Joe Strauss: All right, everybody back up for an Emergency session of Joe Strauss Live!!! The ChatMeister takes a week's leave and look what happens. The organization undergoes its most dramatic shift in more than a decade, maybe two decades. Jocko's out. The Skipper is straddling. And ownership is seeking to reconstruct its office with interim John Mozeliak and scouting\player development guy Jeff Luhnow as the senior survivors. The Cardinals have long been known nationally as a model of understated consistency and continuity. Right now, there are those within the industry wondering if this is a necessary shake-up or if ownership is going to transform the franchise into Orioles West. (That's very scary, folks.) So without further rambling, let's get to the ChatHeads who have to be suffering from the shakes after 13 days cold turkey without JSL!!!

Sean Martin: I believe LaRussa is leaving. The executives don't get along and this was a long season. It began with the manager himself getting arrested in spring training. Spezio's drug problem and the death of Josh Hancock followed. A lot of things were mishandled in the front office. So, if I'm correct and LaRussa leaves who do you think is top candidate to replace him??
I think Terry Pendleton for various reasons.

1.He has roots here.
2.He definitely has the resume.
3.His hiring would also bring african-american baseball fans to the stadium.

Joe Strauss: Pendleton was a "glue" guy as a player, someone who could approach pitchers and position players, young and old, black and white, and get across a point. Basically, he's a leader. The club could do far worse if TLR abdicates. This clubhouse, to a degree, reflects the organization. There are fissures far more obvious than in 2004-05. Pendleton has never managed at this level before. As a player, he dealt well with media. And yes, he would inherit a clubhouse that lacked a black player after the disabling of Preston Wilson. I'll leave it for others to discuss the impact of hiring an African-American manager on the team's fan base. I think the more important issue is does he have the juice to do the job. In many ways, I think TP would fit. However, I am not certain TLR is gone... yet.

Bill Akins: Dear Mr. Strauss: I'm curious with all the talk about Jeff Luhnow and his role or non-role in front office tension, just how good a job has he done so far? I follow the farm system on the net and a lot of players seem to have had good years,with two teams having made the playoffs,so exactly what do the Cardinals have?

Joe Strauss: Depends on who you ask. The Cardinals believe they have made significant strides in recent seasons developing players. Until last year, that was the responsibility of Bruce Manno. Luhnow has overseen the last three drafts. Colby Rasmus represents a shining star, but there has yet to emerge a universally anointed starting pitching prospect. (Garcia? Haberer? McCormick? Herron? Boggs? Pomerantz? Parisi?) The Cardinals often speak of their prospects relative to each other. Weighed against the rest of the industry, it doesn't look so good. A number of potential GM candidates do not perceive the system as in good shape. Luhnow is open to innovation. He has gained credibility within the departments he supervises, largely because he has sought out others' opinions. The inability of the club to package prospects for an impact deal says much. Springfield's success this year offers a figment of optimism. The lack of pitching help at Memphis last season was scandalous.

Jim Arendt: It looks like many forgot that with the 16 or so wins from Carpenter we win the pennant with ease. Take out the worst starter in insert Carpenter and we win by 8 games or more. I think the hitters would have been better knowing Carpenter was out there also.

Joe Strauss: I don't believe it fair to assume Carpenter would have won 16 games, even if healthy. You disregard the offensive injuries and the often inept defense that afflicted this club. Adam Wainwright deserved a minimum 16 wins given how he pitched in the second half. He scraped for a winning record. Carpenter won 15 games last season on a better team than this year's. What the so-called "experts" got right this year and the organization underestimated was the mediocrity of the team that won the World Series. Subtract three starting pitchers from that team and you have a team with minus-100 run differential.

George Weller: Do you think the Cardinals will bring back Ludwick? I for one, think he did a great job by hitting over 260 and had half the RBIs as Pujols, in less than half the ABs. Your thoughts!

Joe Strauss: He will be in camp competing for a platoon OF spot unless dealt. I don't expect him to be dealt. The ChatMeister underestimated Ludwick as a defensive player. Ludwick has significant holes at the plate, but he also maximized production with his hits. I now understand why the Texas Rangers once made him a 2nd round pick. A class act also.

