Joe Strauss: All right, everybody up!!! It's been two weeks since our last go-round and your tsunami of requests that Joe Strauss Live!!! offer up another fix have been heeded. About 6,000 of you weighed in on TLR's return as manager, and about 77 percent voiced your approval. That's an overwhelming number, especially coming off a turbulent third-place season in which the manager publicly sparred with your favorite media gods on several occasions. (La Russa was reminded that P-D employees do not vote in on-line polls. He managed a grin.) We've still got a general manager search ongoing that apparently will stretch beyond the World Series. A lot is going to happen in a compressed period of time. So strap in. JSL!!! is back!!!
By the way, what's going on over at Jim Thomas Live??? My sources tell me he cut short his latest session again, allegedly to pursue breaking news. Let's be real. Hey, JT, next time have Fortel's deliver.
Whatever... Let's get it on!!!

Frank Murtaugh: Hi Joe. Greetings from Memphis. What's your take on the shortstop situation? I've heard re-signing Eckstein is a priority. I've heard the return of Renteria is a possibility. And I've heard Ryan may be destined for the position. What's most likely?

Joe Strauss: In order of probability I would list Eckstein's return, a trade for Renteria and the installation of Ryan. I have a difficult time envisioning TLR entrusting SS to Ryan, especially with the manager's references to Ryan's need for greater maturity. If Ryan's on the team, it's to provide depth or somebody is down with an injury.

David Cobler: Hi Joe;
I am hearing that David Eckstein wants to test the free agent market, so the bidding for him may not come at a discount either, if the Cards want him back. Factoring that in as likely happening, does this place the Edgar Renteria blimp showing up larger on the Cards radar?
With that said, Mr. Manno is now working with the Braves organization. Do you think that might enhance the talks between the two clubs or hinder it, if the Cards were to initiate trade talk for Renteria?

Life with JSL!!! talk'n Cardinal baseball. When the chatmeister chats this fan is tuned in! THANKS JOE!!!

Joe Strauss: I think David perceives free agency as a business decision, not as a process where sentiment carries weight. Eckstein, no doubt, has noticed the signings of Pineiro and Springer for what would hardly be called a discount. The issue with Eckstein may be length of contract. He turns 34 before next season and is coming off a marginal defensive season interrupted by a back problem. Determining the market for him is not easy. The Detroit Tigers are interested in a SS but, like the Cardinals, are also believed to be pursuing a trade. Renteria has one year remaining on his contract. The Cardinals (and Renteria) have interest. I don't think Bruce Manno's hiring as Braves assistant GM will factor either way. I do know that new Braves GM Frank Wren has waited eight years for another chance to head a club's baseball operations. I expect him to be aggressive this winter.

Gary Trammel: Joe
I think MLB should have the instant replay, but only with a penalty like Football if the manager is wrong. Say give up an out. If it was the last out of the inning on the play in question, then give up an out in the next inning.

Joe Strauss: I don't agree with replay in baseball and certainly not with giving up an out as the price for a challenge. The game already takes too long, especially in the postseason. If you're not going to use replay for balls and strikes (and you can't), I don't think it should be used for anything else. This isn't football. I'm convinced replay had as much to do with gambling interest in that sport as anything else. If you want replay in baseball, eliminate the umpires and simply call the game from the TV booth.
People like football because it's a betting sport. Remove the point spread and it becomes lacrosse.

dan: with TLR back I think that #99 will be back again. I will be able to say things like "So good" and the rest all next season. Enjoy the chats, but don't you think that fans were way too demanding last year, we should have had a season of happiness, we were after all the world champs. I am not trying to say that the goal is not to win but we need to feel better about where and what we have done over the past 5 years. It is quite amazing. Besides maybe I can actually get some tickets this year.

