Joe Strauss: As promised, we're coming to you LIVE!!! from the Great American Ball Park press box overlooking the Ohio River. It's the penultimate (BirdLand speak for "next-to-last") regular season edition of Joe Strauss Live!!! Judging by the volume and tone of your questions, it's a good thing the Rams are in total meltdown or else somebody might be convening a pitchfork and bonfire convention at Busch. I'm not breaking ground here by saying the last three weeks haven't been pretty. A 4-12 swoon is even harder to take given where a .500 stretch would leave the local nine. Apparently, the "so-called experts" who predicted a second-division finish will be proven correct. We're witnessing a worn out team that overachieved for more than four months. The ChatMeister senses most of you want to look ahead, so let's climb atop the Tsunami, a.k.a. "the big swell", for another wild ride. Let's Get It On!!!

Don in northern KY: I love the chats Joe! I keep wondering whether guys like Wellemeyer, Ludwick, and Schumaker are one-year wonders. Also, will Glaus stay healthy? I finally bought the DirecTV baseball package this year and overall, I liked what I saw of each of them. I just worry about depending on guys with a one-year track record. What do you think?

Joe Strauss: While all three are enjoying their best career years, I debate the term "one-year wonders." Ludwick has tailed off dramatically lately, but I believe it more from fatigue than anything else. Is he an annual 30 HR-100 RBI guy. Maybe not. But I think Ludwick (.290) proved in '07 production per hit is among the highest on the club. This is his first season with more than 305 major-league at-bats. Schumaker hit for average last season but was exiled in August to make room for Chris Duncan after he exited the DL. Schu' trails only Chipper Jones in batting average against RH pitching. He's a plus defender. Wellemeyer recently lasted eight innings and is slowly changing the label of a 5-inning pitcher.
Key: Ludwick is first-time arbitration eligible. Wellemeyer is arbitration eligible and working off a modest platform ($1 million). Schumaker does not become arbitration eligible until after '09.

Vince B.: Joe,

The Cards most glaring needs for 2009 seem to be a LH reliever, middle infielder, and starting pitcher. What are your thoughts on Lopez starting at SS next year and adding one of the following 2B: Brian Robers, Jose Lopez, Placido Polanco, or Dan Uggla. I like either Jose Lopez or Roberts who is the best all around 2B of this bunch nearing 50 doubles, 40 SBs, and .300 average. Uggla strikes out way too much. Thanks.

Joe Strauss: There's been much recent support for acquiring Uggla, a power hitter who strikes out a ton and is marginal defensively. Roberts is due $8 million next season, his walk year before free agency. Uggla is first-time arbitration-eligible. There will be much activity surrounding the Cardinal's middle infield this winter. I question whether the club will anoint Felipe Lopez a starter because of defensive concerns, but he could stick as a Spiezio-style utility player. Brendan Ryan is likely to play winter ball in Mexico or Venezuela. His value has dropped this season but I can see the Cardinals including him in a deal.

Dave: The season ain't over until the last game has been played. I had a question about the Cardinals farm system. This has been a transition year where the organization takes stock of what it has and preps the farm system for promotions and trades. I keep hearing that we have a good farm system, but I wonder sometimes. Where would you place the Cardinal's farm system among MLB teams? There is talk about the Cards trading prospects this winter for proven players, but how likely do you think that is after having spent an entire year assessing what they had and not making a move when the team had a legitimate shot at the postseason? Do the Cards have the prospects to move and if they did move them would it set the farm system back resulting in the same situation they ran into during Jocketty's tenure? Are they going to build a legitimate self-renewing talent base (say top 10 in the league) or was 2008 a reloading for another win now approach? Sorry for the long question but I'm hearing conflicting messages from upper management. Thanks and keep the Tsunami alive and going into the offseason.

Joe Strauss: For what it's worth, Baseball America ranked the Cardinals No. 13 among player development systems prior to this season. That ranking may improve. BA gave its blessing to this year's draft. Meanwhile, the affiliates fared well despite consistently fielding some of the youngest rosters at their respective levels. I can see a move to the Top 10. What that really means is debatable. Other organizations see the Cardinals with plenty of decent RH pitching but few impact arms who project as major league starters. (Jess Todd, for example, projects for many as a reliever.) There are bats, but most are perceived as Moneyball types lacking in athleticism. The Cardinals can "move" players. Sure. But their trade value (beyond Rasmus and possibly Perez) is not enough to craft a mega-deal.

