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Cardinals chat with Joe Strauss

Submit your Cardinals questions and opinions NOW; talk to Post-Dispatch baseball writer Joe Strauss at 1 p.m.

by Mike Smithon Oct 25, 2012 at 6:05 PM

I'll be there, whether they like it or not. Will try to keep Rutherford out of the buffet.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:41:14 PM
Good luck with your new occupation, sir. Please don't lose the sarcasm or give up the chats! That being said, what route do you see Cards taking at shortstop after Furcal is done? It doesn't seem like Jackson or Petey Koz will be given the reins. Is there someone else in the minors you could see capable? Or will there be enough available money for an Elvis Andrus type?

by elm9185 10/31/2012 7:41:57 PM
I've said consistently the Cardinals next shortstop will likely come from outside the organization. There is a three-year lag before any of the recent draftees may influence major-league roster.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:42:46 PM
You think the cards will try for Elvis Andrus?!

by bill 10/31/2012 7:43:17 PM
I'm sure the Cards would "kick the tires" if he's available. The Rangers, as expected, have not yet given any indication of making him available.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:44:02 PM
Do you see the Cardinals addressing Matheny's contract this off-season or waiting until next year? He only signed a two-year deal, correct?

by UKCardsFan 10/31/2012 7:44:11 PM
There's an option for 2014. Current ownership tends to wait until an employee enters the final year of a deal before working an extension. BDJ did similarly with Mo' before working his current extension.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:45:10 PM
Any comment on the rumors of a Lady Diablo sighting at the downtown Porshe dealership? Reports are she is making it rain with the $ from the new paycheck...three words: Swiss bank account.

by Ryan 10/31/2012 7:45:57 PM
Then she's got cards she ain't showing.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:46:14 PM
What's the big announcement? Can I guess...Club is installing a hybrid Culvers-In and Out-Shake Shack in the press box?

by Jeff 10/31/2012 7:46:56 PM
Wrong. But that would truly be "big" news.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:47:18 PM
why is everyone down on Koz. He provided speed with daring baserunning we have not seen in awhile. And had some pop in his bat. He had a few errors but under the spotlight he came up under I think you have to cut him some slack.

by wmsbg 10/31/2012 7:47:29 PM
No one's "down" on Kozma. Many believe he projects as more of a utility player than an everyday SS. I don't disagree. He had a fanstastic September. But he is also a guy Mo' admitted nearly removing from the 40-man roster during this season. He hit .232 at Memphis while amassing the second-lowest OPS in the Pacific Coast League. He's more of a glove than a bat, more of a middle infielder than an everyday SS.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:49:44 PM
Since the Rangers are losing Hamilton would they take a Tavares for Jurickson Profar deal straight up? Can you call them and check?

by Roy Hobbs 10/31/2012 7:50:00 PM
Taveras is going nowhere.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 7:50:10 PM
Mr. Strauss, some may argue that there is a surplus of young, MLB-level pitching talent in the Organization, if such a thing is possible, for the 2013 season. However, looking ahead to 2014, isn't there a chance Carpenter and Westbrook will be gone, and even slim chance that Wainwright will not renew with the Club? In addition, Garcia's health issues may be cause for some concern. If this is the case, do you believe the Organization is content with the current crop of young pitchers to make up for the potential shortfalln in 2014, or do you see the them looking outside the Organization for help? Or, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself? Thanks for your time.

by BeginnerCardsFan 10/31/2012 7:57:44 PM
You make a solid point. Until Wainwright is under contract beyond 2013, the long-term rotation projects as very young: Garcia, Lynn, Miller and a mix of Rosenthal, Kelly, Martinez. Wacha is also a fast mover projected as a 3-4 starter. There needs to be a veteran anchor there. Most would agree Wainwright, if sound, is a perfect choice. I do think it possible that of Rosenthal, Kelly and Martinez, two will eventually land in the bullpen. Or one could be traded. It's called leverage. However, that leverage is diminished absent Wainwright.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:01:06 PM
We've got to get Sergio Romo. This guy is hilarious. He wore a t-shirt to the Giants parade today that said "I just look illegal." He can pitch, plus he doesn't take himself too seriously like some guys. I say make the trade.

by JasonG 10/31/2012 8:01:28 PM
Truly a fun character. And he can pitch. But he's a San Francisco flavor for the near future.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:02:00 PM
What's your take on Shelby Miller's potential? Do you share the "top of the rotation" opinion of some scouts? Less convinced?

by Manny 10/31/2012 8:02:21 PM
I see him as a No. 2.5. A No. 3 within a dominant staff, a No. 2 within an above-average one.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:03:12 PM
Does Molina get any MVP votes? Would be nice recognition for him.

by Bill 10/31/2012 8:03:34 PM
Voting already has taken place. I know Yadi' received Top 3 consideration. I would be very surprised if Posey does not win balloting.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:04:18 PM
Hey Joe - How do you think our VCU Rams will fair this year in the A-10? Are you going to watch them play at SLU in February?
TMB BS'94 MD'97

by TMBeirne 10/31/2012 8:04:56 PM
RamBall should be A-10 favorites. Per usual, they're more impressive on the court than in pre-season hype machine. Looking forward very much to Feb. 19 against SLU. The A-10 should be a monster this season. Sorry, Coach Rick and Shaka won't be matching wits.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:06:23 PM
Joe, to listen to XM, Trout has a legit shot at MVP. How in the world can the triple crown winner not win MVP? Are they serious? Can you imagine Yaz losing out in '67 to another position player who had 70 less RBIs than he had?

by marpetil 10/31/2012 8:06:34 PM
Cabrera will win a controversial vote, in my opinion. Ted Williams twice failed to win AL MVP despite winning the Triple Crown.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:07:04 PM
Were you surprised by how well Yadi blossomed in the absence of Albert? I saw that going the other way.

