Moderator

  (2:31 PM)

Here we go, ladies and gents!

Peter Gammons

  (2:32 PM)

It was great to go down to Atlanta and see not only the Braves, but also the best team in baseball -- the Cardinals!

Bob, Atlanta

what did we learn from the Braves-Cardinals series?

Peter Gammons

  (2:33 PM)

Well, we saw, clearly, that the Cardinals have the most talent in the NL and their pitching is much better than a lot of people realize. BUT, we also saw that the Braves have been almost as good since the All-Star break and we have a terrific post season matchup between these two teams.

Dave (Houston)

Good Afternoon Peter, which one of the following team wont make playoffs: red sox or angels.

Peter Gammons

  (2:34 PM)

Well, the AL final 2 spots will come down to the As, Angels, Red Sox and Rangers. Given the problems with the Red Sox bullpen, I'm prone to say that when the Angles are healthy, they will make it -- and so will Oakland.

john slingerlands NY

Peter how are things? One quick question..what do the Red Sox do with Kevin Millar and playing time?

Peter Gammons

  (2:36 PM)

It's a serious question b/c Millar is in the top 10 in the American League in OPS, HR, batting and RBIs since the All-Star game. They will just ahve to move him around btwn 1st, DH, left and right field.

Eric (Washington MO)

Who would be the odd man out in the Cardinals pitching rotation come playoff time?

Peter Gammons

  (2:37 PM)

Probably Jason Marquis b/c he has experience coming out of the bullpen and he is also the youngest of their starters.

Michael Kun LA

Peter, have you heard any rumors about Jason Kendall being traded to the Dodgers in the coming weeks? Has he cleared waivers?

Peter Gammons

  (2:38 PM)

I don't know if he's cleared waivers -- i expect he will b/c no one would DARE claim that contract for fear they'd have to eat it. BUT, I don't think the Dodgers would take on that kind of money, they are still more concerned about pitching issues and they need cash at the end of the year to try and retain Adrian Beltre.

Rich (Brooklyn, NY)

What should the Mets do with Piazza? I know they would love to keep him, but could it be better for both the Mets and Mike if he was dealt to the American League in the offseason so he could finish out his career as a DH? He has not been able to stay healthy or deal with the position change. Mike has given a lot to the game and deserves another shot at a world series. And being a DH could help him be the offensive force he once was. Would the Mets even be able to trade him?

Peter Gammons

  (2:41 PM)

I think it's unlikely for anyone in the American League to pay that kind of money for a DH. As great as Piazza has been. In my opinion, the first base experiment didn't work. So, if the Mets can't move his contract, they are gonna have to live with him as a catcher. Remember, three of the last four years before this season, the staff ERA was better with Piazza catching, than any of the other receivers.

Shawn Dayton Oh

Peter, Now that everyone on ESPN is talking about the Indians, do you think they can contend for the Central or Wild Card, and be the next Marlins Thanks

Peter Gammons

  (2:44 PM)

It's not out of the row of possibility, they still have a ways to go b/c they lack experience, but if their pitching comes together down the stretch, they could end up beating the Twins. It's fun watching this and coming to understand what Mark Shapiro was doing two years ago. The advantage they have starting over from scratch is they have a team character that many clubs -- like the Red Sox -- can't buy.

Tim - Safety Harbor, FL

Peter, Keep up the great work - I look forward to your columns and Baseball Tonight segments. With Edgar Martinez annoucing his retirement, and talk of HOF possibilities: 1) What are your thoughts on Edgar 2) He won 2 batting titles - are there any other eligible candidates who have won 2 or more batting titles and are not in? Regards, Tim

Peter Gammons

  (2:47 PM)

First, Edgar was a great hitter, and if you measure him soley by on base and batting average, he would be considered, but I don't think that he'll come close b/c he was simply a DH. I realize that the DHs are part of the game, but unlike Paul Molitor, he was never a positional player. As for the two batting titles, Wade Boggs will probably get elected next year with all his batting titles.

matt l (Alexandria, Va.

hey peter, with the o's being the hottest team in baseball now, do you see them being an immediate contender in the wild card next year?

Peter Gammons

  (2:50 PM)

They can be if two things happen -- they need two more experienced pitchers which they CAN get. And, they probably need to add one more productive out fielder. But, the Orioles are good. Eric Bedard is one of they leagues best young pitchers and Miguel Tejada has proven that he is one of those rare players who leads others. I'm not completely surprised, b/c I picked them for third place and rated them the league's biggest sleep back in March.

Ryan (DC)

Is MLB any closer to a decision on the Expos? Have Northern Virginia's land problems scuttled that bad?

Peter Gammons

  (2:51 PM)

I think they know they want to go to Washington, but they haven't figured out the land problem OR how to keep Peter Angelos from driving them crazy.

Joe (St. Louis)

Recenlty a story was written to ask: who is the national leagues best pitching coach? Who in your opinion is the best? My hats off to Dave Duncan, seems what ever pitcher st louis gets, he bring them back into form when other pitching staffs couldnt.

Peter Gammons

  (2:53 PM)

I've never believed that there is one pitching coach who is better than any other. I think DUncan and Leo Mazzone have long time proven track records so does Larry Rothschild of the Cubs. BUt, I also think Mike Maddux of the Brewers and Dave Righetti of the Giants are as good as any around. Sometimes, a pitching coach and his success depends on his manager and the personalites with whom he works.

David (Plattsburgh, NY)

How much blame do you place on Terry Francona for the Sox being a .500 team and will he be fired after the season?

Peter Gammons

  (2:56 PM)

I think Terry has gotten much too much of the blame for the Red Sox problems. They are no where near as good an offensive team as they were last year, essentially, playing without Trot Nixon, who was 5th in the league in OPS last year, and of course, Nomar. Tim Wakefield and Derek Lowe have been inconsistant and the Sox middle relief is below average. The problem with the Red Sox is not as much the manager as it is that they DO NOT have a star player who accepts the accountability for his team's success. They need to either become Jason VAritek's team or go out and spend money to sign a Tejada-type player who can lead them out of their nonchalant style.

Jay (St. Louis)

As a music fan, what band/singer would you consider your greatest find? Meaning who did you listen to way before they became big?

Peter Gammons

  (2:59 PM)

I think I was probably on Midnight Oil before they showed up in US record store bins. As for current music, I strongly recommend the new CD by Bill Janovitz. It is great.

switchiro

Why wouldnt Seattle trade Ichiro for some young talent. He obviously has the biggest value on the team. There was absolutely no mention of him in trade talks. Does he too have a no-trade clause?

Peter Gammons

  (3:00 PM)

He has a no-trade clause but he is still a great player. Even in a bad year for the team, he is someone to pay to see. They have to hold on to him.

Eric - Columbia, MD

Peter, The Yankees are running away with the AL East and best record for the AL. However, when you peel back the onion the Yankees starting pitching has some questions with durability and the bullpen has worked overtime. Are they vulnerable come playoff time or do you see them pulling the rabbit out of the hat one more time?

Peter Gammons

  (3:02 PM)

I think their pitching will be fine in the post-season. It may actually help Kevin Brown and Mike Mussina to have missed so much time. I don't worry at all about Javier and now they've magically recovered Orlando Hernandez. The lead they have will give Joe Torre an opportunity to give Paul Quantrill and Tom Gordon more time off in September.

Peter Gammons

  (3:04 PM)

Alright everybody, thanks so much for all your questions. I love chatting with you folks. We'll do it again -- same time, same place -- in two weeks. See you August 30th! Take care.