If MLB's rules are standardized, I believe it far more likely that both leagues will adopt the DH than the AL discards it. Another Adams angle. Amazing. Yet no one makes the same effort to find ways to get Matt Carpenter onto the lineup card.

If I list some, I'll forget others. I've worked with Furman Bisher, Dave Kindred, Mark Bradley, Jeff Schultz, Steve Hummer, Ken Rosenthal, Peter Schmuck, John Eisenberg, Bernie Miklasz and Brian Burwell. Other colleagues include Thomas Stinson, Ed Hinton, Gordon Edes, Jack Wilkinson, Gerry Fraley, Glenn Sheeley. I covered the Braves while Plaschke was on the Dodgers. I've been truly fortunate in my career to have been exposed to so many exceptional talents.

I'll retain BBWAA voting privileges as long as I submit my membership fees. I've got Bama-OU in BCS Championship Game, though I'd love to see USC or Oregon State upset the Quacks. Seems like the hoops gentry commands the top of the college basketball scene this year. I look for a dark horse out of the SEC (Truman, 'Bama, Florida?) to emerge as well.

TLR is making heavy jack with the Commissioner's Office. He's not going to manage again, despite the reflexive rumors that circulate every time a high profile gig becomes available. I hear him say he wants to be involved at the organizational level. But his salary requirements would seem to make him a candidate for nothing less than a team's presidency. I believe Bud really likes having La Russa involved in the MLB hierarchy.

I don't envision Beltran in STL beyond next season, not if Taveras is who the organization (and others) believes he is.

Your best shot is to attend a memorabilia show where the athlete is appearing. I wouldn't trust sending something through the mail.

Only if she's serving as warm-up act for Van Halen.

McGwire is interested in managing one day, I believe.

Edwin Jackson once sparred with Carp'. Gary Bennett and El Hombre had a run-in. Both became part of Cardinals World Series champions.

He's on the radar.

Molina is signed at $15M per for the next five years. Tony Cruz is no worse than serviceable. There are plenty or replacement-level guys around. It's not a crisis. Stand down.

I would think NOT.

Interesting question. Wong's presence may impact Kozma. The Cardinals would ideally cast Descalso in a utility role. With Carpenter as a corner infielder and the addition of another outfielder, numbers could pinch Koz'. However, I do envision him as part of the mix since I don't anticipate Wong being the Cardinals' Opening Day second baseman.

Great question. There are too many right arms to cram into the Cardinals bullpen. Motte, Boggs and Mujica are locks. The club will actively seek more LH relief help. If Rzep' stays, that leaves only two more RH spots, max. Kelly, Rosenthal and Salas would compete for those two berths. Salas endured a difficult 2012. He needs to show more next spring or becomes vulnerable. Regardless, Memphis should have a dynamic rotation next season.

"Meet our manager, Mike Matheny."

OpryLand is a show unto itself. It's a massive place in which folks have become lost. From a fan's perspective, I'm not sure what you're hoping to experience unless you're hopeful of landing an autograph from your favorite lobby-sitting scribe or ESPN personality. Perhaps the Elvis Christmas motif is your thing.

Very strong relationship. Yadi credits Dave Ricketts, Matheny and his father as the most influential men in his development as a catcher.