We all know of someone who can invite us into their home and make us feel so comfortable that we don't want to leave. It may be a Grandparent, an older Aunt or Uncle. This could be a Neighbor, or a co-worker. These folks have the demeanor to make you feel so good that without knowing it, you may spend many hours visiting, although you perhaps only wanted to borrow a cup of sugar or show off photos of the Grandkids.

Local baseball fans can make a strong argument that Walt Jocketty has this knack. Over the past seasons, "Uncle Walt" has found a way to invite some very talented baseball players to visit his team, only to eventually convince them into staying for a longer visit.

On July 31, 1997, Jocketty invited free agent Slugger Mark Mc Gwire to visit St. Louis. Six weeks later, Mc Gwire signed a long-term deal to play baseball in the Gateway City.

In June, 1998, the Red Birds drafted the talented outfielder J D Drew and his headstrong agent Scott Boras. Drew re-entered the draft after failing the reach a contract agreement with Philadelphia. In July, 1998, Drew signed a multi-year contract to play in St. Louis.

In October, 1998, the Red Birds acquired arbitration eligible Shortstop Edgar Renteria from Florida. Jocketty eventually signed their man in Position #6 to a long-term deal before Renterria could opt for free agency.

This past winter, Jocketty traded for Free Agent Second Baseman Fernando Vina. One month after the start of the season, Vina signed a long-term contract to play second base in a Cardinal Uniform.

Maybe the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Bureau should consider putting "Uncle Walt" on retainer as a Consultant to their group.

Yet, Jocketty might be facing with his toughest selling job.

His name is Jim Edmonds. And the team absolutely, positively must do everything in their power to keep him in a Cardinal uniform for 2001 and beyond.

The Red Birds acquired this talented outfielder in the final week of Spring Training for pitcher Kent Bottenfield. Edmonds has dispelled any concern about his attitude or switching from the American to National League. At this writing, he leads the N L in hitting with a .400 average, is tied with Mc Gwire for the team lead with 10 Home Runs, has driven in 24 runs in 28 games while committing only one error and grounding into only one double play. He is the poster boy for a third place hitter.

These are impressive statistics. However there is one more glaring point about #15.

He can be a Free Agent at the end of this season.

Until October, the Cardinals have exclusive negotiating rights for Edmonds' services. They have the inside track. Turn on that Spin Machine now!! (Yo, Jim, just to let you know, you can't get Ted Drewes custard or toasted ravioli just anywhere. Not every town can let you see a Clydesdale up close. What other town has an Arch and Chuck Berry?)

But as in any of these negotiations, the final decision may rest on the bottom line. In order for Jim Edmonds to play baseball on the Eastern side of the Show Me State, the Cardinals are going to have to show him the money: a LOT of money.

But the good news is that the Red Birds could put together an attractive package without shattering the existing budget. After this season, St. Louis will no longer be required to give charitable donations to the Ron Gant and Jeff Brantley Funds for wayward and overpaid athletes. The 2000 season will be the final one in the hefty contract of veteran Eric Davis. With the possible return of Matt Morris and/or Alan Benes, the Red Birds might find one of their veteran (and high priced) pitchers expendable. These factors, plus a little creative accounting or payroll considerations might be provide enough nickels and dimes for the Cardinals to present a decent contract proposal to the California Kid.

An Edmonds signing could also provide much needed enthusiasm for the Cardinals new stadium Public Relations war. #15 is a marquis player who should make the Red Birds a better baseball team. A better baseball team usually means happy fans. Happy fans means they are more apt spend money. Spending money might lead to a more acceptance of using public funds for the new ballpark.

(If you disagree, look west. The voters of San Diego approved a referendum for a new Stadium ten days after the Padres appeared in the 1998 World Series. The City of Denver put funding in place for a new stadium in place after the Broncos won the Super Bowl a few years back. Bottom line: winning puts fans in a better mood.)

Hence, the Cardinals must make every reasonable effort to sign Jim Edmonds to a long-term deal. They MUST make these efforts priority one. Still the Red Birds' best effort may not be good enough. Only #15 and his agent know for sure.

If Edmonds and his agent are interested in getting the most money for his services, he probably will not play in St. Louis. The Yankees are one team that covets his services. George Steinbrenner lives for such bidding wars.

Yet, if #15 has the mindset of a Mark Mc Gwire or a Ken Griffey, the Cards have a shot. Both of these gentlemen preferred to be multi-millionaire with a team that they were comfortable with, while avoiding becoming a multi-multi-millionaire with another team.

(In a perverted way, Edmonds could come out looking like a hero should he re-sign with St. Louis. In what other industry could someone "settle" for only an $8-10 Million salary and not be viewed as greedy? Isn't this a great country?)

Some baseball folks disagree that Jim Edmonds is either "laid back" or "a flake". All baseball folks do agree that Jim Edmonds is a great talent. The Cardinals have to re-sign him. They should start the negotiations yesterday.

There are two California natives right there in the locker room (Mr. Mc Gwire and Mr. La Russa) who could provide references to #15 on the Gateway City. The Red Birds need to do what ever it takes to the name of Jim Edmonds on the dotted line. It needs to be done.

That includes bringing in "Uncle Walt" to close the deal.