Joe Strauss: Folks: This is from Mike Smith. Joe is having technical difficulties on his end. We're attempting to get the chat started, so don't give up on us yet. Thanks.
-- mike smith |
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| Joe Strauss: Sorry I'm late for this. I went to the wrong Tsunami and began answering questions posted for tomorrow's go-round. Oh, the humanity!!! Without further excuse-making, let's dive into today's rising Tsunami as the Cardinals continue to use their outfield depth to trawl for pitching depth. As a bonus, JSL!!! is offering the first annual BCS All-Fraud Top 20 list if the ChatHeads so desire. For you Tiger fans lamenting your team's absence from national championship consideration, JSL!!! may have something for you. But we're here to talk ball. So Let's Get It On!!! |
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| ChicagoCardsFan: So this question isn't really related to the Winter Meetings, but I asked it late last week and wanted to give it another shot. There are rumors flying around that the majority ownership of the Cardinals is buying up minority shares in the team in anticipation of selling the team sometime after the ASG in 2009. Any thoughts on this or if there is movement within the organization to sell? Thanks in advance. |
| Joe Strauss: Majority ownership has bought shares in recent years because of former partner Bob Castellini's purchase of the Cincinnati Reds and the death of another minority interest. Bill DeWitt Jr. consistently denies any intention of selling anytime soon, but rumors certainly persist. This is not a great market to be selling a sports franchise, as the Rams are finding out. True, the Cardinals ownership group is assured a hefty profit, but any sale would also include a significant amount of debt stemming from construction of New Busch. Changes at Anheuser-Busch, the Cardinals' biggest advertiser, are almost certain to effect the team's corporate support. These are uncertain times for the sports industry and the Cardinals are not exempt. But I don't see a pressing need for ownership to sell. Revenues continue to finance the stadium. |
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Matt: Joe,
In all honesty and seriousness, how annoyed have you become from the contingent of fans(and they have every right) voicing their opinion about Cardinals Management being cheap? Scale 1-10? It is getting pretty old in my opinion. I wish more people would understand Higher Payroll DOES NOT = Championship. |
| Joe Strauss: It doesn't annoy me but it bothers management a lot. It's a cyclical argument for many. If the team doesn't compete for Sabathia, Burnett, K-Rod, etc., it's because it's cheap. If it signs Chris Carpenter to a five-year extension and he breaks down, the team is incompetent because it didn't foresee a breakdown. The TB Rays reached the World Series with a payroll below $50 million. The Cardinals won a World Series at around $90 million. The NY Yankees missed the postseason last year despite spending about $200M. It's a talking point. I believe fans remain frustrated that the new stadium has not equated to dramatically higher spending. The team never fully explained that the pledge was based on the facility being publicly financed. |
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Aaron: Hola El Diablo,
Is there any chance Felipe Lopez could still make a triumphant return to the Redbirds? I don't consider myself Lopez's #1 fan, but w/ Green at short, I feel like the Cards are going to need some additional pop in the middle infield. (Green's sub-.300 OBP's are scaring me a little, though I think he's a good chance to take.) And the prospect of a full season of Kennedy is not exactly awe-inspiring. Of course, the offense was fine last year, but the possibility that Ankiel, Ludwick, Glaus, and Yadi could all regress a little this year seems a very real one. Thanks for being so insightful and grizzled!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Joe Strauss: Grizzled? Hmmm.
Green is being sold as an offensive upgrade. (He hit 27 HR in '07). He's not a big on-base guy. That's not going to change. Kennedy is serviceable if you project what he provided in '08 over 500 at-bats. I believe TLR would have preferred an upgrade, but the Cardinals did rank fourth in the league in runs scored and until September were a virtual carbon of the Philadelphia Phillies. Lopez certainly impressed offensively last September. However, there are numerous teams that would remind the Cardinals that long-term relationships with "Flip" usually end badly. |
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Nate: So is there any truth to these Burnett rumors? We've been reading about how the Cards aren't going to pursue any big name free agents, and suddenly they're going after the second-most highly touted arm on the market? I like Burnett, and I remember him being open to coming to St. Louis, but if this is true, are the Cards willing to give him that fifth year he wants?
Thanks |
| Joe Strauss: It ain't true, brother, as I'm sure you're already heard. Don't believe everything you read. Unless, of course, you read it at JSL!!! |
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Frank: Hi there Joe,
From the hindsight is 20-20 files --- What, in your memory, is the best would-be trade that almost was (but sadly never happened) from Winter Meetings gone by? What was the worst trade that almost happen but, thankfully, didn't come to pass?