John Vasquez: Joe I thought there was a rule in the NFL that a team couldn't recover a forward fumble in the end zone. i.e. Kenny Stabler and the Oakland Raiders

Joe Strauss: The Dave Casper Rule. There's something in there about the ball becoming live if a defensive player has some degree of control over it. Don't come to the ChatMeister seeking excuses for the local 11. Win a game before you start blaming the Stripes. I'm embarrassed by my homerish prediction of an 8-8 season for them. I was smelling the Kool-Aid off the local broadcast types. (10-6, 11-5 anyone?)

john shelton: Joe
Are you doing a Cardinals report card? Or did I miss it?
thanks

Joe Strauss: There was more desire by out section heads for a look ahead than a look behind this year. I can tell you this: It was going to be a tough grading period. Promise.

Mike P: The Cards have some big organizational decissions to make but they seem a little like a rudderless ship right now. We can't judge their success or failure if we don't know their goals. The only goal I've heard is to hire a young GM. Please tell me I'm missing something.

Joe Strauss: It's very difficult to answer questions about significant moves when the club has not installed the person to implement them. There is interest in retaining Springer and Pineiro. Springer may be doable in the short term, but I believe Pineiro will wait. If I'm a starting pitcher, I'm not going to undersell myself before the market opens.

Mark Hayden: Joe, what are the Cardinals feelings of where Anthony Reyes fits into the 2008 season.
My view is they should show the same kind of patience with him that they've shown Wainright. Even a trip back here to Memphis if necessary. Hopefully, that won't be needed, though.
Also, a staff of Wainwright, Pinero, Looper, Wellmeyer, Thompson and Reyes and see who falls out.
Will the Cards make a play for Glavine?
Thanks,
Mark Hayden

Joe Strauss: Reyes' future may be tied to who is managing the club. TLR and Dave Duncan were, shall we say, rather unimpressed by young Anthony this year. La Russa insisted Reyes should have spent the entire season at AAA. That followed his Game 1 performance in the World Series. The current regime clearly lacks trust in Reyes, who likewise finds it hard to trust the major league staff. I have a problem with your starting candidates because there remains a lack of projected innings. The Cardinals worked their bullpen a record number of innings this season... so many that I wonder how some may recover next season. My understanding of Glavine's situation is: He wants to pitch again. He wants to stay in the NL. He wants to play within an hour plane flight of his Atlanta home. The Braves are unlikely to pony up. Hmmmmm. Sounds like St. Louis, Washington and Cincinnati to me. Nationals president Stan Kasten is a big fan of Tom's. (He was Braves prez during Glavine's peak years.) I, for one, believe Glavine would be a solid fit here. He would likely be open to a one-year deal with some sort of option. He received a $3 million buyout from the Mets and could go elsewhere for $8-10 million. Without Carpenter hot until at least July, he also offers a much-needed presence. I'm buying.

Chase: If TLR does go, what do you think are the chances of Jose Oquendo becoming the newest Cardinal skipper? He has been with the organization for the better part of my life (I am 25) and he seems to have oodles of respect among the baseball community, as displayed at the World Baseball Classic. Why not Jose?

Joe Strauss: Good points all. He may have a shot if Mozeliak emerges as GM but I am highly skeptical a new GM without a prior relationship would go with Secret Weapon.

Matt S: Joe,
I think people are crazy for not wanting Tony back. If tony doesn’t come back, do you think that there is a chance Albert would want out of his contract sooner than later to follow Tony and Dave.

Joe Strauss: Wow. A reporter's question. Albert no longer enjoys no-trade privilege. He now lists each year the places he would go in a trade. He is signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011. He represents a huge bargain. But I can envision how El Hombre would quickly become disillusioned if the franchise... A. Lost TLR as manager, B. Hired an inexperienced manager over Oquendo, C. Failed to remain competitive, D. Spent recklessly on other free agent position players. Albert is sincere about his desire to win. This season also demonstrated how a sub-par supporting cast can drain his numbers. You've opened a can of something, Matt.

DGT #5: Hey Joe,

Is Mizzou a major college program yet? Can we talk about them? Can we sustain enough success to place Chase Daniel as part of the Heisman discussion?

This kool-aid is good!

Joe Strauss: It ain't New Year's Day yet and the Tigres aren't bowling. That said, I've never been closer to at least leaning on their bandwagon. Daniel should be given pub as a Heisman candidate. The Tigres' defense appears to be improving week to week. Even their escape over Illinois looks like a significant deal now. I expect them to scare Oklahama and lose. Kansas and KSU loom as potential potholes. If they sweep those two, maybe Mizzou will be forced to play a quality non-conference opponent. (Gasp!)

