Joe Strauss: All right, Everybody Up! It's time for another semi-weekly installment of Joe Strauss (Dead Or) Alive!!! As promised, we return after another significant development, the hiring of John Mozeliak as general manager after the Cardinals' four-week search took them about 20 paces down the hall. I'm sure you have opinions and questions about Mo and other pending Cardinals matters. Meanwhile, JSL!!! comes to you from "an undisclosed location." The black and gold bonfire-and-pitchforks crowd is out after taking exception to today's column about their fabulously gifted but underscheduled team. Mr. Cheney, please pass me some toast.
Let's get cranking. The Secret Service prefers to keep me and Mr. Cheney moving every 90 minutes or so; we may not make it to 2 p.m. But in response to popular demand, Let's Get it On with JSL!!!

Aaron: JSL rocks my socks off!!!

I hear all the chat-chit about the Cards needing an impact bat. Wouldn't a lineup with Ankiel, Duncan, Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds batting 2-6 be enough impact? I know you can't count on Rolen and Edmonds for a full season but I would think you would have to spend your dough on some pitching sauce. Also, do you think Ludwick can hit .270 with 30 bombs given 500 AB's?

Remember, the Chatmeister doesn't wear a watch because the Chatmeister decides what time it is!!!

Joe Strauss: The central question revolves around health, very difficult to predict for veteran players coming off a third shoulder surgery (Rolen), chronic hurts (Edmonds, Pujols) and season-ending hernia surgery (Duncan). Ankiel proved he can hit major league pitching. Now he needs to prove he can hit it consistently. Ludwick's production per at-bat was outstanding last season. Tony La Russa spotted him well. Ludwick has a big swing and big holes but crushes mistakes. He's a valuable platoon player. The Cards need to first address their rotation then pursue an impact bat or SS with what's left over.

Tony: Hey Joe, how about those Tigers climbing the ranks? My question is about the young Florida Marlin who seems to have taking a liking to Pujols. Do you think the Cards have the trading chips to go after a guy like Miguel Cabrera to fill the hole in the infield and the right handed power bat?

Joe Strauss: El Tigres are very impressive. I think Chase Daniel is deserving of Heisman consideration but, unfortunately, the Tigers' underwhelming schedule hurts his visibility. You have to be impressed by the defense's improvement as well. They are not a one-trick pony. As for Cabrera, he's very gifted but he's also going to be very expensive. Cabrera has cultivated a not-so-great reputation as a clubhouse guy. The Marlins are not pleased with his conditioning. He has gained, by some estimates, 80 pounds since reaching the major leagues. For a team recently hurt by injuries, I don't know if it's the best fit.

Dave: Hey Joe. I don't think the Cards' situation is quite as dire as people think. Just like the Rams this season, they were plagued by injuries to key players, such as Rolen, Molina, Carpenter, Mulder, and to a lesser extent, Edmonds, Encarnacion, Eckstein, and Looper. Common sense (and a lot of hope) suggests that this team ought to be healthier come 2008. Now I know that having a new GM decreases your ability to speculate on this, but assuming that this team is somewhat better because players are actually on the field, do you think it would be beneficial for the Cards to wheel and deal during the GM meetings and early free agency period, or should Cardinal Nation expect the same cautious approach that we've seen the past 2 seasons? Given his comments during his introduction last week, I get the impression that Mozeliak wants to make a swift impact in his new role. What's your take on this?

Joe Strauss: I don't compare NFL and MLB. The Rams were fundamentally flawed before their injuries. So were the Cardinals. Comparisons end there for me. I expect the Cardinals to make an impact trade for pitching. From a marketing and a competitive standpoint they can't afford to stand still as the core of this team ages. Mozeliak enters a very difficult situation. The market is threadbare and he possesses minimal trade leverage. Moving a high-priced veteran player could perhaps address multiple needs but that, too, is very complicated. The Cardinals have to get healthier or they have no shot. Either Mulder or Carpenter will have to contribute at some point next season. Too much payroll is tied up with too few players.