Mark Hayden: Joe, With the uncertainty surrounding Carpenter's health a concern right now, what are the chances of the Cardinals' resigning Lohse? and what starting pitchers are under contact for '09. Thanks

Joe Strauss: I believe that economics make it more likely they will re-sign Looper. But that is only a hunch. Carpenter, Wellemeyer, Pineiro and Wainwright are already under contract (or in Wellemeyer's case, under control) for next season. A little-discussed issue is starting depth. With Garcia out of the picture following TJ surgery, the Cardinals have Mitch Boggs as their only fallback. The situation projects much like 2007. Barring a newfound embrace of Brad Thompson, it's likely the club will seek a veteran swingman this winter.

J.Brad: Herr Chatmeister,
a.k.a. Senor tsunami,

Geez. What happened? This is the same Cardinals team that took two outta three from the Bosox and from the Rays? I'm hurting over here because I really let myself believe in this team. I saw guys diving for balls and taking the extra base and picking each other up all season long. I don't think it's any one certain person's fault or even any certain component of the team (offense, bullpen, management, etc...), but I do wish some type of move had been made by the G.M. to reaffirm to the players that the front office wanted to win as bad as the players.
My question, Senor Tsunami, is where is the NUMBER ONE area the Cardinals need to improve for 09? My opinion is: more offense to back up Albert.
What say you?
J. Brad in TN.

Joe Strauss: The manager would agree with you. JSL!!! believes it essential to fortify the pitching staff. At least one more starter, a proven LH reliever and a swing man are necessities. There is a need to upgrade the bench in addition to finding that elusive "impact" bat. Molina, Glaus and Albert are diminished physically right now. Ludwick is gassed. Ankiel is out with surgery. In other words, more than 60 percent of your starting lineup is limping to the finish line. Check the '04 and '05 teams. Greater depth allowed them to overcome injuries.

kat89447: Is it time for TLR and Dave Duncan to move on and bring in some new thinking? I think they have done a great job, and I am not a fan of TLR, but maybe its time for some new blood. If TLR and Dave Duncan retire/move on, will the club change what they look for in the off season? It seems to me that you would have to stop looking for what Dave and TLR can fix from the used up file, and are forced to find a different type of quality in a pitcher when you don't have the wonder duo. It would be nice to have pitchers that don't need a lot of work, even with the low amount of great fAs this year I am sure we could find something.

Joe Strauss: I don't follow your logic. Duncan works from the "used-up" file because the organization chooses to seek "value" in the market rather than engage in bidding wars for premium free agents. Look at what pitchers receive entering the organization compared to what they command leaving it. Duncan and bullpen coach Marty Mason have added significant value to a number of arms (Suppan, Marquis, Looper, Wellemeyer, Williams, Carpenter, etc.). Obviously, players' talent is the most significant ingredient. But to dismiss the value of Duncan/Mason is wrong. Your beef may be more with ownership than Duncan and TLR.

BGCARDFAN: As always .. Thanks again for these chats.

What if anything has been said about the Card's plan for testing Carp's shoulder and/or determining his readiness for next year?

Any internal musings beyond Tony's comment on the possibility of at least offering Izzy a shot next year?

And one more .... why does it seem like the payroll target for next year has been lowerd when they've met their self described standard of 3.2 mil fans that could have sent payroll as high as $110-115 mil this year and even higher for the right guy? ....in DeWitt's words.

Joe Strauss: Always a pleasure to address a controversial All-Star from the StlToday.com chat boards. The organization is flying blind regarding Carpenter. There is uncertainty any time a nerve issue is involved. Since this is the second nerve problem Carpenter has endured in four years, it's not to be trivialized. We should know more by early next week. If not, there's plenty of reason for concern. Once bonuses and player additions are factored, this year's payroll will probably be closer to $107M than $100M. Money wasn't the issue at the trade deadline. Surrendering young talent was the insurmountable hurdle.

STL5#1: Hello El Diablo!

Okay, quick to the point. Mo has promised that the Cards will be aggresive
in the off-season to fill some of their holes, either thru trade or free agency. Gotta ask, is he serious or is he hoping that we're all drinking the DeWitt kool-aid and thus will believe another hype job. Are they willing to stick both feet in the fire and really aggresively pursue a top free agent(s)? I don't want to hear how they made a "competitive offer", but the market is just crazy and the other teams are just out of control. If you're after a player other teams want, you have to be willing to go above and beyond "competitive". Offering a 3 year deal when others are offering 4 & 5, and offering less money, hoping the player will give you a "discount" because he wants to play in St. Louis... those kind of offers are just a bunch of hype to try and snow us into believing that they're trying. DeWitt said that he needed the new ball park to bring in additional revenues so he could continue to invest in the team and keep it on top. Well, it's time to put up or shut up. There's a lot of contracts coming off the books, so there's money to spend. Joe, do you think they'll really do what it takes to make us a winner again?