Vanilla P.: Dear Almighty Chatmeister,

Why does Little Scotty L. look like he's been on a two-day tequila bender? He stands on the sidelines pale, sweaty, and shaky. It's just not very inspiring for the Lambs or their fans.

I suggest a life-size cutout of The Chatmeister be placed on the 50-yard line for the remainder of the season. What do you think?
Long live The Chatmeister !!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe Strauss: We have a single-chat leader with 12 exclamation points. I can't argue with a single comma, period or exclamation point of your message.
Ice, baby, Ice.

Perry Hinds: A 2-parter: (1) Do you think the fact that Chris Duncan's father is on the coaching staff keeps him from being traded? (2) If LaRussa decides not to return and a complete new staff comes in, would that automatically make Chris & his offensive prowess, prime trade bait for either starting pitching or a right-handed bat?

Joe Strauss: I don't know if his partnership with D. Duncan is the reason, but TLR said Oct. 1 that he would argue against trading Little Dunc'. That may change if The Skipper does not return.

Dave: Hey Joe. The Cards are in a weird transition period right now, and despite the supposed increased payroll next season, I can't imagine this team being nearly as competitive if LaRussa and Duncan leave too. That being said, do you think ownership might look for a more agressive GM (in terms of trades)? The Cardinals are going to have many more minor league trade chips after next season, and they need a GM who is experienced at wheeling and dealing, not just player development. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: I'm skeptical about all the "chips" you mention. TLR bluntly described the situation during the last road trip. The minor league system "ain't there," so the club isn't well equipped to deal young players or promote from within. Sounds like free agency is all that's left. It may be a lot to ask of a first time GM to come in and literally trade the farm for an impact arm or bat. These are strange times. It is understandably why TLR has advocated the club hire a GM quickly.

david: As a sportswriter and consumer of sports, what do you think about Rick Hummel's writing?

Joe Strauss: The guy's a Hall of Famer. 'Nuf sed.

Topical: Albert Pujols to me is the ultimate superstar. He has great stats. He wins the World Series. He donates medical care and his time in Latin America. He falls in love with a woman who as a child with special needs, marries her and adopts the child and loves the child as his own. What's the better story than that? Why hasn't he gotten the major hero worship that he deserves on a national stage?

Joe Strauss: Albert slipped on the national stage during the '06 postseason. Worse, he slipped in New York. That said, his cooperativeness with media increased exponentially this season. I've always believed El Hombre is a good guy at core who created a hard shell to minimize media contact. It's out of the Barry Bonds playbook. One difference: I believe Albert is someone you would want your child to adopt as a role model. I wouldn't go there with BB. Let the Cardinals return to prominence and Albert will get his due.

Matt: Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez in the same lineup? Your thoughts...

Joe Strauss: Brother, can you spare $44 million per year?

Josh: What do you think of trading Anthony Reyes for Michael Bourn of the Phillies? I heard it was rumored to happen last year but never did. I don't really see the Cardinals getting much for Reyes, and Bourn would be a quality, young outfielder who can fly.

Joe Strauss: You're onto something. The Phillies and Cardinals nearly swung a deal involving Reyes. Bourn was part of the conversation. Those talks could revive this winter. I think it more likely than not that Anthony will be elsewhere next spring.

randy karraker: Chatmeister:

I heard that if I got my question on here, I could pick up chicks because of it. That's only part of the reason I write.

#1) I'm a big LSU fan, and I kind of think they might out-talent Kentucky by ten points. Think a Tiger beats a Wildcat soundly?

2) I've been hearing Terry Pendleton touted on a local afternoon radio show as the next Cardinal manager if LaRussa leaves. Does it make sense for the Cardinals to hire someone with no managerial experience.

Joe Strauss: I thought all you needed to do was show your driver's license proving you're Randy Karraker to pick up chicks. Guess not. LSU is a JSL!!! "hint" this week. Kentucky is going to be further exposed as a fraud the next two weeks by LSU and Florida. Give the points and you will receive. As for talk radio, you can't believe anything you hear, only what you read.

