why do you waste time answering the same or very similar questions over and over. The same question gets asked 10 ways 10 times, this happens every week. I don't follow live, but am from Missouri living in California, and I figured they still taught Missourians how to READ!

Hope the waves are good,
Sandy in Fairfield, CA

Joe Strauss: OK, Sandy. Consider your Left Coast *** validated.

Ken: Joe,

Are you at all concerned that a post season game or two will hinge upon whether or not Schumaker or Ankiel can come through in a late inning situation against a lefty? Is there a chance DeRosa shifts to the outfield and Greene to third to start against a lefthander? I just think Schu and, especially, Ankiel have very little chance.

Joe Strauss: At this point I'd be concerned about anyone against a lefty. The Cardinals are batting only .233 against them for the season compared to .273 against rights. It is the widest disparity in the NL. DeRosa (.214), Lugo (.226), Rasmus (.143) and Schumaker (.211) have not fared well. Yadier Molina (.248) hits almost 50 points higher against rights. DeRosa, who is playing hurt, was supposed to address the weakness. Matt Holliday remains a monster against lefts, hitting .341 in 44 AB against them since coming over. Pujols is batting .338 with a .713 slugging percentage. No, there is not a chance DeRosa shifts to the outfield, allowing K. Greene to start against a LH. (Greene is hitting .186 against LH this season.) This is a legitimate concern given that the Dodgers and Phillies may load their rotations with three LH starters in a postseason series.

ravenzevenflow: do you experts still consider our AAA catcher Bryan Anderson as a ML prospect? also, I heard the Cards are going to be bringing Matt Pagnozzi up after Memphis's season ends. Any chance he might be backing up Molina in 2010?

Joe Strauss: The plan was to bring up Pagnozzi. Then Memphis reached the PCL championship. TLR is not a big advocate of filling the clubhouse with extra players. Pagnozzi is considered a solid receiver with limitations at the plate. Bryan Anderson is trying to avoid surgery after sustaining a shoulder seperation three months ago. He is among those the Hyperventilating Prospect Geek Fraternity (HPGF) fell in love with despite his struggles calling a game and framing pitches. He has a line drive bat but does not possess the power to project as an outfielder or corner infielder. His star has fallen. In fairness, he is only 22. The club must decide this winter whether to add him to its 40-man roster. Interesting call. There is clubhouse sentiment to bring back Jason LaRue for a third year as Molina's backup. I don't see that role in Anderson's immediate future.