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.

Steve: If Wallace is really good enough to hit his way into the majors next year, why would we want to trade him, and extend Glaus? It’s my understanding that Glaus is better defensively, but unless you make a Bucker-Magnitude error, what’s the trade off for a full season between the two (Errors vs OPS for example).

If we let Wallace play 3rd at Memphis next year, what could we get in trade for Freeze and Anderson?

If we pick up Renteria for 09-10 would Kozma be ready in 11?

Please explain to me why we want to trade for Peavy? Wasn’t the last high end starter we traded for Mulder? Didn’t he spend time on the DL the year before we traded for him? Didn’t Peavy spend time on the DL last year? Also with all the emphasis on player development why are a going to trade the first group to show promise? I agree we need another front of the rotation starter, but I would rather see them sign Sabathia for three with a couple of options years than trade all the prospects.

Joe Strauss: You couldn't trade Wallace if you wanted to. MLB prohibits trading a player within 12 months of drafting him. Wallace will likely spend at least the majority of the year in the minors. If he looks like a lock for 2010, he would probably receive a September promotion. Glaus is a free agent after next season. I don't anticipate a deal before then. Freese, 25, may have more value to the Cardinals right now than another club. Should Glaus go down, he represents the most logical help. Because some clubs are skeptical about Anderson's future as a catcher, his value is highly subjective since he lacks the power typically associated with an OF or a 1B. That said, many believe the 21-year-old Anderson the Cardinals' prospect most likely dealt this winter, especially if the club moves to bring back Jason LaRue.

J.Brad: Chat-meister!
Heeeeeeeeee's baaaaaack! Been missing you my long lost compadre. The recent Bernie article says that STL is no longer a player for Peavy.
I thought I saw an ESPN blurb that had the Cards as Jake's first choice should he leave the Padres? What gives? Are they asking too much?
My next question/comment is, shouldn't the Cardinals plan for a season without Carpenter and if he comes back and gives them anything it is purely a bonus? The guy has had 5 surgeries that I know of in this decade and I love his 05-06 form as much as anyone, but gosh, will they ever learn? (see: Mulder, Clement, Carpenter himself, etc...meaning=pitchers who have a history of injury being counted on as key contributors)
Glad you're back and I hope you have lots of interesting and productive trades and acquisitions to write about this offseason regarding our Cardinals.
J.Brad in TN.

Joe Strauss: Atlanta appears the front-runner for Peavy. They have the need and tons of money freed up because of free agent losses. More and more the Cardinals appear to be sending up cautionary flares about Carpenter. They insist they're not discounting him for '09; but the club admits there is no way to know how long it will take for Carp's nerve disorder to resolve itself and for him to completely regain strength around his right shoulder. An important nerve conduction exam is scheduled for shortly before Winter Meetings. Expect the Cardinals to act accordingly based on results.

ChicagoCardsFan: Did you file an NL MVP vote? Who is your pick?

Joe Strauss: I am an MVP voter. If you like, I will disclose my entire ballot after results are announced Nov. 17, not before.

9elbirdos: Mr. Strauss,
The other bat the Cardinal's are looking for could it be Adam Dunn.

Joe Strauss: Asked and answered: No.

Zuke: I have read other baseball journalist talking about how week free agent pitching is this year. I would have to disagree. If anything, starting pitching is deeper this year than it has been in a long while. Much improved over last year at the very least. What are your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: Last year's FA class was the worst in at least a decade. Carlos Silva was the only free agent starting pitcher to receive a multi-year contract, and initial returns show that one (4y/$48M) to be a disaster. Jon Garland, Ben Sheets, CC Sabathia, Mike Mussina, Randy Wolf, Randy Johnson, Derek Lowe, Braden Looper, Ryan Dempster and A.J. Burnett are all as good an option as Silva was last winter. Mussina and Johnson can be had for short-term deals, though many expect RJ to return to Arizona.

Dustmann: El Gordito:

Thx for your time! Seems like everyone is clamoring for Peavy, although I am very worried about having around 45 million earmarked for three pitchers for the next few years. You can imagine Bernie's article was a big sigh of relief for me. Johny Mo has seemed dedicated to improving the team in a financially productive way, freeing up money at the same time as improving it. All said my question is this: Do you think Mo will stick to this new "Moneyball" type approach and make his big move this offseason by trading an established player (Luddy, Glaus, Skip) maybe in a package (Kennedy?) for a young pitcher and middle infielder? If you look at our record and blown saves from last year it might not take as much as we think to improve our club, especially with the roster issues the cubs and brewers will soon face. Lo siento for the long-windedness, have a great day all!