Kevin: Joe,
I really enjoy JSL and your articles in the P-D. Are you hearing any rumblings about Cards acuirnig more speed? I love what Eckstein has done for the Cards but having more speed at the top of the lineup would be a huge upgrade. Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Wow, it's October and I'm surfing on a tsunami of adulation. Who needs playoff baseball? Often, youth and speed can be interchangeable. Despite TLR's insistence to the contrary, the Cardinals' success in recent years has been tied to long-ball in addition to pitching and defense. They had little of each this season. Eckstein may be a short-term option for the Cardinals. I don't envision another guaranteed, three-year deal. Trade possibilities may also factor into his FA value.

Tom Hallum: What is you opinion of Ryan? Can he play shortstop well enought for regular duty there? Tom

Joe Strauss: I question whether Ryan is ready to play SS fulltime for a contending club. If the Cardinals do not perceive themselves as contenders, the answer may change.

jrocke217: it's been a couple years since, but how are you feeling about the deal that brought mulder to st louis? i for one am not happy, as is others i talk to. i was not happy when the deal was made in the first place. mulder really has not done much for the cards, but haren has become a potential cy young candidate.

Joe Strauss: Jrocke, you've got your own page of questions posted. Come on!!! One or two per customer, please.
The spring following the Mulder deal a Cardinals front office member suggested that it could become the reverse of the Drew-Marrero for Marquis-Wainwright-King deal. In other words, the Cardinals might receive a year's instant gratification but could be wounded badly long term. Sounds like pretty good analysis to me. (Too bad the wise man is no longer with the club.) I'm a Jocketty admirer, but I wasn't on board giving a guy with a bum shoulder two years' salary so he might pitch one. High risk, low return. Usually not Walt's style, but in this case perhaps an attempt to justify the initial trade.

Ira Meadows: I really don't expect Tony to return and I think Mr. DeWitt is willing to concede to a "rebuilding" year for 2008.
It has been reported that he will agree to add another 10-15 million payroll dollars to pick up the "right" players. However, in interviews - he immediately sidesteps that - with talk of developing players and recruiting organizations in places such as Dominican, Venezuela and Columbia.
What's your thoughts on the likelihood that we will actually obtain free agents for the 2008 season?

Joe Strauss: I'm not blowing off your question, but I think the next two weeks will allow me to give a responsible answer rather than merely guess. The Cardinals will obtain free agents. Quality is the question.

Gary: Mr. Strauss

It's great to see the uber chatmeister still providing the best chat on the net.

I'm not ready to admit the sky is falling with the dismissal of Walt. While I sure hate to see the best executive in baseball gone the apparant toxic environment in the Cardinals front office couldn't be good for the team. Do you think a front office all on the same page and working together instead of against each other will be better for the team in the near future as well as over the long hall?

Thanks so much for your insight.

Joe Strauss: The front office environment worked against player development, in my opinion. The more opinions about a player, the better. Those opinions were withheld after last October's realignment. The Cardinals have strived for continuity. We'll now see whether they attempt to maintain that by promoting Mozeliak and retaining TLR and his staff. Whatever occurs, communication has to improve within the organization and with the public and media.

Rich: Joe...Is there any word about Logan White being a possible GM candidate, and would he fit (strong scouting and player development record using a more traditional scouting method) with what they're looking for?

Joe Strauss: He has been mentioned but not been confirmed as a candidate. A guy like White offers an interesting dynamic. His area of expertise is in the areas controlled by Luhnow. Integrating the two visions would be essential.

Jay: In your estimation, what happens to Rolen if LaRussa returns? Is he actively shopped? Do they kiss and make up? Or do they grind it out as two professionals with respect for the others talent?

Joe Strauss: If TLR returns, it adds another reason why the club should shop him. Rolen has a total no-trade clause but would consider waiving it. The Cardinals are also seeking salary relief. (Of course, they would also have to find a third baseman.) I don't believe anything is off the table right now. Rolen's concerns, as I understand them, extend beyond the manager to whether the organization still envisions itself as a viable World Series contender. Rolen may not want to play beyond his current contract. I don't believe he wants to finish his career in a non-competitive wasteland.

Mike Perdzock: Surely Dewitt doesn't expect LaRussa to committ for 3 more years without first knowing who he is going to work for first? At first I thought maybe Tony was stalling to see if Torre got fired, but after reading this morning's article it makes all the sense in the world for him wait.

Joe Strauss: There is room for compromise. The club and TLR could structure a three-year deal including an option for the second and third year. For example: TLR controls the option for '09 and the option becomes mutual for '10. Nothing concrete there... just a way both parties could protect themselves. The club will want a commitment beyond next season if Tony's back.