Joe Strauss: Many were struck by Mozeliak's willingness to stick it out there on the record. If the club does not make significant moves this offseason, I believe it will have serious ramifications among the fan base. I think the organization believes that as well. The club is very sensitive to attendance. With about $40M coming off the books (translating to about $30M in freed salary when raises to current players are factored), I would expect ownership to spread the money among a handful of needs rather than going over the top for a signature player. Carpenter, Pujols and Glaus are due a combined $41.25M next season. I don't envision the club throwing another $10M-plus salary on top of that.

Don Nahnsen: Hi Joe-

Love your column and candid insight. I KNOW you are not a betting man but what kind of odds would you give on Chris Carpenter being healthy enough to open the 2009 season in the Rotation? Does his set-back change the Cardinal winter shopping list?

Thank-you

Don

Joe Strauss: I'm still drinking the Cardinals Kool-Aid that Carp' will open next season. (Call it 75 percent.) But the next week or so could change that forecast. Carp has required two shoulder surgeries, two elbow surgeries, suffered a muscle strain and been sidelined by two nerve conditions in his pitching arm in the last five years. The club hustled his return this summer. Make your own judgments.

Paul: Are you a mean son of a bit?h like we think you are? Will you get an EL DIABLO tatoo?

Joe Strauss: Lady Diablo would answer the first question "yes." Not into "tats" so the second answer would be "no." However, ChatHeads everywhere are encouraged to show their adoration with body paint or, better yet, with a monetary gift addressed to JSL!!! c/o the Post-Dispatch Sports Department.

Aloha Cards Fan: Good evening Mr. Hang Ten,
The surf is breaking only 30 yards from where I'm typing a question to the one and only Tsunami-ride-the-wave-hang ten, dog; the incomparable Mr. JSL. Ladies and Gentlemen, show some respect to the dude that tells us what we must hear.
Tell me, Joseph, please, what's the REAL story about the BDW hiring of MO? Things like, was he the boss' first choice?
If not, why'd the guy in Cleveland turn down the job? Give us some inside of how our beloved Cardinals organization is run, please!!!
Give us some juice, baby!!!
Thank you!

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals negotiated with Indians assistant Chris Antonetti. The club denies it ever tendered Antonetti a formal offer; however, they engaged him in three days of talks before Antonetti pulled out of consideration. By then three other candidates had withdrawn, though I'm unsure if they would have been more viable than Mozeliak. Was Mo' ownership's first choice. Not exactly. BDJ was smitted by the Cleveland Indians' philosophical model. However, Antonetti received a significant raise and assurances he would succeed Mark Shapiro when Shapiro eventually ascends the organiztional ladder.
P.S.: If you're going to write in "hip," know your abbreviations...

Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. = BDJ
Team President Bill DeWitt III = BD3
Manager Tony La Russa = TLR
Pitching Coach Dave Duncan = Big Dunc'
Outfielder Chris Duncan = Little Dunc'

You have to buy the book for the rest of the shorthand.

Buk: Yo Joe,
What are the three most important off season acquistions in your opinion, and could you throw some names around? Here's my list:

1. A middle infielder who can actually hit (Furcal)
2. A reliable starter (Derek Lowe)
3. Lefty reliever (Fuentes)

Cardinal fan in Thailand,
Buk

Joe Strauss: Nice list but I doubt the club is prepared to throw around $30 million annually to land all three.

Slim: For the third straight year, the Cards have faded in September. Why is this? Does it have anything to do with La Russa's managing style?

Joe Strauss: Others are asking your question. I believe the common denominator has been deteriorating health at the end of the last three seasons. Some critics, including some former players, believed TLR's intensity could wear on a team, especially one that has heard his motivational mantras for several years. Funny, though, few questioned TLR when the team created a tradition of strong finishes from 2000-05. Again, injuries can't be overlooked.

joeswimmer: With the Redbirds season coming to a screeching,grinding halt it's time to discuss more pleasant topics; like college football. I know the Chatmeister is a closet expert in this area. I have an idea for a new college football poll. In my poll SEC teams get the first five places, then the rest of the dregs can line up for the lessor places, if worthy.

Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: I'd like to agree. But I can't unless USC (Southern Cal, not South Carolina) moves to the SEC. Otherwise, I've got no problem with Georgia, Florida, LSU and Auburn (love that stirring 3-2 win over Miss. St.) rounding out the top five. However, the SEC needs to get on board with trying some nifty "ball plays" like fake field goals while dominating an outclassed rival. Question: Might it be better to save such gimmick plays for when they make a difference? As for "closet expert,"... the ChatMeister gave out Southern Cal and Mizzou as "investments" last week. We're out of the closet, baby!!!

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.

bwhitt: JSL!!!!!! My favorite mid-week moment! It's my first time riding the tsunami, but i'd really like to know your opinion on the Colby situation. I know a lot has been said, by various people leading to rumors of trade and frustrations on both sides. My questions: Has the situation been blown out of proportion? Was the team minimizing his injury by having him play the end of the minor league season or are they blowing it out of proportion by using that as one reason to not call him up for a taste of the bigs? Is Colby's decision to not play winter ball a middle finger towards the organization? And what about his dad? Is he feeding bs to Colby? JSl!!!!! I just want the truth!!!!!

Joe Strauss: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

Seriously, many believe Raz' just needs to be left alone. His decision to skip winter ball chafed some within the organization but others, including Jeff Luhnow, recently said he respects where Raz' is coming from. This was a very trying season for Rasmus from the outset. His injury isn't being blown out of proportion. I can't speak to the "middle finger" comment. However, the combination of Tony Rasmus' Internet postings and Raz' decision makes it an easy leap for some folks to draw the "middle finger" conclusion.

redbirdswin: Is there any indication that Tyler Johnson will be ready for Spring Training heading into next season?

Joe Strauss: TJ has not yet begun a throwing program. He's coming back from a rotator cuff procedure. He's arbitration-eligible as well. For a variety of reasons, Johnson's tenure with the club is uncertain.

Tom: Oh wise Chatmeister,

It seems like everything I read online these days say that the Cards are the frontrunners to sign K-Rod. Your thoughts?

Thanks,

tom

Joe Strauss: That falls under the 80 percent of Internet postings that is politely described as total speculation.

Vince: I'm used to riding the east coast surf here in New Jersey, but I'd like to try the midwest tsunami since I'm a big fan and weekly reader. Does the front office realize their prospective rotation (Carp, Waino, Welly, and Pineiro) is a rotation built on sand? None of them has made it through 2008 in one piece, so how can they count on them for 2009? Is there really as much lack of interest in re-signing Lohse or Looper as there appears to be? Do they see the value in someone who takes the ball every five days and racks up 30 starts and 200+ innings at a quality level? I realize Lohse may price himself out of our range, but have they tried with Looper? Neither has Carp-like stuff, but unlike Carp, they are able to actually pitch.

Joe Strauss: I addressed Loop vs. Lohse earlier. Your point is well taken about the physical (in)stability within the rotation.

redneckburd72: Hello Joe, I was wondering a few more specifics on the surgery that Phat Albert would be having as far as the recovery time and when he will be shut down to provide for plenty of recovery time for the 2009 season. It seems that at this point ANY surgeries that would be warranted for availability for next season. Also I would like to say that I'm VERY excited about the amount of great young talent that we have seen from the minors so far.That being said...doesn't prudence dictate that we should fulfill our needs via trade rather than paying FOOLISH amounts of money for free agents. I'm hopeful that we can be very competitive and reward these players for being in the organization.I have no problem with the organization being "frugal" to a degree as long as they spend the money on player development instead of a player that breaks down after a season or two.I appreciate ANY insight and say THANK YOU.

Joe Strauss: The club believes the chances of an El Hombre surgery minimal this winter.

rayknefel: Oh All-Wise, Knowing, and Sagacious Chatmeister,
1) What are the odds the Cardinals will ever win another World Series if billionaire Mark Cuban gains ownership of the Chicago Cubs?
2)How many years will we have to wait for that World Series Championship?
3)What would we have to give up in a trade for Mark Cuban? We could trade William O. DeWallet, Jr., ‘No Moves’ Mo and who else?

Thank you for letting us rant after a frustrating (30 blown saves) season. Pat Parris lets Rick Horton rant constantly. We only have the mesmerizing and influential JSL Tsunami to rant on as it shimmers, glimmers and gyrates ON and ON with awesome power. An exhilarating JSL Tsunami ride lets the 5 1/2 months of frustration out!

Ray

Joe Strauss: 1. Don't know. How many NBA championships have the Mavericks won with Cuban as owner?
2. I have no idea. But current ownership did end a 24-year drought in '06.
3. Is this Bernie writing in?

