Joe Strauss: Much has happened since the Tsunami last came ashore. Lohse signed an extension. Mizzou was still undefeated. El Hombre had yet to depart for a golf vacation and return to have a nerve transposed near his right elbow. As the World Series begins tonight, the Cardinals appear intent on pursuing "low-hanging fruit" during the upcoming offseason. (I'm not sure the fan base has caught on to the concept.) The Cardinals are apparently basing much of their winter direction on Chris Carpenter's recovery from a nerve condition that contributed to an August strain behind his shoulder. Nothing is hot regarding Cesar Izturis and Felipe Lopez as we speak. It's mostly about anticipation. Based on the volume of questions, it appears the ChatHeads have been antsy for high tide. So Let's Get It On!!!

dave cobler: Hey Hey...my morale rose today thanks to the no cost to jive with JSL!!!

Joe;

With Carpenters injury raising questions of his availabilty I think the Cards need go after an ace. Do you agree with that assessment and do you think the Cards see it that way to the degree they will obtain an ace for their rotation? Who would be a guy the FO might be looking at?

Thank you for taking my question! It is very much appreciated!

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals are not financially equipped to pursue an ace given their commitments to Carpenter, Lohse and Adam Wainwright. Even Joel Pineiro is due significant jack ($7.5 million) next season. Carpenter, Lohse and Wainwright are due more than $28 million in 2010. Todd Wellemeyer will be a free agent after next season. Bringing in another starter at $12 million plus would tie up about 37 percent of current payroll in those four arms. Remember that the club will likely ponder signing Albert Pujols to an extension before his 2011 options kicks in as well. The Cardinals are now inclined to pursue a swing man on a short-term deal. I believe Carpenter is certainly an ace if healthy. I also have believed since before last season that Wainwright projects as an ace, perhaps even a Cy Young Award winner. Jeremy Affeldt fits the Cardinals needs for both a LH reliever and a spot starter. I'm not sure if the dollars work, however,

redbirdswin: Nothing like an offseason tsunami to quench the monotony of a Wednesday! Thanks for returning to us Joe!

On to business - what kind of rumblings have you been hearing (if any) among Cardinal execs/scouts/associates/popcorn vendors regarding interest in free agents or trade targets? Any specific names being mentioned?

Joe Strauss: The club would prefer to trade for players rather than plunder the market this winter. Besides money, the primary reason is the organization's glut of RH relievers and outfielders at the major-league level and outfielders, RH arms and corner infielders in the minor leagues. The Padres Khalil Green is due $6.5 million coming off a sub-par season. The Padres are in a salary dump mode and Greene is entering his final season before free agency. The Cardinals have been intrigued by Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki but he apparently is not available. Greene was, frankly, awful before fracturing his hand Aug. 1 and missing the remainder of the season. But he does possess what horseplayer's call "back class" and could provide a power boost in a smaller stadium than Petco Park. He's an option. Again, the Cardinals will likely proceed slowly until Carpenter's situation is clarified, which probably won't occur for another 3-4 weeks.

DisCard: Please list the acquisition priorities by position, obviously as you see them. I am confused by all the all talk of a star level starting pitching. Lohse, Wainwright and Wellemeyer seem to me to have an excellent chance of going +20 wins even without Carpenter if they get a little bullpen help. Look at the numbers last year, especially if you look at blown saves. Lohse may fall back some, but Wainwright and Wellemeyer would seem to project higher. Looking at the payroll numbers and the Cards’ budget I wouldn’t trade Wainwright straight-up for Peavy. If the Cards give up their bargaining chips to get a starter how do they fix the closer slot and the deficiencies against left-handed pitching?

Joe Strauss: Middle infield
LH relief pitching
Closer
Starting pitching depth
Backup Catcher

I don't anticipate the club trading a package of prospects for starting pitching.

BDAx2: JSL!!!! great to have you back. I doubt you have missed the tsunami as much as it has missed you.

Of course my question(s) is Peavy related--

-Bernie's sources say initial contact was made but discussions died after that and other teams have surpassed us. I believe that wholeheartedly, however my question is this are discussions completely dead or is this just part of negotiations. I have to believe that of the teams Peavy would approve a trade to we can compete prospect wise with all of them.

-Assume for a second we do agree with Padres on trade for Peavy pending a physical. Is there precedent for calling in Dr Andrews for a second opinion on the physical?

-Any was whatsoever that by adding quantity we can get a deal done and not move Rasmus?

Joe Strauss: Bernie's information jibes with mine. I don't see Peavy in St. Louis because of the reasons already given.

The Cardinals perform their own physicals on players. A player could object to results being shopped, especially one who enjoys full no-trade protection.

John Mozeliak continues to insist publicly he does not want to trade Rasmus. What he doesn't say is that in order for Rasmus to progress, he will have to trade another OF or two.