Cardinals Trade Rumors: Updating All of St. Louis' Hottest Scenarios

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There is no question that the Cardinals should be taking flyers on any lefty relievers that may make the waiver wire. That position has been their achilles heel the entire season and yesterday was no exception.

Rookie Barret Browning took the loss, giving up three earned runs and four hits in his only inning of relief. There are not a lot of options out there and perhaps the Cardinals should even look at a righty who can get lefty's out.

Something needs to light a fire under the Cardinals if they are going to make a serious run at the post season and a late acquisition can be just what they need to get going.

Juan Cruz

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After the 19-inning marathon at Busch Stadium yesterday, the Pittsburgh Pirates had their hand forced as they designated right hander Juan Cruz for assignment on Monday.

Cruz has been very effective this season, posting a 2.78 ERA in 43 appearances. Outside of Mitchell Boggs and Jason Motte (most of the time), the Cardinals bullpen has been poor. Cruz has posted a respectable opponent batting average against lefty's at .254.

He would be a welcomed addition to a bullpen that could use some stability.

Perhaps the Cardinals Don't Need Another Starter

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Jamie Garcia pitched a gem on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates only to be saddled with a no-decision. Perhaps with the Cardinals only lefty starter showing so strongly in his return, the Cardinals should focus any waiver trades on acquiring a lefty for the bullpen.

Garcia pitched eight strong innings and fanned 10 in his first start in over two months. With the rotation of Lynn, Wainwright, Garcia, Lohse and Westbrook, the Cardinals have a strong rotation for the stretch run. The bullpen is a disaster, especially from the left side. Jason Motte only throws one pitch and more times than not, fans cringe and hope the hitter doesn't square up on him like what happened against the Diamondbacks last week.

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