Joe Strauss: I'm not sure about So. There's a glut of OF and So has a $1 million option. As for the fans being too demanding, I'd suggest you put down that $5.50 cup of Kool-Aid and watch what's been going on. This is a losing team the last two seasons. One of the game's must successful GMs was just sacked. A heavy percentage of the payroll is hurt and/or recovering from surgery. This is a critical time in this franchise's history. You're right about one thing. If things take a wrong turn here, tickets will become much more accessible.

R. Zook: TGIJSL!!!!! I am of the opinion that the Redbirds would be better off as an organization to minimize their participation in this year's below average FA market and clearing some payroll after 2008 to make a run at a more attractive FA market in 2009 along with a mix of younger players (Rasmus, Perez, etc.) in 2009. How does this philosophy change with the return of Tony? One more thing from the Chatmeister. Can my Illini recover from two heart wrenching defeats to cover vs. Dave Letterman U?

Joe Strauss: I don't think it's coincidence TLR took a two-year deal over a three-year job as in years past. This thing could blow up if not handled properly. I don't think it reasonable to blow off 2008 when you're committed to a $100 million payroll. Expectations should be high. This club gambled on two-year contracts to Edmonds and Mulder last season, and both have so far failed to yield dividend. Edmonds, Mulder, Carpenter and Rolen account for about $40 million in salary next season. Encarnacion, who will not play, represents another $5M.
As for the Illini....Ron, you lost me in that Iowa game. Quarterback issues seem to be increasingly obvious. It's been an amazing turnaround but it seems like your club's in trouble when Mendenhall doesn't go off. I'm laying off this week's game. I want to see better game coaching.

Mark: Hello Joe:

How would you rate the Cardinal overall minor league system in terms of scouting, drafting, and overall success compared to all other MLB organizations? Does the new GM, when hired have many talented prospects to deal with for the next few years that will make an impact for the Cardinals?

Thanks

Joe Strauss: Good question but not an easy one to answer. I would certainly put the Cardinals in the second (or third) tier of scouting and player development until proven otherwise. The Lost Draft of 2004, the inability to have any organizational pitching ready to contribute to the major league club last season, the (shared) failure to develop Anthony Reyes, the lack of a standardized instruction that incorporates the big club's philosophy... there's a lot to pick at. We'll see what this winter's changes will bring. I thought the Kozma drafting last June sent a mixed message. That said, C. Rasmus is legitimate. I don't claim to have seen many of these prospects play more than a handful of games. I give a lot of credence to what those outside the organization say. Rasmus, they believe, is on the fast track. Garcia and Perez have caught some eyes. C Brian Anderson is intriguing. But there isn't the depth offered by numerous other organizations.
The problem with many of the evaluations offered locally is that they compare Cardinals prospects with each other than against the industry. Not a rip, just a fact.

Buzz: Joe,
I wonder if you could update us on the condition of lefthanded prospect Jaime Garcia. Last I heard, he was being shut down in July because of elbow trouble. I assume there was no surgery involved, but has he been given a clean bill of health? Tendonitis anyone? Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Garcia suffered an elbow strain last summer and was shut down. He does not require surgery and has undergone multiple MRI to confirm the integrity of his ligament. He is expected to start next season at AA Springfield. He's only 21. Taken with the 680th overall pick of the '05 draft, Garcia could represent a jewel in Jeff Luhnow's resume. For what it's worth, I'm bullish on this guy.

Howard in Cincinnati: Good morning from the monsoon capital of the Midwest (6 inches of rain and still going)!

What exactly is the rift between Scott Rolen and Tony LaRussa all about? Doesn't Rolen realize that TLR was correct when he sat him two years ago? His shoulder was shot and needed a rest and Rolen's sub-par performance this year further verified that. I commend him for wanting to play everyday, but sometimes a player must put aside his pride, exercise some good judgment, and realize that his replacement can do a better job that particular day or week?

(C'mon,Scott, don't you think that your manager wants a 100-RBI guy and your glove in the game if you could play?)

I've never understood that, and perhaps, o wise one, Joseph, you could enlighten me and your legions of readers?