by Tackleberry 10/31/2012 8:07:27 PM
I think the Cardinals recognizing Yadi as an elite player played a big part in his more obvious role as a clubhouse force. Molina has long been considered a leader by his teammates. I do think Albert's departure allowed Yadi to become more of a face for the franchise. He was much more free with insight to media this season. That can only be a good thing for one of the game's most unique talents.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:09:02 PM
Joe -- Can you comment on Koz' defensive range? The fluke Hunter Pence at-bat notwithstanding, it seems pretty limited. He doesn't read ground balls well off the bat and seems pretty slow to his left. Great late season push from him, but his defense does not seem to offer much up-side.

by BoHartSutra 10/31/2012 8:09:23 PM
Koz ranges better to his right than left. It was a contributing factor to the Cards putting him at second base at Memphis. If you noticed, a lot of his fumbles occurred on balls to his left. He makes a cross-body throw as well as 90 percent of players at the position. Again, he projects in a utility role for a playoff contender. That's not bad.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:11:13 PM
Much congratulations on the new gig! I am very glad to see you stay here and not leave for another city. Now that you will be writing and giving your own opinion, how soon until we see you with your own radio sports talk show, too? That would be outstanding.

by Steve F 10/31/2012 8:18:31 PM
My agent is a busy man.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:18:44 PM
The trademark trio of exclamation points is conspicuously absent from the "Joe Strauss Live" image at the top of the page. What's up with that? Is this no longer JSL!!!?

by RichRinCR 10/31/2012 8:18:58 PM
An oversight that should require immediate and severe punishment!!!

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:19:27 PM
Joe: Garcia shut it down earlier this season because of his shoulder. Last I heard, they are hopeful that more rest will ease the problem. With this issue, how is he ever gonna throw 175 innings without surgery?

by marpetil 10/31/2012 8:19:57 PM
Others share you question. However, shoulder surgery is much more series than a TJ procedure. Guys lose years to TJ surgery. They lose careers to shoulder procedures. Ask Mark Mulder.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:20:46 PM
Joe, question about a former Cardinal - does Rolen have a shot at the Hall?

by LBH 10/31/2012 8:21:10 PM
Slight. Injuries robbed him of what I believe would otherwise have been certain induction.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:21:38 PM
Seems like the Cards have a crowded bullpen with all the new power arms that don't make that 5th SP spot. Which RP doesn't make the cut next year?

by Dave B. 10/31/2012 8:22:32 PM
Salas may be vulnerable.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:22:49 PM
Cardinals fans are spoiled by the good long term signings that MO makes. Cases in point, Holliday and now Molina. Both have been consistent and good. What say you, Mo under appreciated for scoping out good long term contracts?

by Dann 10/31/2012 8:23:15 PM
I've long thought Mo' underrated by the fan base. One, he served as Jocko's apprentice, so many see him as a sort of junior executive still. Mo' also had a scouting background. He likes advanced metrics but still values opinions. The roster/salary churn has been an underrated part of the team's success. Obviously, player development plays a heavy role. Would Mo' have made the Rasmus trade if not pushed by TLR? Fair question. But he did get solid short-term value, draft picks and promoted Jon Jay to a position that he has handled well. It's hard to think of a glaring mistake since the Khalil Greene trade, which was a whopper.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:26:08 PM
Why is it that Mo has shot very well trolling for bullpen help at the deadline (Dotel, Good Rzep, Mujica this year) ... and has had an absolutely miserable record trolling in off-season (Romero, Linebrink, Tallet) ... Your take please...

by Charlie 10/31/2012 8:26:20 PM
My take is that the club tries to see how far low-hanging fruit takes them in complementary roles. Once short-coming become obvious, it makes mid-course corrections. Would this club have gone farther with Dotel this year? I don't think so, though it may have won more regular season games. I will not this: The view of the front office -- and organizational direction -- changed abruptly due to the club's unlikely run in Sept/Oct 2011. If that team doesn't get to the postseason, I question whether BDJ and Mo' could have played Albert negotiations and the managerial search the same way.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:29:04 PM
Congratulations on the new position; you'll add a much-needed perspective to the overall sports scene. Does this mean the P-D will carry three sports columnists (yourself, Miklasz and Burwell) or will there be further movement to come?

by mister_terrific 10/31/2012 8:29:54 PM
More to follow.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:30:13 PM
Eleven hours of 3 handed conservative play...then one finally goes down and within a half hour the heads up is over on a King/6 suited vs a Queen/Jack...how would you have played that last hand?

by mdpnoh 10/31/2012 8:31:29 PM
I couldn't tell you. I didn't make it past 3:30 a.m. Different format needed. Brutal TV.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:31:59 PM
Hey Joe I have been keeping close tabs on a couple bullpen guys in the Cards minor league, Fornataro and Butler. Both had great years, any chance of them showing up to spring training? Also Micheal Wacha was very impressive in his debut, whats his time table project to be given his age of 21?

by Craig 10/31/2012 8:35:34 PM
I would anticipate Fornatero being added to the 40-man before Nov. 20. If not, he becomes a likely loss in the Rule 5 draft. Butler will also receive consideration, I believe. He's more of a slider-first reliver. Close call.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:38:21 PM
That's going to be a wrap for this week. Thanks for the heavy Halloween volume. (Was going to post my Angry Birds pumpkin art but couldn't get the format.) Thanks for the well wishes about the new gig. As stated before, JSL!!! will continue but become more inclusive of other sports. Baseball, however, will remain my emphasis in the short term. Thanks again for make this chat the one to which all others (local, regional, national) aspire. Happy tricking tonight. Aloha.

by jstrauss 10/31/2012 8:41:27 PM