king: Oh wise Chatmeister please tell me that the organization is not going to count on Carp for any production this year. We need to have FIVE, let me repeat that - FIVE - starting pitchers to start the year. Mo and the rest of the front office have surely figured out that we can't rely on injured or rehabbing pitchers, haven't they?

Joe Strauss: I would disagree only to say that the club needs at least six, perhaps seven starting pitchers to start the season. The '07 Cardinals had exactly five starters to open the season but were dead in the water once Carpenter went down after Opening Day. Depth remains a problem. As for the reliance on injured or rehabbing pitchers... often those terms equate to potential "value." The Cardinals acquired Carpenter in a dumpster dive. The same with Jeff Suppan, who happened to be healthy. The Cardinals are leery of paying top dollar for starting pitching that requires long-term commitment. Look at the disaster a Jason Schmidt signing would have become. I can assure you the club well remembers how close it came to landing Schmidt.

Brett: Joe, will the Cards aquire an impact bat? If so, who? Also what is your definenition of an impact hitter?

Joe Strauss: It's not my definition that counts. TLR defines an "impact" bat as someone who represents a deterrent behind Pujols.

Nathan_1974: Too bad about the Cards' skid post-trading deadline. At least the farm system is in good shape, and the organization has maintained payroll flexibility to be aggressive in the off-season. I can't wait to see the awesome moves that are made. Anyway, getting Carp and Duncan back will be just like two great big free agent signings. Sarcasm aside, here is my QUESTION: At what point next season, will I be able buy $0.99 tickets for Cards games on StubHub?

Joe Strauss: Fifteen yards. Piling on.

jasmemphis: Hello. Never mind all the chit-chat about the players - what's important is Mike Shannon. He "disappeared" recently during the disastrous Cardinal road trip. I hate when that happens. Listening to Mr. Shannon takes the edge off of a terrible Cards baseball game. Was Mr. Shannon *gasp* job hunting? Or just off goofing around? No one seems to have come up with an explanation. You know everything - well, sometimes you know everything.

jasmemphis

Joe Strauss: Mike took vacation. Nothing more intriguing than that. Perhaps he knew what was coming and didn't want to see it. (Otherwise known as a 'veteran move.') Thanks for the compliment... sort of.

Cardinal70: Your first story on the Carpenter injury seemed much more dire than the story on the web site this morning. What changed? Which is more in line with your personal opinion?

Joe Strauss: Neither fits my personal opinion. Both fit the available facts and availability of the parties involved. The first story was written without participation of the club, which had stonewalled, and Carpenter, who was not available Monday night. Coincidentally, all parties became available after the story broke. In fairness, I gave equal, if not greater weight to those willing contesting a description of the condition as "career-threatening." Suffice to say, the sourced description came from professionals with more of a clinical background than anyone quoted.
Within the on-line era, a story evolves during a 24-hour news cycle. We had it first and modified it as more participants became available.