Joe Strauss: It's more complicated than one incident. There are issues of communication, perceived double standards and as you state, ego and pride. TLR benched Rolen because of health-related concerns. Rolen saw others, including Albert Pujols, playing through health issues. Problem: Rolen was not productive until he accepted a cortisone injection during the Division Series. These issues would be manageable given a sound player-manager relationship. But the handling of Rolen's shoulder injury in 2005 compromised that relationship, perhaps beyond repair. Rolen is also a "let the players play" kind of guy and TLR is on record as saying he doubts the majority of major league players fully understand how to properly play the game. (I don't think La Russa includes Rolen among that majority.) Rolen is fair game for criticism, but I believe his misgivings about the organization's handling of his '05 injury are legitimate. It is unfair for fans to pile on because he has been injured. (See; Isringhausen in '06). I do think it's up for discussion whether Scott should attempt to meet the manager halfway. If not, I don't see Rolen finishing his contract in St. Louis.

Addie Horstman: Someone told me recently that Scott Rolen had trouble with the manager in Philly when he was there. I don't remember that being said when he was traded here. Scott is my favorite player so I believe in giving him the benefit of the doubt. In a way, I was surprised that Tony singled him out in a negative way. How can that help the feud? Please comment on the details of Rolen's trade that would answer my above question. Thanks Joe!

Joe Strauss: Beyond what I just said, I thought it interesting also that TLR noted the Rolen situation at his press conference. It suggests to me that the matter could go from a hot button issue to scalding. Rolen did have a problem with Larry Bowa in Philadelphia. But he also had a problem with the entire Phillies organization. I think his issues in St. Louis are more with the manager than the organization.

Joe: Is there a chance that there was more to this Jockety/DeWitt/LaRussa thing than meets the eye? In other words, was Jockety possibly acting so ridiculously put out by the Jeff Luhnow situation all last year that even Tony had had enough of the silliness and the perceived joined-at-the-hip relationship between Tony and Jockety had deteriorated by last month?

Joe Strauss: Tony was fairly blunt about that at the press conference as well. It is more than coincidental that La Russa's first sit down meeting involving Luhnow occurred on his first day in St. Louis without Jocketty as GM.

Erasmus: Whazzup Joe!

If I recall correctly, you have endorsed Tom Glavine as a good option for the Cardinals in 2008. He would seem to be a little long in the tooth for the type of investment it will likely take to acquire him. He's also coming off a less than stellar year. Tell me, what is it that you like about him and does the Cardinals front office share your view? Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Glavine turns 42 next March, meaning he will likely be older than the Cardinals' next GM. He did not finish strong this season and will likely seek a contract, including incentives, worth about $10 million in '08. That said, he will take a one-year deal. He offers leadership within a rotation that went without after Chris Carpenter's loss this season. The Cardinals are more skeptical than I am. He was 13-8 with a 4.45 ERA and was hit hard the last two months. I don't think Glavine is not a 200-inning pitcher any longer. The Mets thought he was. If viewed as a 6-7 inning pitcher given an extra day's rest whenever possible, I believe he would be more effective. He is one of the game's most respected players, both among pitchers and position players. He is overpaid at $10 million. Perhaps. But no moreso than Joel Pineiro at $6.5M per. He's the perfect bridge until Carpenter can re-exert command over the staff.

Aaron: Hi Joe,

I want to play GM since the Cards don't have an official one right now and throw out a trade. Let me know if it makes or doesn't make sense for either club. Duncan, Reyes, and B. Anderson for Miguel Tejada. I know it probably won't happen and the Cards need to address starting pitching first but would it make sense?

Thanks

Joe Strauss: It makes sense except for the fact that many scouts beleive Tejada has eroded badly as a defender. The upcoming Mitchell Committee report may also have some tidbits. I believe Tejada has reached the same stage as another former Orioles MVP SS, Cal Ripken, when "Carl" move to third base. Tejada will be 32 next season. His speed, range and production are slipping.

