We've all read the "sign Hudson, Furcal, and Fuentes" posts on the various Cardinal forums across the internet, but let's be realistic!  Spend wisely and we can fill multiple holes on the roster while still being thrifty.  Assuming Villone will not be back and the future of Flores and Johnson is still in flux, the Cardinals will be looking to go outside the organization for a left-handed reliever.  What about Brian Shouse?  He is due to become a free agent if and when the Brewers are eliminated from the playoffs.  Sure Shouse is 40 years old and he's had a terrible September, but his splits this season against lefties are fantastic.  In 100 AB's, lefties are hitting just .180 against him.  Looking back from 2005-2007, lefties hit a mere .219.  Over the last 3 years, he has struck out 3 times as many lefties as he has walked.  Point is, the guy makes lefties look foolish. 

He seems to be getting better with age and could definitely help the Cardinals from the left side.  I'd say he's worth a 1 year deal, anywhere between $2 million and $3 million.  If the team decides to bring Springer back, the two could be a very solid 7th or 8th inning shut-down combo to get it to the closer (whomever that may be).  There are definitely other arms out there (Fuentes, Eyre, Ohman), but Shouse seems to be the most affordable and reliable.  Any thoughts?