Joe Strauss Live: Jan. 25 Cards chat
- All right, ChatHeads. We're attempting a newer, more user-friendly format this week, which, of course, means it is exponentially more difficult the first time. Bear with me as we get this rolling. Be assured -- I have been -- that the payoff will be well worth it. Per usual, bring some heat as we dive headlong into the big wave that is JSL!!!
- Let's get this out of the way early: Mood check on Molina?
- Yadi's take on El Hombre's departure is a point of interest that has received even greater interest since his absence from the Winter Warm Up and the Presidential visit. Again, I'm not going to speak for him (or his agent) but can tell you that the organization was non-plussed by the turn of events. Fans who were told in January 2011 of Molina's abrupt cancellation were less understanding this month. To be continued...
- I know you have been getting a deluge of questions concerning Molina and his contract situation, but I have heard very little about Wainwright. I realize of course he has two years before he can reach free agency, but in less than ten months he will be preparing to enter his “walk” year, which may make him more prone to go ahead and test the free agent waters. If healthy, a pitcher of his caliber will almost certainly receive offers in excess of twenty million a year, with all of the big spending AL teams and a few of the richer NL franchises certain to at least kick the tires with his agent. With this in mind, do you see the Cards making an aggressive effort to lock up Wainwright well before he hits free agency, or do you think the current management is reluctant to offer such a contract to a pitcher who, great as he is, will be entering his thirties with at least one major arm surgery under his belt? Waino’s performance this year will no doubt have some bearing on this, as well as the development of Miller and Martinez, but the window to decide may not be as long as it seems. Thoughts?
- You're asking a very long question to get a very short answer. The Cardinals assumed Waino's 2-year option last October. There is no reason to talk a mega-deal until he again takes the mound. I know it's fun to be the first one to ask a question, but this one's a false start. The timing will be much better this time next year.
- Dear Wave Rider, thanks for today's tsunami. I'm in a Midwest League city. When I go see the Quad City River Bandits (StL's low-A affiliate), whose autograph(s) should I be dying to get?
- Tyrell Jenkins, Roberto De La Cruz, Sam Gaviglio and Kyle Hall. Ask Jenkins to sign on the sweet spot. Autograph-seeking is typically better addressed in Bird Land.
- As you may note, the ChatMeister's mug is now appearing on board. It only adds to fan appreciation. The multi-sensory experience continues to grow.
- This question doesn't relate to the team. But I've been wondering for a while, what is going on with Ballpark Village??? Do you know anything? I haven't heard anything in a long time...doubt it turns into anything.
- Your doubts are shared by many. I've long lobbied for an anchor In-N-Out stand. The brand is moving east.
- There is an article on Traderumors today that Oswalt is really interested in the Cardinals! Wouldnt it be a good insurance pickup in case Waino or even with Carp throwing so many innings last year? Cant wait for Springtraining!!!
- Roy O. was geared up for a trade to The314 in 2010 but it didn't happen. He has told friends such as Woody Wiliams, Ryan Franklin and Lance Berkman that he would love to play here. The Cardinals shot down interest in him prior to the New Year but Oswalt increasingly looms as low-hanging fruit available for a one-year gamble. If the Cardinals are willing to finesse Westbrook or Lohse to the bullpen (or to another team) the move is there for the making. But dealing with veteran starters in possession of no-trade leverage is a sensitive thing.
- Assume for the moment that the Cardinals know right now that they won't resign Molina. What's their best move? What kind of value might he fetch via trade? (Name names, if you can!)
Thanks for the chats, Joe. - Why should I assume matters not in evidence? Molina is going nowhere this season.
- Joe, RIdes a little choppy today? Does TLR take Matheny to All-Star Game? Also, estimate total ABS for Jay,Beltran and Craig this year please
- Perhaps unknowingly, you've asked an intriguing question. (Probably because the ChatMeister wondered it himself.) Will TLR get the band back together by naming Pettini, McKay and Papa Dunc' to his All-Star coaching staff. Sounds pretty cool to me. I would anticipate Dale Sveum will get an invite. Matheny? Don't know. But it will be an interesting gathering next July regardless of who's in the Senior Circuit dugout.
- Joe, Would it be worth signing Motte to a 2-3 year deal for 2 mil per, or is jury still out on whether or not he's the long-term answer at closer?
- The Cardinals have discussed a multi-year framework with Motte but have so far been unable to reach compromise. Motte may wish to go year by year, especially since he is the projected closer. (Again, there are some subtle reasons the Cardinals may not want to publicly anoint him, finances among them.) Kyle McClellan settled at $2.5M as a second-time arbitration guy this year. A three-year, $7.5M deal likely won't feed the bulldog.
- A smoking hot hot secretary that could type asnswers really fast and whose photo you could have used instead of yourself would have been a much greater improvement to ths Sunami than this new format. That said i will learn the new format beause of the value of the Sunami. Thanks
- I applaud your concept. Better idea, learn how to spell Tsunami. Otherwise, it's sacrilege.
- When will we know if Waino is bueno?