Thanks!
By the way, Gordo sent me to you -- said you'd know this off the top of your head! |
| Joe Strauss: The Cardinals nearly dealt for Brian Roberts at the 2001 Winter Meetings in Boston with pitching going the other way. The San Diego Padres inquired about Albert Pujols after his 2000 minor-league season but were prudently shooed away. |
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tihma1234: Joe,
I love your work. I can only imagine the kind of shenanigans you and Goold are getting into in Vegas. Has your field work yielded any strong advice on CFB? No matter how you slice it, Florida/Oklahoma should be tremendous.
Remember the Alamo,
Tony |
Joe Strauss: Haven't had as much feedback from the Paper Tigers lately. Post-extension remorse, I guess. The National (er, SEC) Championship Game was compelling. Florida is the best team in the country. Truth to tell, Oklahoma is probably the only Big 12 school that could compete for an SEC Division title. (OK, Texas could have stayed on the field with 'Bama.) It will be interesting to watch Football vs. Throwball.
As promised, this year's JSL!!! All-Fraud Top 20:
1. Auburn; 2. Tennessee; 3. Clemson; 4. Mizzou; 5. LSU; 6. Wisconsin; 7. South Florida; 8. Illinois; 9. West Virginia; 10. Arizona State; 11. Kansas; 12. UCLA; 13. Georgia; 14. Michigan; 15. Ohio State; 16. Louisville; 17. California; 18. Notre Dame; 19. Florida State; 20. Texas A&M. |
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GScottAR: With it appearing that Kennedy will remain with the team in '09, does that almost guarantee that Miles will be re-signed to backup SS? I suppose Ryan could still be in the mix, but I would imagine that Lopez is off the table considering his demands.
Not to be sarcastic, but do the Cardinals realize that they have a plethora of LH hitting Of's? The rumors of trading Ludwick make no sense to me. |
| Joe Strauss: ChatMeister Mo' is apparently listening. Ludwick is now secondary trade bait, at best. Ankiel and Schumaker are the leading names in play. Miles is a TLR favorite and should be back; however, how the club handles arbitration with him should be watched. (He was non-tendered before re-signing last year but may be extended this time around.) Mo' now refers to the Ludwick to Colorado talks "a unique situation." |
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| camevan: Are there any teams showing serious interest in Burnett at this point? I know his price is high, but Waino can't be expected to pick up the load again this year, especially if we only have four major-league starters in our rotation. |
| Joe Strauss: Atlanta still appears in command for Burnett with a four-year offer plus an option for a fifth on the table. Burnett is waiting because his market could explode if Sabathia jilts the Yankees. |
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Luke: Mr. Strauss thanks for all you do for Cards fans and I appreciate your work you do in the post.
Do you think the cards have a shot at Burnett and if so is this a rotaion that can match up with the Cubs and the rest of the NL. Also I know the cards are going to stand pat on Kennedy and I dont mind that but would have loved to have seen reunion with Grudz at second. Do you think the cards will stand pat on a closer because I would love to see Wood in cardinal red next year and if not him trade for Putz/Street. I just wanted to get your thoughts on this.
Thanks |
| Joe Strauss: Mo' sounds as if he's modified his stance on a closer, saying it's possible the club could trade or sign someone for the next 2-3 years. That, of course, would make either Motte or Perez available for trade. |
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GSW: Chatmeister,
Viva Las Vegas - if he were here today, I know Elvis would proudly be riding the tsunami!
"Trades may be out, free agency in." How much of this is due to the favorable economic shift (for the Cards, not the rest of us), and how much is due to the relatively low value given the Cards' trading chips by the rest of the league (i.e., are teams really that interested in Schumaker)?