Joe Strauss: You raise a salient point. The Cardinals are reluctant to tie themselves up financially while committing long-term to a fourth starting pitcher (along with Carp, Waino and Lohse). In a vacuum it makes sense. But the Cardinals' financial context makes it a stretch, especially given the need for sacrificing several significant minor-league players. The Cardinals would agree with you, as they believe a bullpen makeover could do much without erasing payroll flexibility. The Cardinals won 86 games with a dysfunctional bullpen. If they make it a strength, 90 wins appear attainable.

Gabe_A: Are the Cardinals planning for 2009 based on the assumption that Carpenter is going to be healthy? Is that insane?

Joe Strauss: As stated, they will wait and see. It's not insane. It's prudent. If Carpenter is still experiencing weakness in a month, it would be unwise to stand pat. But the winter meetings are seven weeks away. There is time.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Be honest - as a jaded beat hack, did you think the Rays were done after game 6?

P.S. Where can we find another Matt Garza?

Joe Strauss: Absolutely not. Unlike many talking head pseudo-psychologists, the ChatMeister recognized that starting pitching would dictate the series and the Devil Rays would emerge. Per usual, the ChatMeister was on target. What's funny is that many who predicted the Rays' demise after Game 5 of the ALCS now believe them a mortal lock in the Series. I give the Phillies a puncher's chance in a compelling series. I question the Rays' bullpen.

P.S.S. Is Dan Haren available?

Wing: Thanks for doing the chats Joe.

Any chance you see the Cardinals eyeing Furcal (if not resigned by Dodgers) or Cabrera for SS options?

Joe Strauss: Furcal is an intriguing option, Cabrera less so. My information is that the Cardinals are highly unlikely to re-sign Izturis. Those who suggest the return of Edgar Renteria should speak to the numerous scouts who believe his days as an effective major league shortstop are numbered, if not over.

Steve from Carbondale: Joe,

Do you see La Russa staying with the Cards after this season? It seems as though he is fond of the Cardinal tradition. I would hate to lose TLR as I think he is a great manager. And if TLR did decide to leave St. Louis, do you think he would manage again with another team?

Joe Strauss: TLR insists this is his last managing gig. I believe him. He is less transparent about how long he plans to stay at it. For the first time in seven years covering the club, I can see how next season could be his last. That's my speculation. He hasn't confirmed it.

Gabe_A: Is Mizzou the fourth best team in the Big 12, fifth best, or worse?

Joe Strauss: According to the latest BCS rankings, fifth best. Call me an SEC honk, but I like my top teams able to score from 6 inches out on 4th down and not reliant on a gadget play on their first snap against a top-ranked opponent. Funny, that fake field goal against Nevada worked when Mizzou was up 30. FEMA has reportedly dispatched help to tend to the line of overturned bandwagons on Int. 44 and 35. Oh, the humanity!!!

Adam: Autumn greetings, o chatmeister.

My question is a simple one: Even if the Cardinals were willing to take on Peavy's contract, do we really have the pitching prospects they're looking for? Word is they want a young outfielder ready to play center (Rasmus fits the bill) and two young pitchers ready to start in the bigs. Do the Cardinals have the kind of arms San Diego is looking for?

Joe Strauss: I believe the Cardinals have the talent pool to pursue Peavy. I don't believe they have the willingness, however, despite the desire by some within the organization to make such a push. Motte and Perez are projectable arms. Tyler Herron is likely the Cardinals most valued starting pitching prospect. Jess Todd gets votes but is perceived by many other clubs as a future major league reliever. Clayton Mortenson and PJ Walters may also have value, though Mortenson struggled at Memphis after being rushed last season.

renomike99: Joe, there is alot of talk about the Cardinals needing to sign an "impact bat" at shortstop for 2009. I would prefer that the Cardinals resign their "impact glove", Cesar Izturis, using any free agent dollars towards revamping the bullpen. Izturis hit fairly well in 2008, (.263), comes at a reasonable price, and seems to be great in the clubhouse. Most important, the addition of Izturis turned infield defense into an asset in 2008. This, after infield defense was a big weakness in 2007.

