Listening to WWL Radio yesterday, three starting pitchers (Ben Sheets, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt) were discussed as potential trade targets. Would any of these be on the Cardinals radar? Who else might Mo pursue? Should the Cards even look to add to the starting rotation?

First the half-year rentals. Cliff Lee ($9M) currently has a WHIP of 0.985, 3.12 FIP, and 0.6 WAR. Seattle has Casey Kotchman listed at 1B batting a robust .193/.282./.320. Is there a package (Mark Hamilton; Skip? Boog? Tyler Greene?) to buy the Cards insurance against the failed return of Brad Penny and/or Kyle Lohse?

Why would first place Oakland deal Ben Sheets ($10M)? He has FIP of 4.25, WHIP 1.43, 0.4 WAR. MLB TradeRumors explored his availability.  Given the injuries to Coco Crisp and Eric Chavez, do we have IF/OF package to entice Oakland? Given our history with Billy Beane, do we want to?

VEB has discussed Roy Oswalt extensively. Currently he has a FIP 3.56, 1.01 WHIP, 1.6 WAR. His contract (two years, $29M; full NTC), age (33), creaky back (two cortisone injections), as well as division rivalry make it unlikely that Roy will be moving to St. Louis, notwithstanding his stated wish to do so.

Or is Dontrelle Willis a possibility? Granted he would immediately become our second best hitting pitcher, but does he have anything else left to offer the Redbirds? How about Pedro Martinez? Are there any other names to consider?

Finally should the Cards stand pat with P.J. Walters, Adam Ottavino, and hope for a quick recovery from one of its two injured starters?