I asked the manager about the perception that Jaime tends to lose focus and that teammates typically can pick up on it very quickly. I contrasted that with Jaime's performance last night as he remained locked in despite a couple defensive misplays and a maddening inability to break open the game early. Mike took exception to the premise. No harm, no foul. However, his take contrasts that of others who have seen Garcia for three full seasons. It was a positive performance by Jaime and I'm sure Mike didnt want to bring negatives into the conversation. Or, maybe he just disagreed with the question.

I'm not going to rank it among the 30 but I would say the Cardinals are better fortified now than at any time during the 11 years I've covered the team. Recall after the 2006 World Series win when the Cardinals were unable to name a No. 6 starter. Actually, some weren't comfortable with their No. 5, Anthony Reyes. Today the club can cite 7 or 8 challengers for next year's rotation without even including Carlos Martinez, arguably one of the system's top three arms. Some might say the best. There may be depth issues among position players not named Wong or Taveras, but an abundance of pitching typically can address all needs. Rosenthal, Miller and Martinez are legit. Many believe Wacha will advance quickly. Jenkins has been derailed by shoulder issues but remains on the radar. It's a stark contrast to 5 1/2 years ago.

The play-in will remain the same but the Division Series will revert to a 2-2-1 format. I would love to see the regular season reduced to 154 or 156 games to allow for more breathing room for the postseason. But it's not going to happen. Owners aren't going to sacrifice revenue from 3-4 home dates. Players aren't going to accept a corresponding adjustment to salaries. I would have preferred to see expansion of the NLDS to best-of-7 than the installation of the gimmicky second wild card. However, I'm sure most Cardinals fans would disagree based on this year's standings.

Honestly, I'm not sure he would have done that much better. Five years is a considerable length of contract for a 30-year-old catcher with heavy wear. As for the $15M AAV, it might have ticked up a million or two, depending on term, but it's safe to say the Cardinals paid Yadi a premium to keep him off the market. Of course, it's difficult to account for the outlier club who offers crazy money. I do know Brian McCann should send Molina a thank-you note when he does his deal.

As noted before, much will depend on the club's evaluation of Furcal. If it believes Raffy a good bet to play 100-120 games next season, Kozma fits. If Furcal eventually requires surgery, I can see the Cardinals becoming motivated to pursue a more veteran, outside option. Regardless, Kozma has exceeded any responsible expectations since arriving. He hit .232 at Memphis while playing primarily on the infield's right side. I can honestly say he has done something positive in virtually every game the last 2 weeks.

A BFIB speaks. So noted.

As noted in today's P-D, Rzepczynski appears to have fallen out of favor. His appearances are typically confined to one hitter in middle innings. Matheny appears increasingly willing to offer higher leverage opportunities to rookie Sam Freeman. Rzep' insists he is physically fine. However, his role does appear dramatically different today than it was a year ago. Since Rzep' becomes arbitration-eligible after this season it's legitimate to ask if the Cardinals plan to tender the last vestige of the Rasmus trade a contract.

I wouldn't jump ship on Freese. However, the club must determine if the NLCS and World Series MVP merits an extension after this season. Freese also becomes arb-eligible. And, as you not, the Cardinals are enamored by Carpenter. It's not a gimme putt because of the club's options. An organization would certainly structure a deal differently for a player it projected to play 145-150 games annually than one who should be conserved for 120 appearances.

No one was upset (too much). Horton is a genuinely nice person (even for a UVa alum) who never big-times folks. Along with Cal Eldred, Rick also carries sound perspective which I enjoy hearing. It's always easier to have fun with friends.

Both are eligible. Both have been on the 40-man all season. Koz' was promoted Aug. 31. Carp' was on the 60-day DL.

The play-in is the antithesis of the All-Star Game. I'd expect to see it managed like any important regular season game with Lohse projected for 6-7 solid innings. One would think the bullpen should be better rested by Oct. 5.

Allen doesn't become arb-eligible until after the 2013 season. One would expect the club to wait until then to explore an extension. I'm not saying it's impossible, just that it goes against the organizational norm.

Kozma plays with much more confidence today. My eyes were somewhat opened durin a three-day tour of Memphis last month. I was there to talk to the Puma and Miller but Koz' put together an outstanding game one night against Albuquerque. He has played with the same assertiveness since his arrival to the parent club. I'm not nominating him as a future All-Star but he certain projects as a valuable utility piece.

Anything can happen in one baseball game. True, the Cardinals continue to struggle w/RISP. But you're ignoring a rotation that has constructed a sub-3.00 ERA since Sept. 2. Kyle Lohse, who projects to start the play-in, has ranked among the league's most consistent starters. Maybe it's most consistent. Los Bravos will be favored behind Medlen. But we learned last October how little it means to be favored in a short series, never mind a single game.

I've said numerous times they've underachieved based partly on injuries and largely on iffy fundamentals. That said, if they reach the NLDS few will care about the flaws or the alleged underachievement.

Kelly, Miller, Rosenthal and Lynn will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation next spring, assuming Carpenter is fit. Waino, Carp, Garcia and Westbrook comprise 80 percent. The path of least resistence would put Kelly and Rosenthal in the bullpen with Lynn in the rotation and Miller returning to Memphis to remain available as a No. 6 starter. Westbrook and Carpenter's contracts can expire after next season. At that time the youngsters receive a more thorough hearing. I frankly believe Kelly's future resides in the bullpen. He may become attractive to other clubs who believe otherwise.

Carpenter's mere presence is a dose of adrenaline. I believe the biggest "tell" re: Carp' is his pitch efficiency. He didn't have much of a curveball in Chicago but got by with his fastball and a change of speeds. If he can average 15 pitches or less per inning, that's very encouraging. He also used a very deliberate pace in Chicago, suggesting he and Molina were thinking his way through the game. Quicker pace tonight would also be a good sign.

Appreciated but not really necessary. Most managers are very aware that they send messages through the media. I'm sure Mike didn't want his to become mixed in any way.

Jay is a Gold Glove candidate and evolved into one of the league's most productive leadoff hitters. I don't see why one wouldn't be satisfied with his performance. The intrigue surrounding Oscar Taveras grows. However, the club has made it fairly clear the Big O's time is 2014 as a corner outfielder.

Unclear. I would speculate Lynn.

I didn't think this year's needs were as grave as last season's. Of course, Furcal got hurt four weeks after the trade deadline. Holliday is dealing with back issues. Molina is banged up. I honestly don't know where one would have turned unless you grabbed a backup middle infielder. At the time Matheny remained public supportive of Descalso as his second SS. However, Furcal's injury exposed Daniel at the position. Again, one should evaluate the deadline like a game. You don't get to run it backwards once the moment's passed. First-guesses only.

The Cardinals love his bat and I believe will push to give him more exposure at second base next spring. He becomes arb-eligible after the 2014 season.