Thanks, Joe - as always, you da man! |
| Joe Strauss: Both your conclusions have merit. A high-ranking club source suggested Tuesday there is little or no interest in any Cardinals minor-league position player than Rasmus or Wallace. As a 2008 draftee, Wallace, who may play some LF next summer, does not become eligible for trade until next June. |
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| B-Ball Fan: Has Jeff Weaver been contacted for a spring training invite ? |
| Joe Strauss: Maybe by someone. But to my knowledge, not by the Cardinals. |
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50+yearscardsfan: Joe,
Burnett would be nice, but how about doing either Pettite or Wolf? That way you add a lefty to the rotation AND have some coin left to sign a 2B (or FA Closer) as well. Adam Kennedy.........Just Say NO!!!!!!!!! |
| Joe Strauss: You may get your wish on Wolf or Pettitte... but likely not on second base. |
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mgentry517: Chatmeister,
Now that the Cardinals are leaning towards keeping Kennedy, what's your read on how playing time is split up at second base? Will Kennedy begin the year as starter, or is it a platoon of Kennedy and Miles? Would someone like a Tyler Greene come up and get some time at second?
Thanks, oh wise one.
Mark |
| Joe Strauss: I would expect to see Kennedy play 4-5 games a week with Miles given most opportunities against LH pitching. That's my opinion. TLR has yet to speak to the issue. I doubt if TLR joins in the organizational fetish about T. Greene. |
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tc22: Joe,
What are the chances of the Cardinals trading for San Fran P Matt Cain? I think that young Cain has a bright future in the big leagues and that he would significantly upgrade our starting pitching rotation. I know that the Giants are looking for a power hitting OF. Your thoughts? |
| Joe Strauss: The Giants envision themselves as rapidly building into a contender within a vulnerable division. Cain is young, talented and cheap. He would upgrade any staff. I don't see the Giants giving him up for less than a ton. |
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Franklin: Greetings Diablo-san,
Despite being a card-carrying member of the Mark Worrell For the 2009 Bullpen Club, I'm still please with the Greene deal. Wondered what you think of Worrell's chances to contribute to the 09 Padres, and where he'll fit into their plans. Also, was his unusual delivery the reason the coaches didn't cotton to him, or was there something else in the mix?
It's me,
Franklin! |
| Joe Strauss: The Cardinals projected him as a RH specialist. He'll likely receive more of an opportunity in SD, where he won't be blocked by a logjam of RH relievers (Franklin, Thompson, Motte, Perez, Kinney, etc.). |
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| Brett: Joe, let mget this right. No Holliday. Kennedy back at 2B. "Low hanging fruit". Please give me something to prove me that we are at least trying this offseason. No big FA's, no impact bat, and now no 2B. Khalil Greene as our biggest offseason move? Please tell me what you think! |
| Joe Strauss: I've thought all along the Cardinals had little chance without upgrading their pitching staff next season. You can win while scoring the fourth-most runs in the league. It's much harder to do so while leading the league in blown saves and having little depth should a starting pitcher go down. There are many who agree with you, including some in the Cardinals organization, but you asked my opinion. In the seven seasons I've covered the team, their success has been closely linked to pitching. They endured chaotic bullpens in 2003 and 2008 and a tattered rotation in 2007. Coincidentally, they missed the postseason all three seasons. |
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therealdealankiel: Oh King of Craps,
Please tell me that we are only going to move Ankiel (40 HR power and good D) for a serious pitching offer! Mike Gonzalez would certainly help us, but surely we can get a starting pitcher for Rick...is Ian Kennedy a realistic target? If so, do you feel that is a fair deal for the Cards? |
| Joe Strauss: The Braves and Cardinals have looked like natural trade partners ever since November. However, the Cardinals apparently were never smitten with Kelly Johnson and could never make it happen for Yunel Escobar. The Braves and Cardinals spoke Monday but could not agree on a deal for Gonzalez. Ankiel, not Ludwick, was apparently discussed. There are many who are down on Kennedy but he has significant upside if healthy. The Yankees have long been intrigued by Ankiel. Stay tuned. |
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| redbirdswin: What kind of numbers do you envision Khalil Greene putting up for the Cards next year - Is .260, 16 HR, 65 RBI a fair assumption? If so, the trade for Greene would be a highly successful one in my opinion, and anything more would be gravy. |
| Joe Strauss: He may hit for a lower average but the club would be satisfied if he met your production goals (perhaps with 10 more RBI) and played above-average defense. Where he bats in the order, Greene should have numerous RBI chances. It will be interesting if TLR holds to the Pitcher batting eighth. In a conventional lineup, I'd call it Ras/Schumaker, Ankiel, Pujols, Ludwick, Glaus, Greene, Molina, Kennedy, Pitcher. You could bump Kennedy to second and drop Ankiel/Duncan to sixth for more pop. |
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| B-Ball Fan: I am 1 Cardinal fan who is not that disappointed that Adam Kennedy will be our second baseman instead of Felipe "Lose concentration daily" Lopez. Now LaRussa must have faith in Adam and play him. Who will be our back-up infielders besides Miles next year ? Don't think Ryan is in the plans do you ? |
Joe Strauss: Freese and Ryan would appear leading possibilities for the final IF spot. Ryan did not enhance his standing last season. There may also be some low-hanging fruit exposed by the upcoming non-tender date.
