Joe Strauss: Everybody up!!! It's time (actually past time) for JSL!!! as The Tsunami reaches the desert. Last year these Winter Meetings chats shut down the boards so hopefully the Post-Dispatch compu-guys are ready for the impending inundation. The Cardinals are in play to move an outfielder for pitching help. Rick Ankiel appears to be the name o' the moment with as many as six teams hoping to exploit the Cardinals' outfield surplus. Since JSL!!! features a diverse audience, we also have in store for you college football fans this year's OFFICIAL All-Fraud Top 20. Believe me, there is something for everybody in there. But the JSL!!! A-F Top 20 is available only upon request. If there's no posting for it, I'll hold back. Otherwise, let's open things up for you excited, anxious, frustrated, apoplectic Redbirds fans. Let's Get It On!!!

Joe R.: Joe,

Thanks for the time. Larussa has shown little confidence in Kennedy in the past. Can we really expect that to change simply because he has little trade value. He had decent numbers but still displayed offensive inconsistencies as did the rest of the team. What are your thoughts on our new/old second basemen?

Joe Strauss: GM John Mozeliak has publicly committed to Kennedy for '09. There seems to be little interest in bringing back Felipe Lopez for anything beyond a utility role, and his agent Scott Boras is aiming higher than that. Kennedy insists he has no problem with St. Louis, the fans or even TLR. He only wants playing time after believing he was short-changed to a degree last season. Kennedy hit over .300 in four of six months but lost much time to Aaron Miles, then Lopez. The Cardinals owe him $4 million next season and there is no way another team is going to pick that salary up. Kennedy played much better last season after experiencing personal problems and a knee surgery in 2007. It appears in everybody's interest that the trend continue this season.

Rik: First timer here. Answer this question in your chat and I promise to read every word you write the rest of the year.

I have heard that Brina Roberts might be available, but that some others things have to happen first. What are those other things and how likely is he to be dealt and would the Cards be players?

He seems to be a perfect fit (2B, leadoff hitter, good defender). Thoughts?

Joe Strauss: I look forward to your allegiance.
Roberts and the Orioles are engaged in talks about a contract extension. Roberts is eligible for free agency after next season. The Orioles like him, but Roberts may not like the Orioles so much after never experiencing a winning season there. The Cardinals have had interest in Roberts since 2001. While the parties are negotiating in good faith, it's possible Roberts may jack his demands to tacitly suggest a trade. If there is no progress at the Winter Meetings, the Orioles are expected to begin shopping him. The Cardinals would have interest but would also have to do something about Kennedy. You are correct on one count: Roberts would be a perfect fit in St. Louis.

Homage to Zeile: Joe,

The Roylas may or may not be shopping Zach Greinke for Jeff Francoeur. Is there any chance the Cardinals could ship Ryan Ludwick for him? Young, left handed starter with tremendous upside would look nice to complete our rotation, if even only for the short-term.

Joe Strauss: Ludwick would likely be enough to get it done for Greinke, especially if the Royals are willing to consider a buy-low guy like Francouer. However, I haven't heard of a potential match between the cross-state "rivals" to date.

Kevin: Joe,

Unless the Cards are getting a high end closer aren't Ankiel or Ludwick worth more than a middle reliever?

I like the Ankiel and ? for Cano and Phil Hughes idea. OR
Any possibility that Ankiel and others to Seattle for Putz and Bedard.

Thanks,
Kevin

Joe Strauss: The Yankees are among the teams interested in Ankiel. Former Cardinal draft selection Ian Kennedy is mentioned as a potential match. Cano is rated a defensive liability. The Mariners are thin for outfielders with Ichiro Suzuki their only proven commodity there. Rookie Wladimir Balentien now projects as their CF. Bedard made few friends in Seattle last season before being injured. Given the Cardinals' current needs, Putz may be a better bet than Bedard.