Joe Strauss: Sorry we're late but now that we're here, Joe Strauss Live!!! is prepared to strap in for the next 90-100 minutes for some season-ending chat/critique/rippage/needling/question-answering. It's a sad day, I know, since no one is certain when the Tsunami will next roll in. So let's cut to the big swell and tackle as many issues as possible before the tide goes out again. Let's hear it: Carpenter, looking back, looking forward, your opinions about what you've seen... it's all on the board this weekend. Let's Get It On!!!

Bob Huber: Joseph Strauss: I personnaly would like to thank you for your accurate and well thought out Cardinal reporting. I hope your long and well deserved windfall or jack as you like to call it heads your way soon.

I am a longtime St. Louisan and Cardinal fan currently living in the Chicago area. It has been tough to take the Cardinals this and last season in the end. Watching an overachieving team for most of the season fade has been a disapointment to say the least. I believe Mo has his biggest challenge ahead of him in acquiring the pieces needed to allow us to compete with the Cubs. Let me repeat "compete with the Cubs" that should be all the motivation any Cardinal owner, GM, Manager, or fan would need. My question is do you believe the Cardinal organization has the ----- to make the big acquistions and trades to really put this team back on top. My MLB package renewal will be on hold pending the Cardinals ownerships moves this offseason. Your welcome to use any word of your choosing to fill in the blanks.

Joe Strauss: Thanks for your best wishes, but a dividend check based on recent "investment" advice would be even more appreciated. You speak for many within the fan base, Bob. A season of early surprises is ending with many disenchanted by a crush of injuries accompanied by inactivity at the trade deadline and a September fade. The manager has made clear his desire for an aggressive winter and the general manager has publicly committed to such a course. How Bill DeWitt and John Mozeliak put words into action is an unknown. This team has clear needs in the rotation, bullpen, middle infield and in the middle of the batting order. How the club spreads $30-$35 million among those needs is no small trick. Don't stop with competing against the Cubs. This year has shown the Cardinals need to address the Brewers, Astros, and don't look now, the Reds.
You leave a five-letter word for me to complete. I don't think you mean "m-o-n-e-y" either.
The key word this winter will be "c-r-e-a-t-i-v-i-t-y." Listen for it.

Brett: With Carp's staus uncertain, will the Cards go after an ace this winter?

Joe Strauss: A true ace costs at least $15 million per season, and that's being conservative. The club will project Adam Wainwright as its ace with Wellemeyer and Pineiro slotted as Nos. 4-5 guys. That leaves vacancies for a No. 2 or 3 and, my guess, a swing guy since the club is not going to write off Carpenter unless it becomes apparent is nerve condition is career-ending rather than career-threatening. I don't believe the Cardinals will make a play for Sabathia. Burnett may be too pricy given the club's remaining needs. Barring a trade, signing Lohse/Looper/Derek Lowe plus adding a lower-cost arm for insurance appears more likely. Pineiro must be projected as part of next year's rotation unless the club decides to eat part of his salary in a trade.

mjdelpe: Joe: Had a great summer riding the Tsunami!! The wave is just about ready to hit the beach for this year !! How'er we gonna make it thru the winter? Need you to step up and create a new JSL!! for the Hot Stove League, especially since this off-season is going to be so important to us fans this year.

My question/comment is about the TLR/Duncan dynasty. 13 years with one team is a long time and there has been a whole lot of positive/negative comments about the success/failures of the Dynamic Duo over the years. What kind of statement is Tony trying to make these last few games? None of the kids are playing, light hitting middle infielders playing all over the place, 162 game schedule with 152 different lineups, etc, etc.

I know TLR is signed thru 2009 and, evidently, PaPa Dunc is ready to up again. If we "endure" (after 13 years, that's how I see it) another year of this in '09, what about 2010? I'm ready for a change back to Baseball Manager 101. What about you? What about the FO? Is TLR gong to be the Manager of Choice as long as he wants to? Am I the only one who believes the time is right to thank Tony for all he has contributed to STL Baseball as we bid him adieu? Your thoughts.