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Tom: Chatmeister,
Hope you're living it up in Vegas. In keeping with the Vegas scene, how about a little oddsmaking on the following for the 2009 team:
Chris Duncan with the Cards
Skip Schumaker with the Cards
Adam Kennedy with the Cards
Carp winning 15 games
The bullpen blows half as many saves
Pujols gets a contract extension
Cards make the playoffs as a wild card team
Cards win the NL Central
Thanks,
tom |
Joe Strauss: I'll bite:
Dunc' with the Cards: 3-5
Schu with the Cards: 2-1
Kennedy with the Cards: 1-1
Carp winning 15: 3-1
Bullpen blows half as many saves: 4-1
Pujols gets contract extension: 8-1 by Opening Day; 2-1 within next 12 months.
Cards as WC: 7-2
Cards as NL Central champs: 5-1. |
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| Matt Taylor: Do you foresee the cardinals trying to unload carp in the next offseason if he proves he is healthy this year? He seems to be too big of a financial risk for the cards to keep. And after not pitching for two years I doubt we will ever see him as anything more than an expensive 3rd starter. |
| Joe Strauss: Carp enjoys no-trade protection. The Cardinals believe, if healthy, he will still be a force. The optimistic reports about his nerve situation are honest. The larger question is how long Carpenter holds together. His nerve condition is extremely rare and there is no assurance it will not return. The larger question surrounds next August and September rather than April and May. |
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justin: Hey Joe Enjoy your chats
Couple questions for you. Is Chris Duncan going to be ready for spring training and has he been working out yet? Also, does he really have any trade value like you mentioned to bring a lefthander in?
How much money do we really have left to spend, and if the deal or deals are right does dewitt boost the payroll a little more to make them happen?
Last question is, will Wallace start AA this year in the outfield to prepare himself to take over for Ankiel next year? Thanks always a pleasure |
Joe Strauss: Duncan is progressing nicely and has resumed strength training. His value is diminished by the past two seasons. However, a team looking to dump salary (like Toronto) isn't necessarily looking for equal value. The Cardinals have $14-$16 million left to spend, depending on how you project arbitration for Ludwick, Wellemeyer and Ankiel.
Wallace apparently will split time between 3B and LF as the Cardinals could be faced with Craig, Freese and Wallace all at Memphis next season. There are mixed opinions on Craig and he could be sacrificed in a larger deal. |
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| ronjon1702: Chatmeister I remember at one point all trade talks ended when the other team brought up a certain man who went by the name of Anthony Reyes. Could history repeat itself here with colby rasmus? I have read from a lot of reputable sources that the cardinals overvalue their prospects and hope this isnt the case. I know everyone has rasmus pegged as a legitimate superstar but uhh they also had anthony being the same deal as well. I know anthony didnt buy into dunc's system but that is an organizational blunder for not seeing how a player will respond. I just hope this franchise isnt being handcuffed by a misguided scouting report. I only say this because a Cubs rotation featuring 3 phenoms, albeit injury prone, and a lefty that bewilders cardinals makes this season ticket holder aspiring for a wild card birth. |
Joe Strauss: I hear you, surf shop. You can make a case the Cardinals overvalue their own prospects. Their turnaround 2005 draft has yet to yield dividends while a player they repeatedly overlooked, Yunel Escobar, now squares with a huge need. If Rasmus flames out -- unlikely, in my estimation -- the '05 draft looks like a massive lost opportunity. Indeed, he has become the face of the Cardinals' newfound commitment to player development. Except for Wallace, other teams don't see a potential impact position player within their system.