John: Joe

I can't believe TLR would go to the Yankees in particular and the AL in general. I know he started in the AL w/ CWS and OAK but seems to me he wouldn't have half the managerial buttons to push in the AL as he does in the NL. And no pitcher to bat 8th in the AL ! Your thoughts?

John

Joe Strauss: As we speak the Yankees have not contacted TLR.

Jay: Why was the club so quick to exercise Izzy's option? Call me a fool (seriously do if need be), but to me that was not the most cut-and-dry call on the board. Regardless of his comeback, which was impressive, he is still very much on the high-end of salaries for relievers. In a larger market it would have been a no-brainer, but for a team that is seeking more player development and cost-cutting measures, $5-6 million per year would be a much more logical number. If he walks, you have options.

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals retain the core of a competitive team, if healthy. Without Isringhausen, they would scream a willingess to concede '08. Izzy blew two saves this season. If you have a chance to win (the Cardinals will still be in the NL Central next season), you don't axe a productive closer.

The Manggg: In your opinion, which is worse. Being banished to the bullpen during the postseason and whining about it, or thinking your going to start, then find out you weren't in the plans, and then getting in at all? I'm torn.

Sincerely,
Jason Marquis

Joe Strauss: Your post suggests a split personality. I would think it worse not to reach the postseason at all.

Tom: Hey Joe,

My dad keeps criticizing DeWitt and the Cards for going cheap. He sees the firing of Walt Jocketty as proof that the Birds will be built on the cheap. Meanwhile, I counter that Izzy's extension was just picked up, and that the Cards are willing to spend when it makes sense.

Who's right, Joe?

Thanks,
tom

Joe Strauss: I believe you until evidence mounts to the contrary.

Russ, Cape Porpoise, ME: Hi Joe - no real question; just wanted to share what must be a typical evolution in my Cardinals connection over the years. I started listening in the mid-60's to Harry Caray and Jack Buck up in southern Ontario, Canada (yes - mighty KMOX!), and I'd get in-depth coverage about a week or two after the fact via Sporting News coverage from Bob Broeg (I think) and Rick Hummel (there's continuity!). Now, I can 'watch' every game pitch-by-pitch via mlb.com Gameday, read all I want from you guys on the Post-Dispatch site, and even 'talk' to you in this forum. Makes life interesting, no? Still kind of miss those Harry and Jack broadcasts, though - that's how I learned to love the game.

Joe Strauss: Thanks for writing, sir. I hope this offers a fraction of the entertainment that those Hall of Fame talents provided and, in Rick's case, still provide. Chat on!!!

Martin Plummer: I noticed that Luhnow holds authority over both Player Development and Scouting Departments - which, if either, is he better or more experienced at?

Joe Strauss: Jeff took over amateur scouting two years prior to player development. However, he was installed as overseer of the team's Latin American operation prior to moving up to V-P of Player Development last October. It's been an incremental, but quick rise.

BernieM: A week without JSL!!! Was tough to get through, kind of like watching a Kip Wells start. Two questions for The Chatmeister: (1) You suggested that for you to continue with JSL!!! through the offseason, some financial considerations would have to come into play. Just wondering, are you going to give the Post-Dispatch a "hometown discount," a la DeWitt Care? Also (2) any "hints" for this weekend's gridiron menu?

Joe Strauss: I'll give a hometown discount when Busch Stadium offers a beverage discount to anyone showing a valid St. Louis driver's license. As for the "hints": St. Louis Rams, NY Jets, Oakland, N. England, Wake Forest, Illinois, South Florida, Oregon, LSU. We were 8-1 ATS last week but won't count it since it was not available to ChatHeads. Enjoy.

Luckyfan: Stan McNeal of The Sporting News was talking to Pujols and Pujols relayed that the building of his new mansion was on hold several weeks ago partly because he wants to see what direction the team takes in the next couple years.

Any thoughts or expansion on this information?

Joe Strauss: I was there for the conversation. I didn't interpret Albert's comments the same way.

Ben Munge: Joe, what will be the Cardinals do in this limited free agent market for pitching? Looking over the list it seems like Lohse and Carlos Silva would be the best affordable fits to shore up our rotation. Do you see the Cardinals making a run at those guys or perhaps going after another guy through trade?