Joe Strauss: A number of fans (and media) have wondered about the "unique" lineups posted in the last two weeks. Some construe seeing Miles or Kennedy in the outfield as a "statement" about players such as Stavinoha or Barton. Tony says he is seeking favorable offensive matchups while rolling the dice defensively, though it may be fair to wonder if there is a subtle message being sent about the younger OF's defense. I know 13 years is a long time. Only Bobby Cox has outlasted TLR with his current team. Barring irreconcilable differences with the front office, I believe TLR managers here as long as he wishes. If you're predisposed not to like Tony, then your comments are to be expected. If you like his work, you applaud him for keeping a transitional team in contention for five months. I don't agree with everything that's gone down. I would have preferred to see more of Motte and Kinney than a worn down Kyle McClellan. If Barton is part of the team's future, a few more at-bats would be fine. Tony is sensitive to veteran players. Troy Glaus is getting his chance to make a run at 100 RBI. Albert is going for a 30-100-100-100 season. The team has a decision to make on Felipe Lopez. Kennedy wants out and should be given playing time in an 11th-hour attempt to regain some trade value. Ludwick is putting the cherry on a career year. The larger statement may concern the club's lacking depth, a message Mo' apparently got on the last road trip.

Hilton Head Matt: Joe:
Long time Card fan now living in South Carolina. I have been sitting down here thinking I was going to watch the Cards in October. Boy was I wrong. But, they still had an exciting year and credit must go to LaRussa for doing a heck of a job.

Here are my thoughts for 2009. By either trade or free agency they must acquire a stud pitcher because we cannot count on Carp as being a factor. Even if he is we still need another stud. I am thinking about Roy Halladay, Brad Penney or a Chris Young. Even some of the younger studs that would not cost as much. I doubt if Halladay will be available, but you can dream.

They need more offense in the middle infield. I could live with Izturis if they get a power bat at second. Izturis is great defensively and he is ok at bat. I would not consider Renteria because he is over the hill and has been on three different teams in three years, something is wrong there. I think the players they should consider for these two positions are Kinsler of Texas, Lopez or Betancourt of Seattle, Peralta of Cleveland or Hudson of Arizona. We will have to trade either Ankiel or Ludwick and some prospects, maybe even Ramus.

They realize that the bullpen needs fixing, but a lefthander or two would solve that problem.

Do you think they would consider moving Glaus and letting one of the kids take over at third? I feel a little innovation and risk taking would not hurt because this team has a way to go to catch the Cubs, Brewers and Astros in overall talent.

Thanks for the great job you do the entire season.

Matt

Joe Strauss: Your Castro-length post is way too long but the ChatMeister will grant an exception because your points are interesting and you're from Hilton Head.

Point by Point:

1. I don't think it necessary to eliminate Carpenter from the '09 equation. I do think it important to find "insurance" to go along with another significant pitching acquisition. Any trade for a significant arm would require parting with a Rasmus, Motte or Perez, something the club has so far refused to do.
2. There is sentiment within the organizationa that Izturis fits if an impact bat can be found at second base. (Kelly Johnson?)
3. Your points about Renteria and Glaus are intriguing. If the Cardinals desire more financial flexibility, they could make Glaus available and go for a cheaper, perhaps "creative" short-term alternative at third base (Renteria?) while waiting for Wallace to move through the system. I'm convinced at least one, likely two outfielders will be dealt this winter. Duncan, Rasmus, Schumaker and Ankiel could be in play; however, Duncan and Ankiel's questionable health complicate any potential move. Duncan and Ankiel also are cost-effective. For that matter, so are Ras' and Schu'. There does exist willingness within the club to "blow up" the outfield if the right impact bat could be found. (Manny Ramirez?) No concrete plan is yet in place. It should be formalized in the next 7-10 days. Fair to say, this winter is going to be an extremely intriguing time.

crawfordc1: Dont you think Troy Glaus is playing as if the season is over and therefore
he neednt try?

He seems to be a lazy athelete. Surely his salary alone should be enough
to make him feel obligated to spend a little energy.

Joe Strauss: I wouldn't question Glaus' motivation. It is more fair to question his health. He's played with shoulder soreness for more than a month and it shows at times. He's on the short list for a Gold Glove this season. Like several of his teammates, he's hit a wall physically.

BGCARDFAN: May the wave of the tsunami roar forth until the final ripple brings us back home again.

Joe, have you guys been discussing what this future purchase of the Redbirds means for the Cards? Obviously the terms of said deal aren't complete, but any thoughts on how this might affect the Cards in the short term as far team payroll or will this not be factored into the parent clubs plans?

And Mo's comments earlier this week about OF depth and it's needing to be addressed.... was he making a veiled statement about possibily not agreeing with some internally about the evaluations of talent in the system or just making a straight forward statement concerning that talent?

