David Cobler: Hi Joe;
Now that Edgar Renteria is no longer available, who do you think the Cards will be looking at for their Shortstop, especially since they are not interested in giving David Eckstien a three year deal, which is what the PD is reporting he wants but the Cards are not interested in doing?
Also do you see them signing OF Aaron Rowand and then dealing access outfielders and bullpen depth and minor league catcher Brian Anderson for a top of the rotation pitcher?
My eyeballs got real wide this morning when I saw the Chatmeister had signed in for JSL!!!

THANKS JOE!!

Joe Strauss: Put your eyeballs back in their sockets, Dave. JSL!!! is an acknowledged national phenomenon. It's unstoppable. The ChatHeads must be fed.
Renteria's trade to Detroit and Juan Uribe's return to the White Sox further suggests that Cardinals and Eckstein will extend a marriage of convenience. I have a difficult time envisioning the Cardinals going beyond two years. Ultimately, if the parties can agree on average annual value, I expect Eck will return. It makes too much sense. The alternatives at SS (AROD, Jack Wilson, Izturis) are either too pricy or a questionable fit. Izturis does have advocates within the organization, but I believe Eckstein will take the Cardinals' first AB of 2008.

IlliniAmy: Good day, Joe. What rumblings are you hearing from the offices at Busch Stadium in regards to getting another starting pitcher? Any specific names you can share with us?

Also, got any "chatmeister advice" on the 15-point line involving the Buckeyes & the Illini this Saturday?

Keep up the "lowest form of wit" (sarcasm); it's just my speed.

Joe Strauss: AJ Burnett's name is floating around, but I think a move for Jon Garland makes more sense. The Cardinals and White Sox could do business (Jose Contreras is also being shopped heavily).
As for your football question, I expect OSU will lose to Michigan after being challenged by the Illini. Take the points and forward 10 percent of your winnings to me at my business address.
And as a long-time ChatHead, Amy, I'm shocked that you infer sarcasm is employed here. As noted in one of the first sessions, JSL!!! is all about a positive, feel-good, communal experience where participation means so much more than winning and losing.

Jimmy M: Yo joe! I love Taguchi! The fans love Taguchi! Will the cards still love Taguchi in 08?

Joe Strauss: You apparently posted before news went down that the Cardinals did not assume So's option for 2008. They still could try to sign him to a lesser deal (possible) or pursue arbitration with him (no way). Unfortunately, I don't expect So back. I'm dead serious when I say he will be a loss.

David in San Francisco: Thanks for meeting with us online again, Joe!

The writing on the wall seems clear in GM John Mozeliak's declaration this week that the Cardinals "need to evolve" and "I don't think the club needs to change that much."

Admittedly, this year's weak crop of free agents, including the few that would improve the Cardinals, will be far too overpaid for the Cardinals to acquire them. And the Cards have few players to promote from the minors that would make much difference in the team's ability to compete. Nor do the Cards have players to trade from their ML roster (Duncan recovering from injury, Reyes recovering from weakened confidence and bad luck) that could acquire an impact pitcher or impact hitter, given the likelihood the Cardinals would be easily outbid by several other teams with much deeper minor league systems. Doesn't it seem clear that Mo is prompting Cardinal fans not to expect any big impact deals like the deals for Edmonds, Renterria, Rolen, McGwire, Drew for Wainwright et. al., etc., that built the success over the last ten years leading up to last year's World Series championship?

And were you yourself making a statement in that photo of you interviewing John Mozeliak after he was named GM? You looked way laid back in your jeans and mocassins, next to John Mozeliak's dark suit and "nice tie", as LaRussa called it. Could you be saying, symbolically, "Loosen the tie just as you will loosen Bill DeWitt's purse strings at least a bit this winter, and even more in 2009 when several aging, ailing vets will drop off the payroll, just as you've begun to loosen the tension between the stats guys and the scouts, in evaluating players for trades, drafting, and free agent signings? Was your casual attire and relaxed posture saying, "Hey, fans, loosen up on feeling the Cardinals absolutely have to be in the post season in 2008 Let's relax and enjoy the longer term, fascinating transition the Cardinals are making to a new blend of core veterans and highly talented younger players starting in 2009, when the free agent market will be much better than it will be this winter and when the Cardinals 'evolving' farm system will begin to add the impact players the team will need to be of championship caliber, either by promotion from the farm (CF Rasmus, RP Perez, etc.) or by providing valuable chips (C Bryan Anderson) to bring impact players by trade."

Is that what your strikingly symbolic attire is saying, Joe? Or do you just prefer to spend your deservedly huge salary on your investment portfolio rather than on dry cleaning bills?

Joe Strauss: We have a new leader in the clubhouse for longest post this season. Usually these Castro-like musings don't hit the board, but yours is so perceptive (in a decidedly Left Coast kind of way) that I felt the rest of JSL!!! Nation needed to benefit from your metaphoric insight.
As to my attire, I think it said, "These are my good jeans and I couldn't find two socks that match, so deal with it."

danielc: Hey Joe
I was wondering if your great baseball mind could tell me if there is any chance of rasmus making the big league squad out of spring training if he has a eye-popping spring showing?? If eckstein departs, rasmus could be a candidate to lead-off as he is doing for team USA currently!!

Joe Strauss: No chance. Book it. Next question.