As for your wild card aspirations, that likely represents an upgrade over what you carried into last season. No? |
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| marpdagn: Hey, Joe. Do you think the Cards are seriously making Ludwick available? I can see trading him for Matt Cain, but not for a relief pitcher. Who do they plan on batting behind Albert if Luddy is gone? |
| Joe Strauss: My most recent information is that Ludwick is likely back, hitting either immediately in front or behind El Hombre. The guy did win a Silver Slugger last season. If Ludwick were gone, Glaus would loom as cleanup hitter, a role he has not excelled at for much of his career. |
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BDAx2: 3 quick hits
1. Any chance Mo signs 2 SP, one bona fide guy (Olly Perez?) and one lottery ticket (Penny?)
2. Is MO just manuvering on Kennedy much like Rolen last year. Saying we don't have to move him we are fine with him, etc in order to increase offers?
3. Do you see Garland as an equal to Lohse, meaning he will sit w/o a contract into March and then take a one year deal to try and increase his value and hit the market next year when CC, Burnett, Perez, Lowe, etc are not all looking for $$ as well. |
Joe Strauss: 1. There isn't enough money to do both Perez and such an expensive "lottery ticket." One or the other would be it.
2. It's always possible, but finances seem to confirm his position.
3. Good question. No player wants to wait until spring training for a contract. At that point he has zero leverage. Garland is not represented by Scott Boras, who has held out with Jeff Weaver and Lohse, among others. Garland is only 29 and coming off a three-year, $29M contract. He has started at least 32 games in seven consecutive seasons. He does not represent a dumpster dive. Garland is someone the Cardinals may turn to for quality innings. If he's around in February, I'll buy you a new board. |
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| harryt: Joe, any trade possiblities with the Blue Jays? How strong and accurate an arm does Rasmus have? Thank you. |
| Joe Strauss: There could be a match for LH relief pitching. The Blue Jays are motivated to move salary and Scott Downs appears a logical target. Rasmus is a plus outfielder with a strong and accurate arm. He projects as Ankiel's heir in center field. |
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| Matt: I know a lot of people think this is far fetched but why would Schumaker not start working out at second on his own? In the outfield he is a 3rd or 4th outfielder but playing second base he could be a top 5 player at his position with his offensive numbers. It's possible he isn't good enough defensively to get compete but I would think it would be worth trying since he did play ss in college. |
| Joe Strauss: This ain't Little League, Matt. It's one thing for Albert Pujols to move from LF to 1B in 2004, another for a career outfielder to move to the middle infield. If the club intended a position switch for Schumaker, it likely would have sought a Winter Ball outlet for him. Here's an idea: If you need a second baseman, go find a major-league second baseman. Schumaker is a plus outfielder who once played the infield in college. It ain't happening. |
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IA_Birds_Fan: "Mo' now refers to the Ludwick to Colorado talks 'a unique situation.'"
Any idea what that means? |
| Joe Strauss: He could have acquired a former MVP candidate as protection for Pujols. There does not seem to be a similar "hitting-for-hitting" opportunity available now. |
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schislerd: The Cardinals not acknowledging the fact that they could really use a second baseman upgrade is truly frustrating. If they are really in talks with Atlanta about possibly moving Ankiel and Kelly Johnson is not in the conversation, it is ridiculous.
I’m hoping for a Kennedy/Ankiel/prospect for Mike Gonzalez/Kelly Johnson deal… If we have to eat some of the contracts, so be it…
Maybe you could throw in Freese or Craig and get Escobar and move Green over to 2nd…
Is anything like this possible or has Mo really put the idea of upgrading at 2nd base out of his mind? |
| Joe Strauss: There appears little interest in trading for Johnson as we speak. |
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| Dan in Dublin: Any possibility we might still see Looper in a Cards' uniform next year despite his not being offered arbitration? He seemed to be making good progress under Duncan's guidance. |
| Joe Strauss: Looper is part of the FA market's second tier. For now, the club believes it can upgrade over what he provided. He is also believed interested in a 3-year deal, a place the Cardinals aren't going. However, I wouldn't rule out a future conversation if the market continues to change. Again, the market for pitching has been agonizingly slow because no one at the top has signed. Once Sabathia or Burnett land, things will open up in a hurry. |
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| jmuncy: Who is going to be the third baseman at Memphis this year? |
| Joe Strauss: Likely a rotation involving Freese, Craig and/or Wallace. Freese is a stealth candidate as the team's 25th player if Miles is back. |
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| Darin: What's the latest on Aaron Miles? Do the Cardinals resign him to platoon with Kennedy, or will he end up on another team? He's pretty cheap, it seems like a few teams would want him around. |
| Joe Strauss: He's arbitration-eligible. The Cardinals would probably like to tie him up before arbitration figures are exchanged next month. |
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Chimi.Changa: Joe Strauss: This ain't Little League....