Granted, Izturis hits without power, but IMO defense is far more important at shortstop than is power. Consider who played shortstop for the great Cardinal teams of the 1940s (Marty Marion), the 1960s (Dal Maxvill), and the 1980s (Ozzie Smith). Marion, Maxvill, and Smith were all anchors of championship teams that were tremendous defensively. None of the aforementioned shortstops were power hitters. Your thoughts.

Joe Strauss: I believe you will be disappointed then, Mike.

GSW: Chatmeister,

Welcome back!! The weeks have seemed longer (not to mention drier) since the tsunami went on hiatus. You told us you would be back whenever there was a tectonic shift in the baseball landscape - which tremors do we have to thank for your return?

As always, you da man!

Joe Strauss: To be honest, my editors raised a stink, demanding another chat. Unemployment represents a tectonic shift within StraussHaus.

Kevin: Chatmeister,

What do you think the chances are of TLR being here after the 2009 season? I'm a big fan of his and would love to see him stay as long as he wants to manage the Cardinals. The job he did with this year's team was incredible and it would be nice to see him in the dugout well into the future!

I do have one other question for you not related to baseball: have you had any good short-game tips lately to help your golf game??? Keep up the good work!!

Joe Strauss: Received an excellent tip from the pro at Glen Echo recently. The ChatMeister is trying to shake the rust from his game.
Based on your observations regarding TLR, JSL!!! is always ready to entertain questions from the manager's agent.

HugeCardfan: I'd love to have a veteran and talented pitcher like Peavy anchoring our staff next year. But, Joe, they see us coming. The supply and demand thing is really stacked against us...not enough pitchers of this high a quality and too many teams looking for his services. How can we get value for a guy like Peavy when, on the one hand, San Diego is trying to get prospect healthy and, on the other, Peavy's salary is so darned generous after the first year. I know the kid has delivered lots of innings, but the hints are out there that his body is showing signs of wear and tear. It would be calamitous to have this guy pull a Mulder on us and give us one year before developing shoulder or elbow problems... Does he come with a warranty? Can we get Colby and the other three prospects/ML ready players back if Peavy doesn't work out? I just don't see the risk reward stacked in our favor...I think we should stick to our plan to build from within and see if the FA market can help with the fine tuning. It isn't our job to bail SD out from a bad farm situation or a bad contract.

Can I have an Amen?

Joe Strauss: Ownership checks in.

ltrayburn1s: Joe thanks for all your great coverage of the cards!

My question for you is if we are going to sign or trade for an established closer ie: Huston Streer, Brian Fuentes, etc. or are we going to platoon Motte and Perez until one shows that they can hold down the job. Also I know you said that there isn't much going on in the Izturis or Lopez front but what do think the chances are of bringing those players back?
Thanks

Joe Strauss: There is significant support within the organization for pursuing Fuentes, but the dollars likely won't work. The Cardinals have the ability to make a major deal this winter but would have to back-load it. As stated, the odds of Izturis returning appear long. Lopez may be a better bet but is hardly a done deal. Questions remain about his defense. Huston Street is considered a major risk after his velocity dropped precipitously this summer.

azcardfan: Joe why doesn't aaron Miles get a fair shake? It seems whenever he was in the lineup this year our offense was more productive and I do not see where he has poor range. No he may not make the diving plays but he is far from a liability at 2nd or short.

Joe Strauss: His value comes as a platoon utility player. Miles has made significant strides defensively since arriving in 2006. He is a TLR favorite. But Miles is also prone to wearing down when overexposed. A stand-up guy.

Harvey Watson: Joe the Chatmeister: Why on earth wouldn't the Cardinals pursue Jake Peavy (as Bernie Miklasz wrote)? He's the whole package and he's just entering his prime. With a decent closer, he would win 20 games. Plus, he would eat innings and save the bullpen most of his starts. Even more important, the Cardinals cannot afford to let Houston get him. Please tell me this is just posturing by the Cardinals' front office.