John in Arizona: The Chatmeister's voice is heard across the continent. It seems most of the "spin" I have read on the Rolen/TLR feud indicates that Tony wants to kiss and make up and Scotty ain't buyin. I can't believe this all came about because Rolen was "benched" when he was hurt and unproductive. There must be more to it than that. Is Rolen just a malcontent (ask Larry Bowa) or is there some justification for his discontent? Will he become a cancer in the clubhouse? It isn't Rolen's fault he got hurt, but I, for one, am becoming a little bored with this seemingly childish pouting. In the school of
"what have you done for us lately," it ain't much. All Cardinal fans, myself included, would love to see a healthy, happy and productive Scott Rolen at third. That said, I question whether he will ever be (a) healthy; (b) happy; and (c) productive. Even if we have to eat a lot of his salary, I'm beginning to think it could be addition by subtraction. What is the Chatmeister's take?

Joe Strauss: I'm not so sure TLR wants to "kiss and make up." My take is that the manager has challenged Rolen to resurrect a career detoured by injury and perhaps loss of motivation. Rolen has not responded to TLR's challenge but I think it safe to say Scotty won't be headlining the next ARF benefit. Rolen became disillusioned the organization's handling of his shoulder in 2005 and the relationship has never repaired. The 2006 playoffs widened the riff when TLR benched Rolen. (Rolen subsequently took a cortisone shot and finished the postseason on a 10-game hitting streak.) Without taking sides here, it's safe to say that having a disaffected star player subtracts from the clubhouse. Likewise, Rolen supporters would say perceived double standards are equally corrosive. It's a mess. If Rolen is healthy, I believe his disposition will improve. But I no longer believe his relationship with TLR can be salvaged.
There... you've got my take.

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.

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.

Paul: Quite a few people in St. Louis are of the opinion that AP should have 2-3 MVP awards and 2-3 Gold Glove awards. Is this homer sentiment or evidence that AP is undervalued by the greater baseball community? Is there any relation to McGwire not recieving the MVP in '98? Also, if AP is short a couple trophies on his mantle, how does that affect how his career is viewed after he retires (i.e. five years after he retires)?

Joe Strauss: I can't argue your premise. I've voted Albert MVP twice. So, obviously, I feel he deserves multiple awards. The Gold Glove is a tough one. Derrek Lee is fabulous there but I didn't think he was an overly compelling candidate this season. I believe if Albert lost it, Todd Helton would take it.
Albert's a Hall of Fame player who only needs to play 10 seasons to achieve minimum longevity for consideration. I don't believe McGwire has any effect on his standing.

Randy K: Dear Chatmeister:

I must confess that Wednesdays with Mr. Chat are infinitely more entertaining than those without. Add in a strong college football column...and you're an all-purpose threat today. I agree 100% about Mizzou playing a tougher schedule. Back in the 70's, 28 of their 40 non-conference foes in the decade were top 20, and 12 of them were top 10. That was cool.

To baseball. In his last four seasons, Jim Edmonds has gone from 153 games played, .301 ave., 42 HR, 111 RBI, 1.061 OPS to 142/.263/29/89/.918, to 110/.257/19/70/.821 to 117/.252/12/53/.728. His only number that's gone up is errors, from 2 to 3 to 5 in the last three seasons. Do you think it's reasonable for the Cardinals to expect him to reverse this trend in '08? I know he's going to be their centerfielder...but I don't think he's a centerpiece player any more. With the Carpenter injury and the dearth of chips to trade and talent on the FA market, I say the club should save it's bullets for '09.

Finally, I'm having an argument with a friend in Vegas. He insists that Florida is going to win by at least 6 1/2 at South Carolina. I say if there's one game the head ball coach will stay in, especially at home, it's the one vs. the Gators. What do you think?

Joe Strauss: People, most wearing black and gold and some wielding crayons, construed today's tome as a rip job. Untrue.
If a football coach is going to challenge his fan base to show up for a game against a downtrodden opponent, is it out of line to challenge his program to upgrade its schedule. Backing out of arrangements with Iowa and UCLA doesn't suggest ambition. I'm not suggesting that Mizzou go back to the days of trying to slay every giant in the nation, but an intersectional home-and-home against a traditional "name" team would help elevate the program. It's too bad an 8-1 team can't sell out Senior Day and its QB doesn't receive deserved mention for the Heisman. Lack of tradition and scheduling play a part. More later...