- I'd bet we'll have a good idea when he throws his second or third live BP. The club (and Wainwright) are very confident in his soundness less than a year after requiring TJ surgery. It may be a bit presumptuous to assume another 200 innings from the 2010 Cy runner-up. But even a sports editor knows that.
- Who comes up with a flat tire first, Pujols or Fielder? Thanks!
- Poke fun at his heft as much as you like, but Prince very rarely misses games. A bigger concern may be his penchant for breakouts in odd-number seasons while enduring flatter production during even-numbered seasons. Albert's leg issues (hamstring, plantar fascitis) are issues likely to follow him throughout his career.
- I'll assume you're inquiring about the Cardinals and not Virginia Commonwealth basketball. If so, health is a major question when discussing players such as Furcal, Freese, Craig, Berkman, Sanchez and Berkman, among others. Freese has never played 100 games in a season. Furcal hasn't reached the number in several years. Carlos Beltran is another huge variable, especially if the Cardinals plan to further stress him with frequent exposure to CF. If this team remains sound, it's the class of the division. But there are lots of variables.
- Can you tell me what you think the greatest weakness that our team has currently going into spring training. Everyone is talking about how solid the back end of our bullpen is, do you feel there is any risk with the injury prone players we've signed?
- The answer to the previous question was transposed. Sorry. Otherwise, you might believe that the ChatMeister can anticipate the next query. I'm not that good (yet).
- Joe: Since the All Star game carries some importance, why let someone who has retired from baseball, i.e., is no longer in the game, manage the game? I mean TLR didn't even win his division. This has happened only once before.
- Forget the "This time it counts" garbage. The All-Star Game is an exhibition. It's a sop to the networks and sponsors. If otherwise, managers would play it as a regular game by allowing their starters to work into the seventh inning and discarding the Little League full participation philosophy. Asking TLR to manage hardly compromises the NL's chances. Just keep him away from the dugout phone.
- Joe, who is the Cards biggest threat in the NL Central in 2012 and does Matt Adams have a chance to make the team out of spring training in 2012?
- Reds.
- And barring injury to Puma and others, Adams' chances of sticking this spring are negligible to nil.
- Joe, OK so you won't trade Yadi. Do you let him start at first base once or twice a month?
- Sure, if it makes you happy.
- @jstrauss ,I found your report of Kile award winners a few chats ago interesting, so I did some research on the criteria used to select the winner," good friend, teammate,familyman,humble" given your knowledge of Albert and the clubhouse, where does Albert lose points? My guess is humbleness.
- It's a player vote. You'd have to ask them. However, AP's omission from the winners list is fairly striking.
- La Russa seemed a big fan of the "core" concept, that group of elite players who were the competitive and productive heart of the team (and occasionally got special treatment--Albert's baserunning, Yadi and Albert's jogs to first, and so on.) Right now, I'd consider the core to consist of Carpenter, Wainwright, Berkman, Holliday, and Molina (possibly Beltran, maybe Freese, maybe Furcal, possibly Garcia.) Two questions: any idea what this core looks like in 2 years, and do you see the Cardinals moving away from this core concept given personnel and a new manager?
- In 2 years, Waino', Carpenter and Holliday are guaranteed to remain as veteran presence. The Puma is on a one-year deal. Molina reaches free agency if not signed before next November. Skip Schumaker is on a two-year deal and commands significant respect within the clubhouse. Freese is an ascending player but may still be perceived as a lieutenant rather than a captain. Furcal is a solid "team" guy. Garcia's role will continue to develop. By his own admission, he is still learning. Beltran is recognized as a solid citizen but a talent who prefers a secondary clubhouse role. He received the BAT Award this week that reflects a player's selflessness regarding charitable causes. Bottom line: It's a good group.
- What are your thoughts of the Astros maybe changing their name. Has that ever happened without the team actually moving cities? Besides in Houston of coarse, 45's to 'Stros.
- Colt 45's would be way too politically incorrect for these times. If the appropriately named Baltimore/Washington Bullets couldn't endure, no way the Astros retake the name of peacemakers. Given their pending move to the AL West, the Houston Dead Cat Bounce sounds about right to me.
- Joe: The Tsunami is building, the board is waxed, and the sun's high in the sky, and the music is great. Any word on when or if the Cardinals will abandon Florida for the Southwest or is that a dead issue? Seems there is more teams out west than in Florida these days.
- The Cardinals are tied to Jupiter for the next decade unless another team on the East Coast (NY Mets, Nats, Marlins) pulls out. The Cardinals would then be able to slip their lease at Roger Dean Stadium and ponder a move West. I believe such a move makes plenty of sense if they can secure favorable terms. Arizona is out-STAND-ing.
- If SLU plays tonight like it did earlier in the year against Washington and Oklahoma, I expect them to win at Xavier. And at that level of play, I'd expect them to beat VCU by 20.
- I look forward to you explaining your belief in the Tooth Fairy as well.
- Dear Joe,What are your thoughts on Kolten Wong and have you seen him play yet???
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