what about Kelly Johnson, he moved from OF to 2B. |
| Joe Strauss: The Braves signed him as an IF. He played OF as a rookie in Atlanta, was sent back down and returned to the IF. He was drafted in 2000 and didn't play any OF until 2004. Nice try, though. |
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Dave Newman: Hi Joe,
Simply....if they trade Ankiel, and go with Kennedy at 2b....it's the offense WORSE than last year...even if Greene adds a little more pop? |
| Joe Strauss: Probably a little less powerful. It depends on what you get from Duncan and Raz'. Greene represents a significant variable since he could represent 50 more RBI than Izturis. |
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Matt (St. Louis): JSL!!!
I did a google search for JSL and came up with the following on Wiki:
JSL romanization
Journal of Symbolic Logic
Japanese Sign Language
Japanese as a Second Language
Japan Soccer League
Java Search Library, open source code on SourceForge
Jon Stewart
Where is the love for the JSL!!!!??? |
| Joe Strauss: I don't see the issue. Japanese is actually the second language of JSL!!! (Ichi, Ni, Sa, Chi) and many have suggested that JSL!!! is actually the Journal of Symbolic Logic. |
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| jbl: Joe, any truth to the fact we may spend all our 15 million on one player? Is it fair to assume K-Rod, Fuentes, Manny may be in the works? Thank you. Also, what do you think is our next move. |
| Joe Strauss: I do not expect the Cardinals to invest $15M in one player. K-Rod is bound for the Mets. Mo' has consistently shot down Fuentes as a possibility. Manny will command $20M-plus. I believe the next move will involve an OF traded for pitching. |
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mschoemehl: Do you see the cardinals taking a pitcher in the upcoming rule 5 draft? if so, is there anybody that could help the cards from the left side?
Thanks,
Matt S |
| Joe Strauss: It's unlikely unless the player is a LH reliever. And a LH reliever would commit the Cardinals to only four RH relievers next season. I would anticipate the Cardinals seeking only someone with some major-league experience. |
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CardsRedOctober09: Joe,
Who is on the Cardinals bench, assuming Rasmus makes the team, the Cards carry 12 pitchers, and the Cards OF is Rasmus, Ludwick, and Ankiel? I have the 5 player bench at Schumaker, LaRue, Miles, and Mather so far. Who gets the final spot? A backup SS sounds most likely. Tony dislikes Ryan so it won't be him. Will Barden get a shot? |
| Joe Strauss: Miles looms as backup SS. Brian Barden and Freese appear the most likely candidates. |
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MNCardsFan: Chatmeister,
I am first time writer, but always find time to read your articles and chats (even during finals week). I was just curious if there is any interest in Garland from the Angels. He is an innings eater, and has been consistant, why not put in a red jersey with the Birds on the Bat on the front?
Thanks Joe |
| Joe Strauss: There is interest. But, again, it's hard to peg value to these guys until an elite SP signs. The Cardinals have expressed interest to Garland's representation. Get back to cramming. |
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RANMAN: Hey JSL!!!