Edmonds has been a diminished player the last several years. He has suggested next season may be his last. If he has made that decision, I expect him to throw everything into 2008. Edmonds exhibited flashes near the end of '07. If he has a healthy, productive spring training, look out.

I like the Ball Coach Saturday...

Paul: Jeff Gordon in his Q & A Monday wrote that Duncan and TLR loved Dan Haren. What were the circumstances of his departure? Where there some in the organization that predicted he wouldn't pan out in the majors? Did anyone realize how good he was going to be?

Joe Strauss: Minor quibble. Dunc' loved Haren but TLR lobbied the club to go after Mulder when he became available after the '04 World Series loss. TLR has since admitted he was wrong, his P.C. was right. The day after the trade Walt Jocketty remarked words to the effect, "We don't think Dan Haren will ever be the pitcher that Mark Mulder is."

Johnny Walker: Hey Joe,

What is Chase Daniel's chances for the heisman this year? Oh wait... this isn't a Mizzou chat... hmmm... then why are you writing about them? Do you even watch football or know where Columbia is? Stick to baseball, it's what you somewhat good at.

Joe Strauss: Unfortunately, Daniel's chances aren't as good as if he was seen on national TV against an intersectional power, or even Notre Dame. Thanks for the backhand compliment. I enjoy your product, John.

Kevin: Joe,

Thanks to your horrible and poorly thought out article about Mizzou, I now have the proper motivation to never read the Post-Dispatch again.

You have a clear agenda against this state's flagship public university. Your writing of this article will cost this once-proud newspaper some subsricptions, starting with my own.

Kevin

Joe Strauss: Sorry your sensitivities can't handle a conflicting view, Kev. Write anytime. I'm wondering how many rebukes are being sent by those who wished Coach Pinkel fired barely a year ago. It's your own coach who wonders why the faithful can't sell out Seniors Day. I'd love to see Mizzou restore its football tradition. I don't know if that happens when you line up Nevada, Buffalo and SEMO.

Roger Waltemath: Joseph: What was your motivation and purpose for " putting out" the MU diatribe?
"I bet my life that this question will not be addressed by you on your "CHAT SHOW"!

Joe Strauss: I'd hardly consider a column that liberally quotes the school's AD as a diatribe. An alternate point of view, perhaps. But hardly a diatribe. Mr. Alden stated that a win is a win, whether against Arkansas or Arkansas St. At this point I would suggest he has accurately taken the pulse of his fan base. But with a large number of schedule openings approaching, my point is that Mizzou might try to reach a bit higher. Blasphemy, I guess, with Kool-Aid running through the streets.
Condolences to your family on your lost bet.

Chester: Joe; All of a sudden the National League has some really great managers. Bobby Cox and LaRussa as the two who've been around awhile now. Pinella in Chi town along now w/Dusty Baker in Red Leg town and now Torre in LA. Could this be a shifting of power away from that beer league they call the American League???!!!!

Joe Strauss: The AL still rules. But who wants to watch 3:30 games every night? I wholeheartedly agree with your point about the growing managerial intrigue. Dusty, Torre, Cox, Ned Yost, Piniella... shake and stir with TLR and you never know what might come out. If only the Pirates had rehired Lloyd McClendon.

Amy: Joe,
What is the status of the Ballpark Village and what will be the status of the Village as it relates to the 2009 All Star game?
Amy Preston
Llano, TX

Joe Strauss: Ballpark Village is still referred to as Lake DeWitt. Nothing is coming out of the hole and construction has again been pushed back. Forget about it being completed prior to the '09 All-Star Game. The club has not offered any additional details since its most recent date for a construction start passed.

robert DeSutter: What's the question limit? Why do you suppose the PD uses John Rodriguez as the thumbnail on all clickable fan forum sites? Do you think it's a fleeting hope for his return? Or is it merely from Sports PD layout laziness?
~R~
JSL!!!