Dan: Joe,
Does TLR strike you as someone that would want to be a GM someday? He seems to like having a say in personnel decisions, and I can see him wanting a crack at it to stick it to all the young- gun Moneyballers.
Thanks.

Joe Strauss: I don't see that. A GM has become a 24-7, 12-month job. Many are grossly underpaid. TLR was making almost three times what Jocketty made last year and will likely earn more than four times what the next hire gets. It's s younger man's job now. Ask Terry Ryan and John Schuerholz.

wayne jackson: WE HAVE A NEW STADIUM,BUT WE ARE SO BEHIND INTHE MUSIC WE PLAY AT THE STADIUM .YOU LOOK AND SEE OTHER TEAMS ON TV AND HEAR DIFFERENT MUSIC IN BETWEEN INNINGS AND PLAYERS COMING TOTHE PLATE .IS IT BECAUSE WE LIVE IN SUCH A CONSERAVATIVE TOWN .THERE ARE A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND KIDS THAT ATTEND THE GAME .ITS LIKE GOING TO A CHURCH WHERE OLDER PEOPLE RULE THE ASSEMBLY AND PLAY OUT OF DATE SPIRITUAL MUSIC . ( IT RUNS OFF THE YOUNGER ADULTS ATTENDING CHURCH)AND PLEASE GET RID OF THAT ORGAN !WE ARE SOO BEHIND IN THE MIDWEST .

Joe Strauss: Compared to other major league stadia, I think the Cardinals presentation leaves much to be desired. Then again, I'm an East Coast "outsider." Meet Me in St. Louie isn't on my iPod. And the Cardinals are putting fannies in the seats. They may believe if it ain't broke...
But go to PNC in Pittsburgh or Great American in Cincinnati. Besides the music, they do some really interesting stuff on the board. The Bucs have the Pirate battle before the game. The Reds and the Pirates also do this terrific historic montage that runs before about 15 minutes before first pitch. It is really cool. Even a jaded type like the ChatMeister looks forward to watching it every day. I wish a tradition-rich club like the Cardinals would commission a similar work. If it can remind you why a club like the Pirates is special, imagine how it would fire up Busch. Alas, it doesn't come free.

glenn: O Mighty One., lend me your ear!

I think if the Cardinals are to reclaim the Central Division it would be imparitive to land a veteran pitcher of some stature, whcih would probably have to be through a trade. The Cards do have chips to play with such as Reyes, Duncan, and catching prospect Bryan Anderson. Despite what is coming out of the Marlins camp, I maintain that Dontrelle Willis can be had at the right price. There are some others as well, such as
Noah Lowery of the Giants. I have zero confidence that Mulder will ever regain his past pitching form. I hope he can make me eat my words. How hard can Cardinal fans expect management to go after another pitcher?

Joe Strauss: Very....

Scott Rolen: Joseph,

Do you know any good realtors in St. Louis?

xoxo
Scott

Joe Strauss: Gimme a call. Let's talk.

Kyle: Wow! I'm honored to be a part of the country's fastest growing internet sensation - JSL!

If the Cardinals could get Willis for Duncan and Reyes, would they make that trade? What do you think Willis is now worth and what do you think Florida would demand?

Would this kind of thing happen under an interim GM or are the Cardinals essentially paralyzed now (notwithstanding the resignings of Springer and Pineiro)?

Joe Strauss: The Cards aren't paralyzed, but this is typically a dead period for trades. After the Series and the hiring of a new GM, I would expect activity to increase around the GM Meetings in early November.

Daryl Thrasher: I don't think there has ever been more position player openings than there will be for the Cardinals next spring. Many questions because so many regulars were injured the last 4-6 weeks of the season. Molina, Duncan, Rolen, Edmonds, just to name a few. Can we count on "any" of these guys to return for opening day?