Nothing is more exhilerating than riding the Tsunami through the StlToday.com pipeline.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Ike is gone, but the tsunami rages on . . .

Tell us, O Wizard of the White Waters, if Milwaukee completes this colossal choke job, how deep does the housecleaning go? I give Melvin a pass (they clearly have the talent to win, and CC was a masterstroke, particularly given the timing), but otherwise . . .

As always, you da man.

Joe Strauss: This choke will likely cost Melvin MLB Executive of the Year kudos. Sveum is an interim. I anticipate ownership seeking a highly visible (R. Yount) replacement for Yost after the season.

Tom: Dear Chatmeister,

I won't be getting a new supply of Cardinals Kool-Aid until next year, but this Mizzou football Kool-Aid tastes great! The way I see it, we have two games to worry about - the Big 12 game against Oklahoma, and then the BCS Championship game against the SEC champ. You with me?

Thanks,

tom

Joe Strauss: I said before the season MU would beat Texas but would stumble unexpectedly against another conference foe. I'll stay with it. I would love to see MU play USC in a nat'l championship game but I believe Oklahoma will interfere. Free Tip: Missouri 54, Buffalo 14. The Turkey Shoot Continues!!!

mjdelpe: JSL!! Summer's (insert Season here if you will) over....time to wax down those snowboards for the off-season of thrills and chills promised by the FO, right? We can all ride the avalanche of wheeling and dealing as Mo takes on all those FA's and MLB GM's to put together a truly championship team for '09, right? OK, I'm a wait and see guy, let's hope the cynicism is unjustified.

My question is about the field leadership. Since PaPa Duncan is a FA, I expect he will take the time to look at the open market, thus delaying a decision about whether he returns or not. Since Tony and he are joined at the hip, and Tony's last three years here have to be right up there as the most stressful he's ever had, they could both leave.

When, oops.. IF they do, who do you think the FO has in their snowgoggles as leading candidates to fill their jobs? or is everyone shortsighted enough that this possibility is either overlooked or dismissed as fantasy?

Joe Strauss: My information is that Big Dunc' is close to re-upping for next season.

dan boelhauf: mr. strauss-

as the third year in the new stadium winds down i was wondering if you could verify my observation: i feel that the atmosphere within busch is rather more subdued than at the former busch. though there are times in which the crowd can get noisy, i feel the atmosphere overall is rather tamer in general. your thoughts?

also- any word on what is to become of lake dewitt during the all star game next season?

thank you for taking my questions and i admire your work

dan in dogtown

Joe Strauss: It is a more "sedate" atmosphere at new Busch. For one, it's open stadium that doesn't hold noise (or heat) like it's predecessor. There also hasn't been as much to cheer for beyond the '06 postseason or this year's first half. As for Lake DeWitt, the club will either pave it to create a foundation for temporary interactive fan stuff and retail places or (re)fill it with water and a huge wave machine sponsored by the Post-Dispatch: "Experience the JSL!!! Tsunami." Make your preference known to team management now!!!

kaeagles: Hey Joe,

It was reported today that Rick Ankiel is set fpr surgery on a sports hernia. He dealt with three lingering injuries and yet was never placed on the DL. Could his injury situation(s) have been handled better?

Joe Strauss: Well, yes. I don't see how his production the last two months argue against shutting him down when it became clear he was diminished. Of course, that's hindsight.

roger from lake tahoe: joe, mcclellan is a very good pitcher, he's just been overused. why no third base and outfield call ups when we needed them? starting the clock is a silly reason. if the cards have dollars to spend, why not invest in our youth? we had at least two third basemen better than lopez. and why, with good talent in aaa are we playing infielders in the outfield?

Joe Strauss: I disagree that Wallace and Freese are better options at 3B than Lopez, a former All-Star player who has hit well since being acquired. I do believe there may have been value promoting Freese, but only if the manager was open to using him. I can't answer why Miles, Lopez, Kennedy and (tonight in RF) Brendan Ryan have been taking time from Barton and Nick "the Schtick" Stavinoha if the club is, indeed, in a look-ahead mode. It is fair to say there are two schools of thought about what's in the system. I'm not sure the people in uniform embrace the front office spin.

Joe Strauss: That's going to do it for this week. Next week we will likely go into detail about the possible solutions to the Cardinals problems. The ChatMeister may list the top several alternatives for SP, LHRP, middle infield, "impact" bat and "swing man." Meanwhile, stay away from sharp objects and calm down. The season may be a loss but, for now, there is still Joe Strauss Live!!! every Wednesday. Thanks for your participation and look forward to next week's season-ender.