Joe Strauss: JRod had knee surgery and is no longer part of the org's plans. The Baltimore Orioles still market Cal Ripken. We continue to market JRod. What's the diff?

H Pool: I would like you to explain why it is rational for Baseball Cardinal fans to continue to support a middling team playing in the weakest division of the weaker league, and yet it is irrational to support MU's football team during a successful season.

Joe Strauss: Come on, H. Let's be intellectually honest here. If I'm an MU grad I'm all over this team and its success. But apparently your ball coach doesn't feel the love for this weekend's epic conference tilt against A&M. I'm not suggesting Tiger Nation not embrace what's going on. I'm merely suggesting the program reach higher. Broadening a recruiting base (something assisted by aggressive scheduling) can help a program achieve consistency beyond 1-2 seasons. There's nothing wrong with making a trek to MU on Saturday as much a tradition as it is in Athens, Columbus, Austin or Norman. A downtrodden program would never think about pursuing tougher competition. Pinkel has laid a foundation. It's OK to build on it.

Tim: Nice timing on the Mizzou commentary. The PD has been running too many positive articles for an 8-1 team emerging from two decades of college football oblivion. You've been in town for what, about 8 minutes? But you know the reason for the attendance problem. I'm sure people would be overrunning Columbia if Mizzou had scheduled LSU, USC, OSU and the New England Patriots. People would rather go watch a 5-4 squad than an 8-1 team with very real conference championship possibility. Thanks again for taking a huge dump right in front of the parade I've been waiting 40 years for.

Joe Strauss: I'm guessing the season ticket base would be higher if one of those powers was included on MU's home schedule. I'm not sure, but I don't think Buffalo and Nevada travel well. (But SEMO... look out.) Enjoy your parade. It would be great for it to become an annual event.

HL: Joe,

Today XM's Charlie Wilson said newspaper reports had Omar Minaya and Mark Shapiro in discussions about the Mets kicking the tires on Cliff Lee.

Shouldn't Lee be the type of pitcher the Cardinals are looking for to fill out the back end of the rotation? He seems to be cut from the Chris Carpenter-mold and has a reasonably contract if he can rebound from a helacious 2007.

Lee is owed $3.75M in 2008, $5.75M in 2009, and has a $8M club option ($1M buyout) in 2010.

Any grumblings of Cardinals having any interest there?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals have considered Lee before. He's a fly ball pitcher but Busch is at least a pitcher-neutral park. He's out of favor in Cleveland. His contract is manageable for a guy who can produce. Last season gave rise to questions about his productivity. The Cardinals say they're looking for a No. 2 starter. I don't think Lee fits that description based on last season. It's also likely the Tribe is seeking young players.

Roger Waltemath: What qualifys you Joseph to be a Sports writer?

Joe Strauss: I can spell "qualifies."

"Bard": Oh great and glorious Smirkmeister!!!!! Albert Pujols' place in history is clear, but what about his place in the lineup? Even El Diablo, with his nose for palace intrigue, must concede to a tsunami of sentiment that El Hombre might better benefit El Birdos by batting in the cleanup spot. Or would that be too tramautizing to the lineup? Would it be wrong to say you could draw on your vast experience in Atlanta and Baltimore to give us a read on where Pujols should hit in the order? ... Cleanup: Up Arrow? Down Arrow?

P.S. I think you must have M-I-Z ... E-N-V-Y.

Joe Strauss: You sound as if you've sat within several feet of the ChatMeister in the Busch Stadium press box. I'm bullish on moving El Hombre to No. 4 in the lineup. It accomplishes what TLR attempted by batting the pitcher eighth. The Cardinals were feeble in the first inning last season. First-inning production is what motivates Tony to bat Albert third. However, I don't see a true No. 3 hitter (.310, 20-25 HR, 90-110 RBI) on the current roster...

As for envy... come to Jordan-Hare or Sanford Stadium on an October Saturday. It's OK. Really.

Chris: Also, difficult scheduling is what did Onfario in. Penn St. got to being Penn St. by "cupcaking it" for years!


Seriously, look at the top 25's OOC schedule and explain which school's is tougher.


MIZZOU RAH!

Joe Strauss: Look at your 2008-10 schedule and get back to me, Chris.

