The Cardinals are diligently monitoring the pitching market, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi. They're looking for a starter and a reliever.
- They could be interested in two left-handed starters: Seattle's Jason Vargas and Houston's Wandy Rodriguez.
- Vargas' home-road splits are discouraging. He's performed much better at Safeco Field, a known pitchers' ballpark.
- Vargas is a free agent at the end of the season. He's making $4.85 million this year.
- The Mariners scouted Cardinals prospect Tyrell Jenkins, who has a 5.12 ERA in 13 starts with Class A Quad Cities, on Monday night.
- Rodriguez is 7-7 this season with a 3.51 ERA, and once again looks to be a lock to reach 190 innings on the year, but his contract is what might keep teams away. He'll earn $13 million in 2013, and has a 2014 club option worth $13 million, with a $2.5 million buyout.
- However, if the Astros do trade Rodriguez, they will send money along with him.
- If the Cardinals make a move for either Rodriguez or Vargas, they'll move Lance Lynn or Joe Kelly to the bullpen, notes Rosenthal.
