Handsome Jimmy: Joe, tell everyone not to worry about Carpenter's shoulder and elbow. You see, when he comes back next June, it'll be like a trade for an all-star pitcher. Also, maybe you should tell everyone that they shouldn't be alarmed by the lack of major spending during this off season because the Cards will be keeping the powder dry for the trading deadline. All is well!

Taking the Bills and laying the points this Sunday. This strategy has worked 3 weeks in a row.

Joe Strauss: You don't happen to wear No. 15, do you, Jimmy?
I know this sounds like crazy talk, but the ChatMeister is leaning toward taking the Lambs and the points this Sunday.
Oh, the humanity!!!

Will: Why do St. Louis fans seem so opposed to the idea of acquiring Manny Ramirez? I know about all of his personal flaws, but I also know that he is still one of the best hitters in the game period. I personally could deal with his antics in return for his production. I know that he will be expensive, but the team could pay his salary with the money that they will be saving from the expiring contracts of individuals that never even played this year. That would be an impact bat behind Pujols, and we would not have to give up any prospects for him.

Joe Strauss: Believe me, there is significant support for Manny with some in the organization (in and out of uniform). Manny is going to seek $20M-plus. Aside from limiting the team's flexibility for other needs, it would consolidate more than $60M in payroll among four players (Manny, Glaus, Carpenter and Pujols). Manny may be a "coastal" kind of player (read: LA, NY.)

redbirdswin: Joe,

First off - thanks so much for doing these chats throughout the season, the tsunami has helped the monotony of many a work day. A big thanks to Mr. Mozeliak as well, taking the time to talk to Cards fans is much appreciated, and says a lot about his character.

On to my question - Shouldn't the Cards be looking at grabbing TWO starting pitchers now this winter, with the Carpenter situation seemingly up in the air and sounding all too familiar as far as contributing next season? In my mind, the names the Cards could have the best shots at are Derek Lowe and re-signing Braden Looper. What do you think?

Joe Strauss: I agree. ChatMeister Mo' participated three times this year, once in spring training and twice during the season. I don't know of any other GM who engaged his fan base in such a manner. Hopefully, he'll return for another ride atop The Tsunami. I agree with your premise. The question regards the second starter. I doubt the club will invest $8M-plus per season in two starting pitchers. Lohse is considered the more versatile pitcher; but Looper may be more affordable. Looper also has made significant strides in his second year in the role.

CC: Hey tsunami boy,

I getting really, really tied of hearing everyone say we need more offense! We HAVE to have a power hitting middle infielder.

If our bull pen had been more consistent, and our starters had pitched deeper we would be selling tickets for October right now.

As far as I'm concerned the only two things the Cards need to do this off season is sign a No 1 or 2 starter and a proven lefty for the pen. They're out there. Sabathia, and Fuentes

Joe Strauss: Duly noted, CC.

adam.clymer@earthlink.net: What goes on with the ocasional use of Lopez as a cleanup hitter. Even if he is playing better thgan he did in Washington, he doesn't have any power, and his average isn't anything to brag about.

Joe Strauss: Lopez slugging percentage since arriving ranks fourth on the team when compared to his teammates' season numbers. Only Pujols, Ludwick and Ankiel have higher slugging percentages. Come on, Lopez is 49-for-134 (.366) since arriving.