Kevin, Huntsville, AL: Joe,

I read where TLR thinks that Brendan Ryan needs one more year of apprenticeship before his ready to play SS on a daily basis. He said he needs to learn to think like a big leaguer rather than a minor leaguer getting big league playing time. What do you think he meant by that and what is it about Brendan Ryan that he is not quite ready to handle SS on a daily basis??

Kevin
Huntsville, AL

Joe Strauss: Your interpretation is correct, sir. TLR believes Ryan needs to mature emotionally and achieve more consistency. Ryan is very gifted but is still catching up from missing almost the entire 2006 season. I don't see TLR as entrusting Ryan with SS. The rub is this: If Ryan doesn't start next year, the club will likely commit to someone else for several seasons, potentially making Ryan a trade candidate. Stay tuned.

David: Russell Martin??? Derrek Lee??? David Wright??? What's up with the people who vote for Gold Gloves??? I know Rolen probably wasn't going to win, especially with his injury, but Wright a Gold Glover? Is he that good? And Lee over Pujols again? Seriously? What irks me the most is Martin over Molina...When's the guy gonna get some love?

Joe Strauss: Direct your ire to the managers and coaches. They vote on the Gold Gloves, not the ink-stained wretches who decide MVP, CY Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year.
Some points that won't play well locally:
D. Lee won the Gold Glove in 2005 and lost it to A. Pujols after getting hurt in '06. Pujols' had superior defensive numbers last season but Lee is a more elegant fielder who also has a more established reputation as a defender.
Ryan Zimmerman had a relatively poor defensive season. I consider him the heir to Rolen as the game's dominant third baseman. I would have had no problem if he had won as a rookie in '06. But Zimmerman was not as consistent last season. Wright was an MVP candidate for most of the year and that has sway. He is not as spectacular as Zimmerman but is definitely above average at the position.
At least two of my colleagues have blogged spirited arguments that Molina got jobbed. However, Martin played almost 400 more innings, was the NL All-Star catcher and is an above-average defender. Molina was hurt for much of the season. His arm is undeniable the best in the game at his position. However, some of those who voted believe Molina's mechanics behind the plate have dulled. (Knee problems may have contributed.) Broadcaster Ricky Horton at one point last season mentioned Molina's "lazy" mechanics. Just as the MVP isn't just about hitting home runs, catching isn't just about throwing. I still maintain, however, that Molina is the game's best defender without a GG. I believe a greater injustice was done Molina in '06 when Brad Ausmus outpointed him.

Mickey: Oh, Chatmeister, a thousand thank yous to Post Dispatch for unleashing you for us momentarily!

Now, your opinion on Mozeliak and where this train is heading over the winter? Specifically if you can sir?

Thanks again

Joe Strauss: I don't think the sweeping changes many of you want will occur. I anticipate a significant pitching acquisition, perhaps the addition of a RH bat and the retention of Eckstein. It makes sense that the club part with a LH-hitting outfielder (Duncan, Schumaker, Ankiel) for pitching unless the organization is willing to sacrifice Garcia, Perez, Anderson or Rasmus in a trade. The bullpen is set. The biggest potential deal would be moving Rolen. Mozeliak alluded recently to a need for a better climate between Scott and TLR. If that can not be achieved, Mo suggested the club may try other alternatives. Anthony Reyes and Brad Thompson are likewise available, though I'm not sure of their value.

Lynda: Hello, Chatmeister. Can we talk catching? Why did the managers who vote for Gold Glove recipients "steal" Yadi's award that was his rightful due when they don't allow their players to try to steal on him??? Also, is it a coincidence that Mike Matheny filed for free agency on the same day that the Cardinals let Gary Bennett go? Might we see Mike back with the birds on the bat as Yadi's backup as he prepares for a new career as a coach or manager? (Please say YES!)

Joe Strauss: Yadi was addressed previously. I take pride in rarely disappointing a woman, but in this case I fear I will. Matheny's future in the game lies in coaching or managing. The Cardinals are interested in bringing him back to the organization, but not in a playing capacity. As you recall, Mike never fully recovered from post-concussion syndrome. Like you, I hope he rejoins the organization at some point. One of the top 10 class acts I've covered.

LARRY HARNLY: It was reported -- probably by the Post-Dispatch -- that Walt Jocketty was earning $1 million per year. Seems he was vastly underpaid. What do you believe John Mozeilak is making in the first year of his contract? Do you think general managers are underpaid as a general rule?

Joe Strauss: Walt's three-year averaged less than $1 million per, but his installment for next season touches seven figures. Mozeliak's salary has not been disclosed, but I believe it in the 600K-750K range. Yes, GMs are grossly underpaid. I don't begrudge a top manager (TLR, Torre) $4-$5M per, but i find it difficult to justify how the head of baseball operations receives less than 25 percent of that figure. GMs work it 12 months a year and are expected to be the voice of the organization. True, TLR has served as that voice for much of his tenure. But I couldn't agree more that MLB GM's may be among the game's worst-compensated roles relative to responsibility.