Joe Strauss: Barring somebody tripping on a golf ball, I'd expect the four you named to be ready to go. The same can be said of Adam Kennedy. The starting pitchers are a different case.

Jasper Wildcat: Joe,

Love the off season chats. Read the article in yesterdays paper about Tony wanting to repair the rift between he and Rolen. I have some contacts in Scott's hometown that all report that he wants out of St Louis when he knew Tony was returning. Some rumors even that he would be interested in re-uniting with Terry Francona in Boston. Any chance at all that Scott in on this team at the end of the year if he proves his shoulder is any where near healthy?

Joe Strauss: Rolen's value is diminished because of his shoulder, his contract and his recent production. Rolen has three years guaranteed remaining at $12M per. All of it is up front as '07 was the last installment to include deferred money. He also has full no-trade leverage. Typically, a player will try to have a club buy him out of that protection. I'm not sure Rolen would insist. I believe the club would have to eat about $4M per year to interest another club. That would free up $24M the next three seasons. I think it may behoove all concerned to hold their noses for another six months and see what happens.

john: hi jsl live!-
is there a great possibility that you will be doing jsl live every 2 weeks during the winter??!!
we already miss the weekly chat already!!

have the cards narrowed their search to 3 candidates for the gm position?

if so, whom do you think will be the next gm?

many thanks- john

Joe Strauss: The offseason chat is sporadic and will be dictated by events (like my next raise). Bill DeWitt described the GM search as broader than three candidates the other day. Mozeliak, Hahn, Antonetti, Woodfork are known candidates. Boston's Jed Hoyer and Oakland's David Forst are also possibilities, though unconfirmed. Given that the next GM will face a credibilty issue as Jocketty's successor, I find it curious that the club refuses to confirm details of the process. There will be a significant Show-Me factor with the next guy that the club seems to underestimate.

Pompous Magnus: Hey, Joe!

Greetings from the Old Dominion! Glad to have the Chatmeister back for a much-needed round!

With so many other pieces falling into place (LaRussa, Izzy, Springer, Pineiro), and with the departure of our old pal Walt, do you see any chance of another pursuit of a fella named Matt Morris? While an intra-divisional trade normally would seem unlikely, it was a headscratcher move by the old guard in Pittsburgh. Do you think with the recent regime changes in St. Louis and Pittsburgh, the stars might align?

Many thanks! ...and great to have your infinite wisdom once again!

Joe Strauss: Good question about Morris. I expect the Pirates new GM, Neal Huntington, will try to jettison Morris' contract, which has one year and $9.5M remaining. Morris falls into the Glavine category, a pitcher who has had to remake himself and who brings a one-year obligation. I know TLR still covets Morris and Morris would like to return. In some ways, the fit might be better now than in his final years before signing with the San Francisco Giants.

Dan: Joe,

Have you heard any rumors from inside the clubhouse about Eck, So, Dunc, or Reyes? I think its all time they walk, but with LaRussa back I forsee Reyes being the only one without the birds on the bat.

Joe Strauss: I concur with your analysis, though Eckstein is not a given.

Mike: Are the Cardinals responsible for Juan E's contract or is there insurance (player's association or team) that kicks in?

Thanks and stay ALL winter.

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals are responsible for Juan E's deal, which actually provides him $6.5M next season. They are partially indemnified but typically do not use the offset for payroll. Organizational thinking holds that since insurance premiums are not included in payroll, indemnification should not be used to enhance it.

James Young: Joe,
What is your opinion of Batting Coach Hal McRae? You know at different times during this year and last year the bats were silent for long stretches of time. You never heard any of the players say "I have been working with Hal to get me out of this funk". It was usually, I talked to my dad or former coach or Albert to figure out what was going wrong. During the games I don't see him talking to players or players talking to him. Is he doing his job? Do the players trust his opinion? Do we need a change? What do you think?