Steve: Great to see you back again JSL---you should be a clear cut fave for BCS Champion of Chats!!!!

If Chris Duncan is acknowledged as the Cards top major league trading chip do you think that having Dave Duncan on the staff affects their willingness to move him?

Joe Strauss: To be honest.... yes. It certainly makes it more difficult from an emotional standpoint.

Dennis: Hey Mr. Strauss,

You have every right to your opinion about Mizzou Football, but have taken a look at the top 10's strength of schedule? Jayhawks, who I am sure you are in love with because of the 76 they put on Nebraska like everyone is, has a SOS in the 100's. Have you taken a look at Ohio St.'s out of conference schedule? Not very impressive. Oklahoma's? Again, not impressive. Just wondering what your beef is with the schedule if you looked around the country at other teams non-con.

Thank you for taking time to answer if you choose to.

Joe Strauss: I have exactly the same issue with KU as Mizzou. My point isn't confined to this season, though arguing as such makes it easier for you. Missouri hasn't had a similar opportunity to "stretch" itself for decades. Come on. Dial in with Notre Dame, UCLA, Iowa, Virginia... anybody outside the Big 12 who can fog a mirror. Is home-and-home with SMU what you're looking for? (Was Troy already booked?) Michigan plays Oregon. Virginia Tech plays LSU. Tennessee used to play Notre Dame. Texas played Ohio State. With Daniel as QB, Mizzou is a made-for-national TV club. (Oh, yeah, Oklahoma drilled Miami.) Right now the Big 12 has three teams in the Top 7. After the conference title game it will likely have one should Oklahoma win.

Kyle: Wow. There is a lot of negative reaction about your article. I found the criticism fair. I love St. Louis and Missouri but I think, at times, we become insular and don't realize the image that the nation sees. Mizzou not scheduling tough non-conference opponents damages their reputation nationally and hurts their recruiting.

I agree with your article. (I guess I should have just said that.)

Joe Strauss: How dare you say such things.

old mizzou, proud mizzou: Chatmeister,
I know of your expertise on ACC and Big East Football. Do you think the Hokies can win out in the ACC and do you think West Virginia is worthy of playing in the Rose Bowl. JSLive!!! is my favorite

Joe Strauss: I'm bullish on the Hokies and believe they will roll Virginia to reach the conference championship game, which I anticipate them winning in a possible rematch with BC. West Va. is a very live team along with Oregon and LSU. As stated, I believe Michigan will shock OSU. (If only the Wolverines hadn't scheduled Oregon.)

Dan: Is it time to just scratch the Gold Glove thing all together? If Yadier Molina isn't a Gold Glover, there is no such thing. They always reference Gold Gloveswhen introducing a HOF'er or naming HOF credentials, but I think that this year just proves that they really mean NOTHING. I think another sports writer on this site said it best. It's no wonder these managers get fired so often if they can't even identify the best defensive players in the league.

And for the record, great article on Tiger football. They need to earn the fans back, and tough non- con games are the way to do it. The basketball team has been doing the cream puff thing for years, and it DOES affect post season selections, as it should in football.

Joe Strauss: As stated before, games played factored in Molina's diss. I wonder who should be entrusted with votes? The managers and coaches who supposedly know the game so much better than the writers? The writers whose objectivity is questioned every November when awards are announced? The broadcasters who are hired and fired at discretion of the team? Or should they feed the stats into a computer and accept what comes out? Worst of all, there could emerge a system that would eliminate debate.

Joe Strauss: That's going to have to do it for this week's unvarnished version of JSL!!!, folks. The Secret Service is urging Mr. Cheney and I to relocate to another unspecified location. It's been an interesting session with a tsunami of questions. Check back in two weeks and we'll likely be setting up the winter meetings or discussion what, if any, personnel moves have taken place. Who knows? I may be credentialed for Mizzou-KU at Arrowhead. Ooops, I wasn't supposed to let that out. As always, thanks for your interest. Something tells me it was very sincere this week. The ChatMeister will be offering periodic columns through spring training, so keep the fan mail coming. Got to go, my Tipsheet from College Station just arrived.