Joe Strauss: I expect the Cardinals will purchase the Memphis Redbirds within the next couple months. That said, I honestly don't know how it affects the overall bottom line because I'm not certain how the sale will address AutoZone Park, which currently straps the Redbirds financially. I'm rather confident Cardinals ownership is not going to cripple itself with such a buy, however.
As for Mo's comments, it might be safe to construe them as an admission that the system is not ready to offer a pipeline of position players to the big club. Joe Mather is an intriguing extra outfielder. But I have otherwise heard little commitment toward any other unproven talent for '09.
As stated here before, there is a significant faction within the club that believes the system is being overhyped.

BradV: Oh great Chatmeister.... How come Kinney doesn't come up in any discussions about a possible closer next season. With his multiple pitches, and his ability to throw strikes, shouldn't he at least be given a shot at it in spring training next year?

Joe Strauss: Kinney is a pitch-maker, not a hard thrower. There's a natural bias against guys who don't throw gas for that role. That said, Kinney has to rate as one of the month's most pleasant surprises. He's looked good every time TLR has handed him the ball. Even more significant, Kinney insists he is recovering well after every appearance. Motte, Perez, Kinney, McClellan, Thompson and Franklin provide a solid RH base for next year's bullpen. Frankly, there are too many names unless McClellan is projected as the previously described "swing man" within a Cazp-less rotation. And that doesn't include interest in retaining Russ Springer and perhaps Jason Isringhausen. Look for the bullpen to be a bargaining chip in trade talks in addition to the outfield.

BradV: This may be a little premature (very little), but how many more seasons like the first 8, do you think El Hombre needs in order to be a lock for the Hall of Fame? He's already accomplished what no other player in the history of baseball has (which is unbelievable). Don't you think 10 seasons would make him a lock?

Joe Strauss: Yes, I do. But confining El Hombre to 10 seasons would suggest a premature end to his career, which nobody wants to see. There are many who believe Albert would be viewed as one of the 10 greatest hitters all-time if he enjoys a 16-18 year career. His consistency is remarkable.

TechnoPhobia: Great tsunami-master, how will I make it through the long fall and winter without my weekly surf at high tide on Wednesdays? I know that the Cardinals do have a little more payroll flexiblity this next year, but (by my count) we need 2 starters (in case Carp is slow or unable to come back), 2 lefty relievers, a veteran closer to hold down the fort for part or all of next season, a SS, a 2B, a backup for Albert, plus another right-handed impact bat. That is a lot to buy with $30 million but I don't see the Cardinals filling all their needs internally. Do you think that they might actually cut corners by offering Izzy an incentive-laden contract, and do you think he might accept an offer from them? A healthy Izzy could be a tremendous asset at fairly low cost, compared to the ~$10 million plus that a good closer can command on the FA market. Finally, is there any chance that you can sustain our periodic addiction for information by doing a JSL!!! once a month during the off-season? Please say YES!

Joe Strauss: Diagnosing the team's needs is fairly simple. Prioritizing them and determining whether they are best addressed via trade or free agency is the elephant in the room. Isringhausen does represent value. He would like to return here and the club is going to approach him shortly after the season to gauge how that might translate in dollars and structure. A one-year arrangement would work perfectly as Perez is eased into the role. There is a desire among some quarters to pursue Brian Fuentes. However, it's difficult to envision how the club can commit such a substantial chunk of money to a closer given its needs in the rotation.
As for your more important question: I'm sure JSL!!! will resurface periodically. Mo' may also make a guest appearance if he so desires. Again, a lot of it is determined by reader interest.
Caution: A wet suit is a must for riding the Tsunami in winter time.

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.

Greg: Thanks for keeping us up to date all season. It's a sad time of year when the weekly tsunami disappears into the only frequent tsunami. What do the people in charge (BDJ, TLR, Duncan, Mo) feel about Carp? I know they are waiting to hear the next opinion from the latest specialist, but how done is he? Miss a few months? Miss part of next season, or all? Career threatening? Thanks.

Joe Strauss: The club made it a talking point to dispute Carpenter's injury as "career-threatening." Interesting, however, that the details of his condition are not in dispute. Carpenter turns 34 next season. His next surgery will be his sixth and involve nerves. I was told, by definition, this is career-threatening. The club chooses to argue semantics. I think everyone hopes Carpenter is healthy again next spring. He's an anchor for this staff and his entire clubhouse. But to trivialize his condition is inaccurate.