James

Joe Strauss: Hal's style is not "in your face." He believes veteran players are more open when they're ready to listen, not before. Some may perceive this as passive. I believe it's a realistic approach when dealing with a group of guys with established approaches. Molina has worked with Jose Oquendo. Jim Edmonds and Hal have never been a perfect match, but the same could be said about Jim and Mitch Page. Hal has done much for Chris Duncan and worked diligently to pull David Eckstein out of his early season funk. Working with hitters, especially experienced ones, is a delicate job. Even though the team had great success with Mitch Page, some, most notably Tino Martinez, had little use for him. A lot of it is a mesh of personalities as well as approach.

JeffRey: Joe,

WIth Bill DeWitt hoping to have a GM named by the end of the World Series, and the hot stove season following soon after....could today's chat mark just the beginning of regular installments of JSL!!!! throughout the winter? I need my dose of feel-good socialism.

Additionally, with the Cards have already invested about $17 million to retain Izzy, Springer and Pineiro for next season, a need for at least one more starter and a question at shortstop, are the Cards set as far as next season's outfield is concerned or might there be a possibility of bringing a Jose Guillen, Shannon Stewart or maybe Brad Wilkerson into the fold?

If I could get some bonus points for the lenght of that last sentence I'd be most appreciative.

JeffRey

Joe Strauss: JSL!!! is not about feel-good socialism. We're all about the Benjamins here. Don't mistake my altruistic on-line persona as indicative of a touchy-feely Kum-ba-ya type. (Bird Land is down the street.) As for your question about outfielders, Guillen and Stewart are RH bats, Wilkerson a left. Stewart's OBP needs some rehabilitation but he could be a top-of-the-order fit were the Cardinals to acquire an impact bat for lower in the order. Guillen is talented but carries a reputation as a clubhouse toxin.

JeffO: JSL back in business!!!!

Now that TLR is back, can we assume upper management has agreed to open up the "wallett" a little bit to address the many needs of this team for next year?? I can't imagin TLR agreeing to come back to begin a rebuilding era. The thing that worries me, is the lack of FA's out there, and we don't have much to trade with. Honestly, do you see the Cards improving from this year?

Thanks for the time JSL ROCKS MY FACE!!

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals improve if they.... 1. find another competent starting pitcher (No. 2 or No. 3), 2. get their position players healthy and 3. find more support for Albert Pujols.... More speed wouldn't be bad, either.
Thank you for your enthusiastic endorsement.

John: Joe

Why is so much made of the relationship between TLR and Scott Rolen? Other teams have flourished despite personality conflicts in the clubhouse. Billy Martin & Reggie Jackson some to mind. So do the A's of the early 70's. Those teams were successful . I can't believe everyone in the STL clubhouse except Rolen totally loves TRL. And isn't Rolen professional enough to separate his relationship with TRL from his effort on the field?

Thank you
John

Joe Strauss: It's more complex than that. Rolen is a respected player whose views may also affect others. He is not the only one with issues concerning TLR. But he has the juice and the contract to make known his issues. Do you think Kip Wells bought into the system? Do you think A. Reyes is crazy about how he's been handled. Jim Edmonds and TLR engaged in several loud clubhouse "conversations" last summer but somehow seem to maintain a decent relationship. Rolen has a long memory. So does TLR. That makes it hard for bygones to be bygones.

Frost: Hello Joe,

So what is your feeling regarding the bench? Will So and Bennet be brought back? I assume with Mile,Spiezio, and Ludwick those three are a lock to be brought back with possibly Schumacher. What do you think?

Joe Strauss: I believe Bennett's a goner. So's an intriguing question. Spiezio is under contract. Ludwick is under control. Miles is arbitration eligible. Schumaker deserves a chance on the big club but is part of a crowded house.

chris: Do any current minor leaguers have a realistic shot at making the team next year out of spring training? Is Juan E. currently on the 40 man roster? What are the options for his status next year if he can't play? Chances John Mo. gets the GM job? Thanks for keeping the chat alive!!!

