Well, this team was structured assuming that the players you mention would be available. And when Berkman and Jay were fully functional, the offense was the league's most dynamic. Obviously, Rafael Furcal's slide is a major factor as well. The bullpen made many nervous even before the season opened. The lack of a veteran stabilizer is a lesson that might have been learned last season pre-Dotel. I would anticipate at least one move to address the 'pen prior to July 31. Lefthanded relief is a sore point. Rzepczynski has been inconsistent. Young Sam Freeman offers hope for the future but is unfinished. As noted in previous weeks, a return to form by Fernando Salas would be huge -- and he appears headed in the right direction. The needs on this team appear similar to last July, when Mo' found a starter, a LH reliever (or two) and a veteran right. I still believe this offense will click, barring another major injury. The pitching staff needs depth, no question. Chris Carpenter could account for some, but not all, of the answer.

Well, the narrative has changed some hasn't it?

Well, I heard the same accusation of the media protecting Mo' last July. A number wanted him and Tony both gone. Well, the Rasmus trade and a 9-23 finish happened and the bonfires and pitchforks were set aside. As noted last winter, the absence of TLR and El Hombre radically changes the dynamic of this franchise. It doesn't mean the team can't win. It means the team must win in a different way. Injuries and, yes, some managerial inexperience have complicated that. Mo's fingerprints are heavy on this roster and coaching staff. He is accountable. But we're also less than halfway through the schedule with a team that opened 20-11 when whole. I'm willing to read another chapter before burning the book.

The market for Rodriguez will be competitive. The Cardinals' are exercising an aggressive timetable with Carpenter now that he has returned to the mound. We'll have a better idea of what Mo's priorities are in the next 10-14 days, Bullpen will be among them. Carp's progress will determine if the club will deal assets for a starter. Astros Jeff Luhnow certainly knows the Cards' system well. He drafted it. Mo' probably knows his favorites and might be able to leverage it into a deal. I'll say this: There is growing sentiment within the organization to remove the Untouchable label from Shelby Miller.

He's on the DL and the Dodgers are known to be very interested. The Cubs and Cardinals have not been traditional trade partners. I'm not sure about the dynamic with Theo Epstein on board. But I agree Dempster (a solid clubhouse presence as well) offers the perfect fit if the Cards believe adding a starter a necessity.

It's a legit take. However, I don't think the Cincinnati Reds or Pittsburgh Pirates are ready to run off and hide. The Reds have issues, which suddenly include intrigue at the back of their bullpen. If Jocko' acquires a RH power bat tomorrow, it might be time for concern.

I've maintained since last November that the improbable run of October '11 has influenced virtually every major decision the club has since made. That World Series win earned the club significant capital. They spent some walking away from Pujols and by committing to a first-time manager. The Best Fans in Baseball* (*STL Cardinals Marketing LLC) will ultimately decide how much capital remains.

I don't buy into using least common denominators as a comparison. The Cardinals invested $116M in this roster. They brought back Lance Berkman, retained Chris Carpenter and spent aggressively on Carlos Beltran to make a run THIS year. A .500 season was not the goal, not should it be deemed an acceptable outcome. This team's record does not square with its metrics. At some point, performance needs to more closely mirror them or the organization owes the fan base an explanation. There are organizational estimates that this club should have 7-10 more wins. Those are NOT MY estimates. Injuries are a legit factor. Still, the record suggests underachievement.

The Reds yacked a 9th-inning lead Tuesday night and Aroldis Chapman has suddenly found Kryptonite. But I hear you. Teams that underachieve typically have bullpen issues. For much of this season, the Cardinals have fit that definition.

Nice line.... bad suggestion.

I've been told the idea is quite literally a non-starter.

Many share your take. However, some may be having second thoughts.

I expect Berkman to move his rehab to The 314 during the upcoming home stand. His presence is missed.

The catcher can be checking to see if the hitter is peeking at his pitch call or where he is setting up. Typically a catcher gives the sign then shifts to the preferred pitch location. Some catchers will wait very late to shift to prevent a baserunner at second base from offering help.

Pass.

Very unlikely I'd shove pre-flop there. I'd raise. If somebody wants to go all-in, I go with them, obviously. If you don't know how to read a board, you're playing the wrong game.

Seemingly very well. He and Berkman had a relationship in Houston that helped bring out Beltran's personality as soon as he reached spring training. Carlos has been very approachable with media, very productive as a player and a consistent clubhouse presence.

They have a solid clubhouse mix. They need players to give them more ways to win.

Fuentes turns 37 in August. He is no longer the pitcher the Cardinals pursued as successor to Jason Isringhausen as closer. If pitching well, Fuentes would represent an attractive target. He has not pitched well lately and has not been appreciably better against lefts than rights. Indeed, Rzep' has been much better than Fuentes this season.

He either adds a third plus pitch or likely migrates toward a relief role.

The club may regain both players during the current road trip. Jay hit a home run in today's rehab game with Memphis. Carpenter plays his first game tonight with Double-A Springfield. Jay said he hoped to rejoin the club in KC this weekend. We'll see. I share your reservations regarding Jaime but the club will not make a final determination about his case until he has attempted a 4-week strength and conditioning program.

They'll be great to manage in next year's Strat-O-Matic. Unfortunately, Major League Baseball is not a board game. Take WAR to Vegas and come home broke.