Steven: El Diablo--

I have a growing suspicion that the Cardinals will be sorting through the litter bins in February trying to see what pieces there are left to pick up. At what point does credibility become a major issue for Bill DeWitt and Co? Every year (granted this one isn't over or really started), they continue to talk about being aggressive and in the end they're dumpster diving. I'm assuming they aren't in on any of the tier 2 big names (Hudson, Furcal)?

Joe Strauss: I wouldn't go along with your assumption yet. After two consecutive playoff misses and a sub-.500 record since mid-May 2006, this club is facing its most serious credibility test in nearly a decade. However, the fan base validated the approach with more than 3.4 million attendance last season. The fans ultimately judge what's going on. So far, they haven't voted with their feet.

Tom: Chatmeister,

Double down on Josh Kinney as our 2009 closer? A risky bet, but may have high reward.

tom

Joe Strauss: Kinney is an intriguing variable whose return influenced the move with Russ Springer.

Andy: Joe,

What are the chances that after the winter meetings the Cardinals are minus an outfielder? Who will it be and who might we get in return? Please do not say that it will be Ludwick!

Thanks,
Andy - Des Moines

Joe Strauss: Ludwick and Schumaker are the leading trade possibilities. Schumaker likely would be included as part of a package. Rasmus projects as Schumaker's replacement short-term and may assume Ankiel's role after 2009.

Nick: Since their is a great demand in baseball for "left handed relievers" why don't they use Ankiel? He would be the first (at least that I know of) position player that could shift from OF to pitcher then back to the OF and still be able to be brought in to pitch to the next left handed batter. Now that he's made it back as a position player it doesn't seem like much of a gamble (at least to try it out). But, if it worked, Boris would have a "field day" with Ankiel's next contract...$20mil/yr at 5 years...EEKS!

Joe Strauss: Counselors are standing by waiting to help, sir.

Jeepster: Joe: Are we to believe that Mozeliak didn't know about Miller's previous shoulder surgery before he came to St. Louis for his physical? How could he not? Smells like more B.S. from the front office.

Joe Strauss: Fair to say Mo' had no idea what the physicals would reveal. The club is taking a harsher view of signing health risks after the last two seasons' fiascos. Just as the Tino Martinez boondoggle scared the club from pursuing marquee free agent position players, Mark Mulder's two-year deal signed after 2006 has underscored the risk in "betting on the come." The Cardinals received one win total from Mulder and Chris Carpenter since signing them to deals worth nearly $80 million following the World Series win. I wouldn't call it front office BS, but I would say it's cause for concern when Trever Miller remains the most prominent issue to date.