Brian: Joe,

with MVP talk heating up as the season ends, I have a question for you. So many people say that an MVP has to come from a playoff team, but wouldn't that mean that the "MVP" had MVP like players helping him out. I just don't get the logic. If a team makes the playoffs it's because the TEAM is really good, one player CAN NOT take a team to the playoffs.

I think it should be the player who puts up the best numbers, maybe even in spite of his team, so can you explain why so many out there feel the MVP must come from a playoff team?

Joe Strauss: OK, let's get this straight: "My name is Joe and I'm an MVP voter."
I'm not going to go into the 12-step process used by various people to determine their vote. It's my belief that most voters tailor the numbers and their philosophy to fit their favorite guy. The same folks who insisted two years ago Ryan Howard didn't deserve the award because his team didn't win now ride the El Hombre bandwagon. Others who dismissed Barry Bonds' percentages compared to Albert's raw numbers in certain seasons now point to AP's slugging and on-base percentages. Whatever.
I give weight to the success of a player's team, but it doesn't eliminate a player from a team failing to reach the postseason.
Ballots are due Sunday night, barring a Monday playoff. I honestly don't know who I'm voting for. Albert is on the short list. I'm convinced he will finish no worse than 3rd in overall balloting. But I can see as many as seven players receiving first-place votes this season.
Howard is gaining momentum given the Phillies' push in the NL East.

renomike99: Joe, looking at the actions taken by Cardinal ownership since the end of the 2007 season, I've concluded that the organization has become more concerned with money and that this new found frugality has precluded the Cardinals from winning anytime soon. I wonder whether TLR has come to the same conclusion. First, Walt Jocketty is ousted. Next, the Cardinals start talking about developing a pool of young (that is cheaper) talent...LaRussa likes young talent about as much as Vampires like sunlight...Then, the Cardinals make no moves at the trading deadline even though their manager was clamoring for help and the team was arguably one or two relievers away from competing for a pennant. Finally, the Cardinals crash and burn in September.

My sense is that TLR has seen enough and would be happier somewhere else. Both team and manager seem tired and stung by management's unwillingness to spend the money necessary to compete with Chicago and Milwaukee. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: Many see things as you do.
But consider:
The Cardinals had huge dollars invested this season in what I call "dysfunctional payroll." Encarnacion, Mulder and Carpenter were all but unavailable. Isringhausen imploded. That's roughly $35 million of a $100 million payroll. This team paid last season for poor deals or ensuing misfortune stemming from the '06 offseason. That's why the club paid the San Diego Padres (and ultimately the Cubs) $2 million to take Jim Edmonds.
The lack of activity at the trade deadline was an extension of last winter's philosophical shift toward greater self-sufficiency. The club was fairly transparent about that move when Mo' was hired.
And, yes, maybe the inactivity at the deadline suggested front office skepticism that the team had enough to go deep in the postseason even if it did scrape its way in.
This team is worn out. No question. TLR made clear the team needed more before the trade deadline, but he later toed the line as Mozeliak said other teams were attempting to extort high-end prospects for rental players.
This winter is the litmus test. Said it before and will probably say it again.

Doodahday: Howdy O Wizard of the big wave.....first time caller here...
Just wondering, we keep hearing about the "former All Star" Felipe Lopez. Was he voted in or was he the token, obligatory pick off of a bad team? I really don't understand TLR's man crush on the guy. Is playing Lopez over the prospects Tony's way of pushing back against ownership's youth movement?

Joe Strauss: Lopez made the '05 NL All-Star team as the Cincinnati Reds' only representative. It was not an empty choice. Lopez earned a Silver Slugger at shortstop that season while batting .291 with 23 home runs and 85 RBI. He made 17 errors in 1,175 innings at short. The club is intrigued by his ability to switch hit and his power. There are serious questions about Lopez' viability as an everyday player, but he fits well in a Spiezio-type role. Lopez is taking time from Miles and Kennedy and, yes, in some cases Barton and Stavinoha. The club has the other players under control for next season but must make a decision on Lopez, a pending free agent.

jealousblues: After his performance this year do you think the club gives Perez a legit shot to close next year or do you think they bring someone in this winter?

Would they attempt to rely on Franklin ever again?

Joe Strauss: I do not believe the club will anoint Perez full-time closer for next season. TLR and Dunc' have said as much. I doubt Franklin will be used in a closing role again. It's more likely a versatile free agent (Wheeler) is signed, Isringhausen retained for a bargain, or a trade made for a veteran closer entering the walk year of his contract.

Candleshoe: What is the story on Joe Mather? Haven't heard much since his injury. In my opinion, he has a substantial upside, and I'd like to know how he is faring.

Joe Strauss: Mather returned to Arizona after undergoing surgery for removal of the hamate from his left hand. He is expected to be ready to go next spring, and, as stated before has a legitimate shot at sticking next season as a bench bat.