Also, AROD. Any chance whatsoever?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals were intrigued by Lohse as a trade possibility before Cincinnati shipped him to Philadelphia. Silva is a good name but may be overpriced because of short pitching in the upcoming market. Do you really believe the Cardinals would add $25-$30 million annually to a top-heavy payroll. No way.

Joe Strauss: Sorry to be rude, folks. (Though it does come naturally.) I've used up my Bonus Chat for this week. I've got editors in my ear for tomorrow's story and a financial planner waiting on me later this afternoon. (I've got to invest all that jack I received for offseason JSL!!!) Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming sessions. I can't promise every week, but I'm might appreciative for your inquiries following an off week. Further proof that the JSL!!! Kool-Aid is the best tasting stuff in the city, the state and perhaps the region. It's already proven to be an interesting ride this month. Stay tuned.

Frank BB,Ca: Hey Joe,
Maybe you can answer this question because Gordo kind of bypassed it on his after game chat???? Who are the vocal leaders on offense and defense??? God knows , Us Ram fans havent seen them.... This team lacks fire and we need some people to step up and take that leadership role we had in the superbowl year... If you dont have any spunk, you are gonna go down.. Adrenalin is so important in this game and I have been a coach in all area's of sports for 20 years and I always had the troops fired up and I always looked for my leaders on the team for help in that area, what gives for our Rams, they just seem to be punching a time clock? I realy Like to see Five-0 gain his spunk back and fire up this team.....
Frank BB,Ca

Joe Strauss: OK, BB (Is this Barry?)... Jim Thomas does a semi-sensational chat on Tuesday called Jim Thomas Live??? We have a handshake agreement. I don't go deep on football and he stays away from seamhead questions. I will offer guidance on grid performance ATS (if you don't know what that it, skip it) but will leave the Cover 2 questions to him.
By the way, BB, did you see where The Clear got Ms. Jones in a heap o' trouble?

Whip Willis: Joe,
Long time voyer first time chatter. Based on your reports yesterday, is there a connection between LaRussa's statment that he did not want to commit until the top GM canditates were determine and then your update regarding LaCava, Antonetti and Woodfork?
Do you have a feel for who may be a front runner?

Joe Strauss: There is no connection and I don't have a feel for who is the frontrunner. I do know there is sizable local support for retaining Mozeliak as the guy. I've had several agents suggest Mo' is just as qualified as the popular outside names. DeWitt said at the press conference announcing Jocketty's firing that he would look for some of Walt's attributes in his successor. Mozeliak learned much from Walt. Agents appreciate his candor and his professionalism. He can deal with players, carries himself as an adult and is not terrified of the media. There are many reasons to suggest his retention. Should he be bypassed, the Cardinals likely lose another quality person.

Frost: Joe,

Hello there. Been too long.

What do you think of LaRussa waiting on the club to make a serious move regarding GM before he is ready to jump on board? Is he right in his decision?

Joe Strauss: It seems logical. With the organization in flux, why commit possibly the last several years of your career to an uncertain situation? Folks are crafting conspiracy theories for both sides. I believe TLR's thinking predictable.

Dan Mercer: Joe,

Reyes and who to the Braves to bring Renteria back?

Joe Strauss: Perhaps surprisingly little if the Cardinals assume all the contract. (The Red Sox owe some of it.) Toss in Tyler Johnson and it's a done deal. TJ was off limits last winter. I'm not so sure now.

David Cobler: WOOOO HOOOOOO, HEY-HEY YEAAAAA, JSL!!! IS BACK
HI JOE;
I've been looking for you! Missed you!!...and all your fans who flock to this chat.

OK, here is my question; If TLR does not come back, do you think the Cardinals ownership will be as committed to opening thier pocket book for impact players as they might otherwise be if TLR was to return?

THANKS JOE...OH, and...Joe I am pleased to tell you I wrote the editor and pleaded for your return and asked them to give you a raise. I hope the rest of your fans did the same. ;) Joe...I know you are a busy guy. This time you commit to this chat is very much appreciated! Don't stay away to long!

Joe Strauss: Thanks for your understated enthusiasm, Dave. The check hasn't cleared yet. Your question is a good one. Walt Jocketty suggested last Friday that things may track the same for another two years but he anticipates a change after that. Coincidentally, every high-dollar player except Pujols, Carpenter and Rolen will be off the books at that time.
The club's fiscal policy will be determined by two things: The need to win NOW... and the farm system's productivity. If the system fails to develop further before 2010, you're looking at a calamity.