--Cardinals Fan in San Diego

Joe Strauss: Peavy ain't going to Houston, sir. The Astros are far less equipped to construct the player package needed than are the Cardinals, Braves and virtually every other team to which Peavy would approve a trade. Stand down. That said, I believe the Cardinals when they say it's not going to happen here.

therealdealankiel: Chatmeister,

When do you think the Cardinals will either commit to McClellan as a reliever or get him ready as a starter? I don't think they should push him to "compete" with Piniero...we should either commit to him as we did with Wainwright or keep him in the 7th inning role.

Joe Strauss: The buzz about McClellan's possible future as a starter is overblown. The Cardinals like him in a bullpen role, albeit used more judiciously than last season, when he was out of gas by August.

KH: Chatmeister,

How much do the Cards know about the other teams' offseason plans? How much of that knowledge actually dictates what the Cards do? Can you give some insight into how this works?

Thanks for the chat!

Joe Strauss: Teams typically spend the time between the end of the season and GM meetings communicating their needs to each other. The GM Meetings (in Dana Point, Cal. next month.... surf's up!!!) allow the 30 front office heads to follow up two weeks after the World Series. The GM Meetings often serve as a starting point for what transpires at the Winter Meetings (in Las Vegas this December). The GM Meetings are valuable because they are more intimate than the sprawling Winter Meetings. GMs meet face to face.

Joel from Brimfield, IL: Alright Derek, I'm going to focus on a popular topic in these chats, second base! Do you see the Cardinals looking to acquire a secondbasemen such as Kelly Johnson from the Braves or Josh Barfield or Asdrubal Cabrera from the Indians, or do you see them resigning my boy Felipe or even Miles?

Joe Strauss: Derek? Hey, bro', BirdLand is down the block. This is hard-edged chat... Kelly Johnson is a good name, though he is not exactly slick defensively. And the Braves may be willing to discuss him. Since the Tribe picked up the option on Carroll it is reasonable to assume Barfield may be available. Barfield, 25, has power but is not a top-of-the-order bat. He is also coming off finger surgery. Cabrera, 22, appears to be the Tribe's second baseman of the future. Doubtful he's available.

srs1: Oh Wise Chatmeister. . .
In light of the club's wise decision to not excercise Mulder's option, I have a philisophical question for you.

Would you rather that the team go out and spend some money/prospects to get a top notch, proven player? The risk being that if the player fails, a Mulder-esque revolt ensues throughout the St Louis area metroplex for making a bad signing/trade.
OR
Would you rather Mo loiter around the bargin bin for someone with potental or is a good fit with the club. The risk here being if this player fails, the fans want Mo run out of town and blast Dewitt for being "Cheap".


By the way, Rays in 6

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals' payroll ended up at $111 last season, hardly chump change. Any club that spends money merely to appease fans is on a bad course. That said, the Mulder deal was a disaster and never fully explained by management. You want philosophy? I suggest spending liberally for instant impact but without sacrificing long-term flexibility. Dumpster diving occasionally lands a diamond (Carpenter) but can also leave a team hopelessly exposed (2003 bullpen, 2007 rotation, etc.)
Congrats. Rays in 6 is the chic selection. The ChatMeister sides with... Phillies in 7.

badbeat33: Dear Mr. Meister,

How did we go from "we're going to be very aggressive this offseason" to searching for "low hanging fruit?" Ownership/management has me depressed already and it's ONLY OCTOBER!!!! Give us all something to cling to until free agency hits. I BEG YOU

Signed,
S. Mont (skeptical)

Joe Strauss: OK, since you asked.
I buy into the contention that a healthy Cardinals team is not that far removed from a Brewers team missing Sabathia or a Cubs team without Dempster. This team did win 3 more games than the '06 World Champions. The Cubs enjoyed a relatively injury-free season, proving almost as good without Alfonso Soriano as with him. If Carpenter is healthy and Wainwright returns to his early '07 form, the Cardinals are a force. If either Carp' or Waino is out of the equation, your angst may be well-founded.

therealdealankiel: Chatmeister,

Is the only way to make your board to come up with some creative intro followed by relatively generic questions?

I love your stuff, which is why I check in every week, but your boy Gordo is answering like 150 questions per session! What gives? Are my questions just that dumb?

Joe Strauss: Not at all, until this one. Consider yourself validated.

Todd: Is there any truth in the Ankiel to the Yankees trade rumors?