Griff21: How about a name we haven't heard in a long time... Juan Encarnacion( its been so long i forgot how to spell it!) I felt so bad for the guy , such a freak injury to jeopardize his sight/ career. it almost seems like the team, media has abandoned him, I never hear anything about his recovery. Even if he never plays again he was a steady player& helped us win .
updates?

Joe Strauss: The media have not abandoned Juan. Rather, Juan has quarantined himself from media. He has repeatedly declined interview requests while in Boston, South Florida or the Dominican Republic. His vision has improved slightly but will never allow him to resume his career. The hope was that he could regain enough vision in his eye to again drive a car. I may be traveling to the Caribbean this winter. If so, finding Juan E. will be on my itinerary. He is a quiet guy who had a soft sense of humor. I miss him.

Griff21: we "owe " izzy another shot? after this season does he warrant anything more than maybe a non roster invitee ?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals may "owe" it to themselves if they can acquire a potential closer or 9th inning insurance for an incentive-laden one-year deal. Moves can't be viewed in isolation... especially this winter.

jealousblues: "General manager John Mozeliak accompanied the team on the final two legs of the three-city trip and witnessed an attack compromised by several key injuries. The resulting exposure of numerous September call-ups suggested to Mozeliak that organizational depth might be more of a problem than first believed.

"When you look at who we've lost, how the recent games have been played and the type of energy we've seen, I think it's clear we no longer have the answers to the injuries," Mozeliak said. "I think there has to be a question of how we improve our depth." "

Does this mean Mo has lost some faith in the players in the system, or just the ones they called up this year?
it seems to me some of the more talented ones didnt get the call this year in favor of others, who might have earned it but might have less talent.

say Stavy vrs Rasmus
Barden vrs Freese
Johnson vrs Anderson


Also do we likely have any pitchers that have a shot at call ups next year or anything that would have a shot at the rotation (not that Garcia is out)?

I know Todd and Mortenson are young and probably need AAA time, but is there anythign else down there other than the Parisi's and the Boggs'?

Joe Strauss: First of all, I must say you cite a very well-written article. (Blush.) As explained before, Rasmus, Freese and Anderson were not promoted for reasons of injury, minor-league service time, or lack of projecting playing time. Raz' will receive much exposure next spring (if not dealt first). Freese is an intriguing guy but remains squeezed by Glaus and Wallace. The Cardinals may have to deal Anderson unless they are willing to commit to him as Molina's backup next season. (I believe an attempt will be made to re-sign LaRue.)

cards27: Are the Cards more likely to acquire an upgrade at 2B or SS for next season. Personally, I'd love to see Rafael Furcal here, although I understand he has been injured. He'd be a legitimate fast, base-stealing leadoff guy and I wouldn't hate seeing a fight between Lopez and Miles at 2B for next season so long as we had a guy like Furcal at SS. Are we only talking about a 2B? I know there's a lot of Hudson talk but looking at him, his career stats are the same as Furcal's without nearly as many SB's. Wouldn't it make more sense to acquire a SS and allow Miles/Lopez to give a little offense at 2B instead of being content with Izturis' great defense and light hitting?

Joe Strauss: You make a solid point. The remaining question is whether the Cardinals would be satisfied with their 2B defense.

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.

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.

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.

GSW: Chatmeister,

What can we expect for the offseason, Tsunami-wise? Wednesday's won't be the same without the big wave, and there should be plenty to talk about this winter.

Joe Strauss: Stay tuned for periodic Tsunami warnings. Be on the lookout any time there is an organizational tectonic shift.

Chris: In your opinion what where the top 3 "Wow - that worked better than I expected" things that happened this year and what were the top 3 "I told you so"?

Joe Strauss: Wows:
1. Ludwick's breakout
2. Molina's rise an an offensive player
3. Izturis' consistent defense
4. Wellemeyer's development as a starter

TYS's:
1. Bullpen's stumble
2. El Hombre's often frustrating season without established protection
3. Overreliance on returns of Carpenter and Mulder while counting upon Clement for depth
4. Skip Schumaker's value as a major-league outfielder/leadoff hitter.

Joe Strauss: That's going to be a wrap for today, this week and this season. I'm sorry I couldn't get to all your questions today but I promise to return as events dictate this winter. I realize it's easy to be negative about how this season has ended. Indeed, we've pointed out a fair share of flaws afflicting this team. However, there does appear to be a foundation for significant improvement this winter. Mo' has used the terms "aggressive" and "creative" to define his approach. I'm sure all of you will hold him to it, as you (and we) should. The ride has been a fun one. Until next time, Cowabunga!!!