Is Jimmy ballgame retiring...What's the story with him? I hope to God he isn't back with the Cubs...that was too hard to take. |
| Joe Strauss: Edmonds told me late last season he wants to play on for 400 HR. He stands at 382, 55th all-time. I expect to see him back in Chicago. The Cubs are likely to deal their CF-of-the-future, Felix Pie. |
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STLFANWI: Joe,
I know you are only the messenger, but you indicate that "Kennedy has significant upside". What might that be? Please tell me he's now quicker, or that he is lifting weights and will be able to drive the ball, or that he will hustle, or that he will produce in the clutch....I just need some ray of hope that I don't see when I watch him play. |
| Joe Strauss: I was referring to the Yankees' Ian Kennedy. Sorry for the confusion. |
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jkoch25: I submitted this before, but I'm not sure if it sent now, so I'm resubmitting it :-)
Are the Cardinals seriously considering Garland? I would hope so because to me, he's the best aavailable we can get that would not only work well with the Duncanophy and be the type pitcher we need: innings eater. Would a deal of:
2009: $8 million, 2010: $10 million, 2011: $12 million or $2 million buyout (Club option)
work for Garland and the Cardinals? That would also leave open the possibility that we could sign Hoffman. He'd be the perfect stopgap to Perez, in my opinion. Plus, he'd be a great match with Perez and Motte's fastballs with his wicked, sick changeup. |
| Joe Strauss: Noted. The Cardinals are not high on Hoffman, however. |
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| Adam: The yanks have apparently offered 2/26 for Sheets. We could afford that! We have some good innings eaters. This guy would be risky but could be a huge threat! Any possiblity? |
| Joe Strauss: He's proven a huge health risk throughout his career. Recent re-signings of Mulder and Carpenter have created pressure within the organization to avoid such risks in the near term. Before you respond, Trever Miller's deal was restructured for little more than the major-league minimum. |
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| coach10: I just want to know who will hit leadoff for the Cardinals next year. I know they still have skip, but if he plays then either rick or rasmus will be on the bench and what about against lefties? They are gonna roll with what they have on the IF already so I guess it'll be miles and kennedy leading off some too. Not looking to good. |
| Joe Strauss: I doubt both Schumaker and Rasmus will be on the same team. I'm actually intrigued by Raz' as a leadoff guy. He has patience and TLR has long advocated a "pop" guy in that spot. Raz' was particularly crushed last spring because he played the leadoff game so well all spring before being optioned. Everyone wants to anoint him as the next Musial. It may be better to look at him as an athlete and let him use those talents leading off. |
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Adam: Hey Joe thanks for the chat.
Do you envision Wallace being traded, when he is allowed to be of course? What kind of deal would we get for him if he is the real deal and could put up similar numbers in the majors? It should be huge. He is already MiLB's nubmer 42 prospect. I believ highest of the 08 draftees. |
| Joe Strauss: I see Wallace as the Cardinals' rookie 3B in 2010. Certainly, Wallace would be a significant bargaining chip at the trade deadline just as 2007 first-rounder Matt LaPorta helped land CC Sabathia last July. Wallace is a bat. He does project as particularly agile. But he is considered a relatively polished hitter. |
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| BW23: Hey Joe. Are there no teams showing interest in Bryan Anderson? I would think the time to trade him is now while he's still catching, and while he wouldn't bring back a top player by himself, wouldn't he be a nice addition to a package the Cards put together? |
| Joe Strauss: You don't hear it often locally, but few teams (including the Cardinals) project Anderson as an everyday major league catcher. His future could be at 2B or as a backup C. He would have to be included as part of a trade package, for sure. |
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| cardsandcats: Chatmeister, the omnipotent Steve Phillips is quoted on ESPN.com as saying the Cardinals are in the hunt for Brian Fuentes, what say you omniscient one? |
| Joe Strauss: As stated, Mo shot it down Monday. However, it's been noted that a willingness to commit 2-3 years to a closer represents a change in thinking. Kerry Wood signing in Cleveland may cause several teams to adjust their thinking. |
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therealdealankiel: Joe,
Jon Garland, Oliver Perez, Andy Pettitte, Randy Wolf or Ben Sheets. You can have one of them for a 1-2 year deal and they bolt. Who do you sign? |
| Joe Strauss: Garland for durability reasons. Next. |
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| Mark Wilson: Hey Joe, I would like to know if you agree that Randy Wolf is a perfect fit for the Duncan makeover and the budget? He sometimes dominates with the slowest curve,78 mph and a 90 mph heater. Why would we trade # 24 Ankiel with his youth and upside much more proven than Rasmus who is still a couple years away from Ank's productivity. Joe check out the Hold'em action at the Bellagio and report back. Thanks for all your insights year round, Mark Wilson |
| Joe Strauss: Wolf fits the Duncan mold. He's a pitch-maker who changes speeds. He also offers a lefthanded look, like O. Perez. As for Ankiel, he's a free agent after next season. Jocketty is gone and TLR may also be leaving after '09. Ankiel's role models when he first arrived are elsewhere or retired (Morris, Matheny). There are fewer reasons than you assume for him to stay, especially if he's able to hit the free agent jackpot. The Cardinals realize this may be their last chance to obtain value for him, as hitters rarely bring similar packages around July 31. |
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| Joe Strauss: That's going to have to hold you for today. The ChatMeister will be back tomorrow for more. Sorry for today's delay. Given the free agent situation, the Cardinals' approach appears very fluid. I would expect some news by tonight regarding a pitcher. Now, it's to the lobby. Look for periodic updates on the site. Again, thanks for your participation. |