Joe Strauss: Not my information at this point.

roger from lake tahoe: joe, would you consider doing a feature length article on john mozeilak's ideal team. not having him name names, but defining the characteristics of his ideal player at each position. and perhaps you could supply candidates who might come closest and be available to reach mo's goals?

Joe Strauss: Better yet, Mo' may sit in for a chat next week. Details are under discussion. Stay tuned.

TheGeneral: Since you NEVER get theoretical questions, here's one. If the Cardinals had not yet signed Lohse, do you think they would be players for Peavy?

Joe Strauss: Yes.

Jeepster: Joe: Mozeliak is doing exactly what he claimed he wouldn't do again less than two months ago. That being; relying on the health of an injured player (Carpenter) as an upgrade for the following season. When is the press (including yourself) going to question this stupidity?

Joe Strauss: Mo' insists the team is giving itself another month or so to gauge Carpenter's progress. Is that impractical? Is it better to pull the trigger now or in three weeks based on incomplete information. I wrote last month that Carp's condition is "career-threatening," not "career-ending." There is a difference. Carp's previous nerve problem required 3-4 months to resolve itself. We're barely two months removed from him leaving an Aug. 10 start. For now, try decaf.

Travlin' Man: Joe - Any truth that Brett Farve called Coach Pinkel to dicuss ways to attack Okie State and Texas the past two weeks? What do you see for Mizzou Tigers in your Big 12 Crystal Ball? BCS or bust?

Keep up the good work,

Travlin' Man

Joe Strauss: How does Mizzou-Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl sound? Mmmmm, mmmmm good.

Zuke: Low Hanging Fruit...

Was Mo referring to all offseason moves, or the rest of the rotation additions?

If its just rotation, then I am fine with that. Although, I do think you have to count Carpenter out and add another arm. Not a front end guy, just another arm. How spoiled fans are to demand at least two aces. (I consider Wainright an ace). This team had the 4th best rotation in the NL last year and I think a healthy Wainright outgains anything you lose in looper.

IF Mo was referring to the rest of the offseason, I will be disappointed. There is a log jam in the outfield, potentially the corners and its obvious Anderson has no future here. Moves need to be made simply based on that, let alone improving middle infield and bullpen.

So what was Mo talking about?

Joe Strauss: Look, it's safe to anticipate a flurry of trades this offseason. I can't ID the names right now because such activity won't gain momentum for another several weeks. I can envision a scenario in which the Cardinals trade for one middle infielder while signing the other as a free agent. Relievers can come via either route. Simply put, the Cardinals will have to move an outfielder or two and a RH reliever to alleviate a clogged pipeline. This team has larger needs than its rotation. The Cardinals will be active this winter, though it's unlikely you will see them land a Peavy, ManRam, Fuentes, etc. For now, I detect Mo' suggesting patience. With the World Series opening tonight, I don't believe that an unreasonable request.

Barrett: Joe,

Is Carp's contract insured against injury? If so, what if he never is healthy again?


I believe he is due 14.0, 14.5, 15.0 and then a 15 mil team option w/ 1.0 mil buyout over the next four years

Joe Strauss: Carp is insured; however, he would have to remain unavailable for the majority of next season before the Cardinals would be indemnified.

Todd: Do you see the Cardinals making an effort to sign Furcal?

Joe Strauss: The availability of resources will be largely dictated by Carpenter's status. If the Cardinals need to find another established starter, their flexibility to fill other needs erodes. That's why it makes sense for the Cardinals to give themselves another several weeks to make a call.

KY_CUB_KILLER: Is there any talk of players that want to sign with St. Louis? I can remember such situations with Burnett at one time. One comes to mind; Springer. Do we resign him or cut ties?

Joe Strauss: It depends on whether the club discards other RH relievers in a trade. If not, I don't see room at the inn.

Joe Strauss: Ok, the same editors who clamored for a chat are now screaming for tomorrow's Cardinals story so they can rush the doors of Blues-Red Wings. Plus it's almost been three hours. I've never chatted three hours straight with Lady Diablo. As stated before, ChatMeister Mo' may make an appearance next Wednesday. Stay tuned and continue to drop six bits into the box for your daily P-D. Details to follow. As usual, you've been a wonderful crowd. Remember your waiter and expect a follow-up chat prior to the GM meetings. Outta here.