Some ideas to improve the roster without selling the future

Long time reader, first time poster here. I was thinking about some possible ideas for Mo to possibly make at the deadline this year.

First I'll start with what I believe is the most pressing need for the Cards right now, a Left-Handed Reliever.

Even when he comes back, Flores is just not good enough for what we need him to be. I would personally love to see Ron Mahay or Damaso Marte if we could possibly get one of them. However, I know that is highly unlikely.

There are a few second teir options I think may be worth checking out.

• Eddie Guardado- Having a good year and Texas may think he is expendable. Should come at a reasonable price as well.
• Arthur Rhodes- May be the easiest LH reliever to pick up. Having a good season but the Mariners are heading no where.

Second on the list to me is the impact bat. There are a few middle infielders and outfielders that come to mind. Bay and Holliday to me are too far out of reach, i don't think Mo would pull the trigger even though we could probably put together a good enough package.

• Xavier Nady- Not sure if Pirates would keep him in the division but it could happen. Should be attainable at a moderate price.
• Brian Giles- Could possibly be a move like the Rockies made with Walker in 04 and I think Giles would be served well if he moved out of Petco. May not be too pricey because of his age and contract, type of move the Cards could possibly make. I know we have a lot of lefties, but a left handed bat could move in another trade or this one possibly.
• Barry Bonds- If he would play for the minimum, you never know. It would be nice to make an impact without trading prospects and Bonds would definitely see good pitches behind Albert and he would see better pitches in front of Bonds. I could tolerate Bonds if it got us to the play offs.
• Khalil Greene- A guy who I think would give us a good bat at a spot we definitely need one. Send Ryan in a package and we could improve vastly. Greene is also slick defensively and could use a change of scenery.
• Mark Grudzielanek- Never wanted him to go and with his age and contract shouldnt be too hard to get.Having a good year and  would look good batting in the 2 spot. Gets on a lot.
• Christian Guzman- Shouldn't comand too much and could open up the ability to trade schu or make him your 4th outfielder so we could get some more pop in the lineup. Guzman could bat 1st.

I think another need that has come up that a lot of people don't think is a problem is our starting rotation. Here are some guys I would love to see and then some guys who could provide decent starting pitching until Waino and Carp return, if they do.

• Josh Fogg- This guy should be at the top of the list because he should be easy to acquire and has decent stuff and can pitch good in the majors. He will keep you in the game and the Reds have him in AAA because they don't like him. Walt may also help LaRussa and Co out as well.
• Odalis Perez- Could also be put in the pen when the Aces come back. Having a solid year but wont command too much.
• Livan Hernandez- Type of guy the Cards like to pursue. Would be better in the NL and could rebound for a team that plays the defense the Cards do. Had interest in the past.
•  Kei Igawa- This is a guy who could be good in the NL, in my opinion. Yankees don't seem to have a use for him and could come cheap. Also, locked up until 2011, that could be a good thing at only 4 Million per year.
• Freddy Garcia- Don't really think it will happen but wouldn't cost prospects and has good stuff. If he takes a deal at around 6 mil after incentives prorated, I think it may be worth a chance, but I doubt the Cards would.

I know It was lengthy, but this is what the Cardinals could possibly bring in and not Mortage the future. Mo should definitely look into some of these options. Now, you can start the bashing because I know it is inevitable.