MLB Trade Rumors: Heath Bell and 3 Pitchers the St. Louis Cardinals Are Eyeing

Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres is a very popular trade candidate. St Louis, Philadelphia and many other MLB teams are eyeing the consistent closer.

St. Louis could land Bell or they could target other relievers. They are rumored to be interested in starting and relief pitching.

With the Cardinals wanting to save some money to sign superstar Albert Pujols after the season, how much money are they willing to spend before the July 31 deadline?

They are targeting pitching, and here are three trade candidates for the Cardinals.

3. Jason Frasor

Jason Frasor is having a solid season in 2011. He is 2-1, with a 3.12 ERA in 43 appearances.

He has been one of the more consistent relief pitchers on the Blue Jays for the past few seasons.

2009: 7-3, 2.50 ERA in 61 games.

2010: 3-4, 3.68 ERA in 69 games.

He doesn't carry the name Heath Bell does, but Frasor will bring consistency to the Cards' bullpen, which is something they desperately need. Five different players have recorded saves in 2011.

If the Cardinals want to upgrade their talent without giving up too much, Frasor could be their man.

2. Octavio Dotel

Octavio Dotel has seen his share of teams in the past few seasons. He started with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010, then was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, then went to the Colorado Rockies and now he is with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011.

Dotel has appeared in 33 games with Toronto, posting a 2-1 record with a 3.33 ERA. He was the featured closer in the first half of the 2010 campaign with the Pirates, recording 21 saves.

While the starters for the St. Louis Cardinals have been very good, the bullpen has been shaky at best. Five different players have recorded saves for the Cardinals in 2011.

Dotel could be an eighth inning guy or close in the ninth inning if need be. He has pitched very well in the American League this season.

Bringing in Dotel wouldn't cost the Cardinals as much in terms of prospects as a Heath Bell would.

1. Heath Bell

The Padres will be looking to ship players away to gain future pieces. Heath Bell will most likely be in another uniform come August. Will St. Louis be the next destination for Bell?

It depends on how much the Cardinals are willing to give up. Will they be able to keep Bell in the future? That is another question to ponder before making the trade, especially with Albert Pujols becoming a free agent after 2011.

Bell has recorded 27 saves in 29 chances in 2011. He is posting a 2.52 ERA in 40 appearances.

Fernando Salas leads the Cardinals in saves, with 17, but has already blown three chances. An upgrade is essential in order for the Cardinals to reach the postseason.

Bell is undoubtedly one of the best closers in the game. He is worth quality prospects, depending on how much the Cardinals are willing to give up.

If the Cardinals are willing to give a little to receive a lot, Bell could be worth their while.