Jim Engle: I'm a die-hard Cardinal fan living in Wisconsin. Its been tough listening to these Brewer fans this year.
When I read the blogs, newspaper, etc. it aways surprises me when I hear the kudos given to guys like McClellan. It seems like every time he comes in, he blows it (along with the rest of the bullpen). The "hold" stat is totally misleading. We were overachievers for much of the season. I hate to say this but this Cardinal team is not very good. I've never been one for completely overhauling a team, but I think this one needs it.

Joe Strauss: McClellan made his 67th appearance Tuesday night. He is obviously not the same pitcher as we saw in the first half. The ChatMeister would have no problem watching Josh Kinney, Russ Springer or Ryan Franklin get some of these situations. Much of McClellan's problems seem to have worsened since he was anointed the bullpen's "second lefthander" following inactivity at the trade deadline.
McClellan's a keeper but I don't know how much more he can get out of these last 12 games.
The hold is indeed a overblown stat.

Will: What are the chances that Perez is the closer nest season?

Joe Strauss: Marginal at best. There is a sense that Perez needs to further "grow" into the role.

Tackleberry: JSL, (The Growing Wave of St. Louis Sports Fans' Discontent)

Do you think that when the ownership of the Cardinals refers to the fan base as the "greatest fans" it is done so with a wink and a smile? Are we the greatest or the most gullable? Cynicism runs rampant among the fans after watching their team fade yet again, however everyone renews their tickets, only to be let down by off-season and trade deadline inaction. It hasn't been this way forever, but it has been 3 years since the club did anything of substance that really impacted the team. Why should we belive this off-season will be any different? No one has ever confused Bil DeWitt Jr. with Jerry Jones or other passionate owners.

Joe Strauss: Let's count the reasons:

2004: 105 wins
2005: 100 wins
2006: World Series championship
2007: Significant money tied up in injured players.
2008: No apparent reason unless the club pleads Debt Service on its stadium, which would create a PR rip tide.

If you don't get your wish, the ChatMeister won't begrude you your angst.

Indeed, as long as the Cardinals can take 3.2 million attendance for granted, the motivation may be somewhat diminished. Maybe I'm naive, but I believe they've heard the fan base and realize the threat inactivity poses to organizational credibility. (See the manager's comments from 2 weeks ago.)

old cowboy: Master of the swell of the tsunami,if D. Eckstein can be an everyday player, what is it about Miles that prevents him from being an everyday player? Also, is TLR having Lopez audition for next years Spezio? Thanks for thr chats!

Joe Strauss: Two teams in the last year have doubted Eck as an everyday player. That is why he is with his third team in the last 12 months. Lopez may indeed become the new Speezer'; hopefully, minus the negative side effects.

Tom: Chatmeister,

You and my dad, two of the smartest people around, believe that one or two outfielders will be moved in the offseason. Dad sees Duncan and Rasmus being moved, with Ludwick, Ankiel, Skip and Mather on the team. What are your thoughts?

Also, it seems like everyone believes that the Cards are only acquiring players via free agency. Do you see Mo grabbing any big names via trades? I know Tulo and Doc Halladay have been rumored to be on the move.

Thanks,

tom

Joe Strauss: Moving Dunc' will be tough until he shows himself again healthy and productive. Raz' will be in play. The club could acquire an impact outfielder, putting Skip at risk if Raz' remains in the organization. You're spot on regarding trades. Mo' noted last weekend that the club will address its needs via a combination of trades and signings. Tulowitzki would be a perfect fit here. The Rockies seem to think he's a perfect fit for them also. Thanks for the compliment.