wm_prguy: Joe, third time for this question but it's never made it to the screen...how does the organization view Jess Todd? Starter or reliever? Then, tell me what you think based on what you've been told.

Joe Strauss: Split verdict. He may eventually become a Brad Thompson type, considered a long-range reliever with the capacity to spot start. Those who made him a second-round pick are more committed to him as a starter. Count on Todd receiving notice as this season's Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

samson1: Personally, I saw this team as about a .500 club when they broke camp and it seems to have played out that way. Do you think the team (Mo, TLR, Dunc, Dewitt) see this season as a success, in that they were in the division/WC chase as long as they were, or a failure in that they didn't make the post season.

Joe Strauss: It's a success only if the front office builds on what was learned this season. In that way, I guess I agree with TLR. (Here comes the Tsunami of criticism!!!)

cards27: one more question (stuck in class at slu--enjoying the tsunami far more of course): what are the cards plan for Josh Phelps? Does he have a future with the club as a bench guy? I don't really care either way, just curious since he was at one time a decent hitter with some pop.

Joe Strauss: I would anticipate his becoming a minor-league free agent.

frank in southwest city: Joe - are you aware that the TV boys (Dan and Al) sometimes show you in the press box (no doubt to boost their ratings)?

Joe Strauss: And who can blame them? They reportedly caught the ChatMeister "dozing" one night. I've got to stop listening to that TV feed on the headphones.

Jeepster: Joe: Interesting observation made about the MVP vote on your part. A few nights ago I heard resident ESPN genius-John Kruk claim that the "MVP has to be from a playoff team". However, in 2006 his claim was that "regardless of the Cards making the playoffs, it had to be Howard over Pujols because Howard had the better year". Do these so called pundints pay attention to any players outside of the east coast? I still contend that if Pujols is robbed yet again this year, something has to be said by the Cardinal brass. This is now beyond ridiculous.

Joe Strauss: Just because a guy has a microphone (or a pen) doesn't make him right. You would like to assume he has an idea. I don't know if it's East Coast bias as much as seeing players more consistently. Hey, I voted Sheffield over Pujols and Bonds one year... and received death threats (seriously). Many were truly "riding the Tsunami" that November.