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Gordo Live

Join columnist Jeff Gordon for a live chat from 1-2 p.m. Monday about the Cards, Rams, Blues, Mizzou or whatever sport or team is on your mind.
Monday, July 26, 2010 01:00 PM CDT

comments & answers

Jacoby: Is there any trade value for a guy like Pete Kozma? If so, how much?
Jeff Gordon: The Cards front office remains supportive of him, but he is not developing at a breakneck pace. Will he make it to the major leagues as a utility player? Will he someday start at short? Will he ever play in the majors? At this point, there is no telling. He is hitting just .240 in his second year at Double-A.

So there is very little trade value there.
dub the beachcomber: Is there a chance that Cap has some rage issues? Has his suddenly short temper been addressed? Is this any reflection of discord in the clubhouse? thanks gordo
Jeff Gordon: Zambrano he is not. He is very competitive. He can get frustrated. He senses this team has a chance to do big things, so, yeah, he can be edgy out there. But I don't see it costing him or the team. If anything, the Cards could use a few more overtly competitive guys.
dub the beachcomber: Gordo, how about trading Green to Baltimore for Jeremy Guthrie? I understand the O's need a young shortstop and Guthrie carries an era over 4 but has a 1.28 whip. I think in the long run Brendan Ryan will be a better shortstop. He'll hit well enough and wear a golden glove. Would Green be approx. equal to Guthrie? thanks Gordo
Jeff Gordon: I like Tyler Greene. And I have to believe he is building value. He is a high draft pick who has arrived on time. Tons of athletic ability. I think he could add speed and power as a second baseman, but if he can fetch a premium in a trade, the Cards need to look at that. Pitching is a big need.
dub the beachcomber: I wonder if Rasmus is conspicuous by his absence. Is it possible he is on the trading block. I have noticed that he seems apprehensive in center field. I know he had some problems his rookie year. Is it possible Colby has some significance in clubhouse tension? thanks Gordo!
Jeff Gordon: Colby gets lost from time to time. Right now is one of those periods. He isn't comfortable at the plate and Jay keeps raking. The learning process continues.
Tackleberry: Gordo,

This line-up right now has two players who are earning it in the field and at the plate....that is two out of 7 (excluding Ludwick because he just came back). Not enough. Take a guy like Schu, has a great night at the plate Sunday but looked awful out at 2nd base. If he was hitting .300, we'd accept his limitations, but he's not. This line-up is quickly becoming littered with guys who don't look like everyday talent. No matter what this FO does with the rotation, it is time to shove aside the sentimentality (Schu, Ryan, & Lopez) and get some ball players who can produce.
Jeff Gordon: Lopez is an everyday hitter, but he's never been a great fielder. Freese is a solid everyday third baseman, a good glove man with a knack for producing runs.

Ryan is an everyday fielder, but the hitting has come and mostly gone this year. He has time to salvage his season, but he'll need to string together a LOT of good games at the plate. His career might be in the balance here.

Schumaker has hit .281 since April, but he isn't a big run producer -- so he could fall into a utility role next season. He is a handy guy to have, but I'd rather have Lopez's bat at second base.