THE WATER COOLER:

Colby Rasmus or Jon Jay? Whom do you like as an every-day center fielder for the Cardinals?

BRYAN BURWELL:

As things stand at this very moment, I would probably give Jon Jay a longer run than Colby Rasmus because production always wins out. You are what your record says you are, and right now Jay is swinging a hot bat and Rasmus is ice cold. Plus Jay's defense has become a major asset to the Cardinals. But let's not overlook what could be if Rasmus could get right after the all-star break. If he is on his game, he provides an element of power that Jay may not generate as consistently.

One of the most fascinating story lines of the early second half will be watching whether Rasmus can rediscover his swing and how long Tony La Russa will wait to see if he does. It will also be quite compelling to see if Rasmus becomes a major contributor or a key trade asset to provide the Cardinals with a good pitcher who can get them into the postseason as NL Central champs. One way or the other, Rasmus will contribute to the second half.

JOE STRAUSS:

I don't like either buried on the bench. I advocate TLR using a timeshare until Raz' shakes himself or there is a trade. There's a decent chance at least one of those things happens in next several weeks. Jay can also occasionally spell Puma, though Berkman typically sits against LH pitching.

RICK HUMMEL:

I'd like to say Rasmus because he has a stronger arm, better power and better speed. That's what I'm saying. But I'm not liking what I've seen from him in the last two months.

JEFF GORDON:

I'd like for Rasmus to be playing like Rasmus. He established a pretty good level last season, adding supplemental power, and I loved his plate discipline and ability to hit lefties earlier this season. His epic slump will earn Jay some playing time in center field, but the Cardinals need to get Rasmus back to his usual level. THAT player could do a lot of damage during the second half of the season. Jay has the sort of make-up needed to play well moving in and out of the lineup, so I'd keep him in that role.