Joe Strauss: Here's a name to chew on.... Mike Parisi as stealth fifth starter...
Encarnacion is on the 40-man. He would be listed as physically unable to perform and not be counted against the 40-man limit next season.
I'm not sure about Mo but do know he enjoys significant support locally and from within the system.

GSW.: Joe,

Do you think DeWitt's commitment to Mo to keep his Assistant GM job if the Cards go outside the organization to replace Jocketty, along with Luhnow's entrenched position, make it almost certain that Mo will ultimately end up being the GM? It seems hard to imagine that an incoming GM would want to have all his key support positions (manager, assistant GM, scouting/minor league/player personnel director) already filled. If Woodfork or Antonetti still took the position (since they're both so young, they may want to do whatever it takes to get into a GM position), do you see this as an area for long-term problems? Thanks for the insight.

GSW. (three exclamation points definitely trumps one period!!!)

Joe Strauss: It's not just me, but plenty of other industry executives see it as you suggest. Of course, the club discounts the perception and maybe they are spot on. But events of the last month have raised questions about the organization's direction. If the manager and his staff have heavy input on personnel, the scouting and player development are under the owner's appointee and assurances have been offered Mozeliak that he will remain at a higher pay scale even if not named GM.... what exactly's left.
This is fascinating stuff. I once covered the Baltimore Orioles. During those five years I often said it was the perfect job because I once couldn't decide if I wanted to cover baseball or politics and there I could do both. I'm getting that vibe again.

richrauch: JSL!!! is exactly what the doctor ordered!

You won't post this but, I'd sure like to tell the "get rid of that organ" guy to grow up or take his sorry, short attention span and his recreational pharmaceuticals to a town more to his liking (San Fran might be a perfect fit).

Ernie Hays (the organist) is loved by ALL true Cardinals fans. Get a grip or get out, "dude."

Joe Strauss: I think there's room for the old and the new, Rich. Recreational pharmaceuticals? I thought those are dispensed by the cats who picked the Rams to go 10-6.

Tom: Joe,

Who do you like in the Fall Classic?

tom

Joe Strauss: The Weather in six.... (Unfortunately, the Red Sox will win.)

Bert-n-Ernie: What's with this story on Mozeliak? Does the fact that they are already speaking of him having the ability to come back as assistant GM give any indication that he is out of the running, or at least not in the lead, for the GM position. I like Mo, and I think he would be very beneficial to the club in a GM capacity. What say you?

Oh and by the way, TELL MANAGEMENT TO KEEP JSL!!!!!!! UP AND GOING WEEKLY. I AM HAVING WITHDRAWALS HERE!!!! WHERES MY RUBBER DUCKIE!!!!

Joe Strauss: TLR was given a chance to endorse Mozeliak the other day and made a crack about his tie. He was trying to be funny but I think some perceived it as a putdown. My take?... Mo' has been in St. Louis for 12 years. He did much of Jocketty's dirty work without acclaim. He is not a "baseball guy" per se because he never played professionally. But neither did Jocketty, nor did any of the other candidates. If you look elsewhere for other talent and decide upon a 30-something assistant GM, it sounds like a renouncing of Jocketty's term. The club has said it seeks someone much like Walt without the internal intrigue. Mozeliak seems like that guy. He's a guy who has always given respect to those inside and outside the organization. I would have no problem if that was reciprocated.

Bert-n-Ernie set a record with 15 exclamation points in a single posting. Bring it!!!

Joe Strauss: I'm going to stop here, sorry to say. I'm overwhelmed by the tsunami of questions on such short notice. Seems like many of you needed some Emergency Chat and I'm glad to provide a service. We'll get together again after the GM is named. Thanks again for your participation.
Meanwhile, I'd be interested in some feedback from you ChatHeads. If the technology could be perfected, would you be interested in opening up to occasional "guests." Rule One would be any guest would have to accept the free-wheeling discussion expected from JSL!!! I won't give away any potential guests, but they would be headliners, gua-ran-teed.