"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has restated the obvious. His team could use another solid starting pitcher, regardless of Kyle Lohse's seemingly quick recovery from forearm surgery.

Landing Roy Oswalt before the waivers-free trade deadline would be difficult, for a number of reasons - including Houston's high asking price and Astros owner Drayton McLane's reluctance to send his ace to the arch-rival Cards.

Fortunately, Mozeliak has plenty of options. For instance, the Cards could go after Astros pitcher Brett Myers instead.

That veteran righthander boosted his trade stock with a masterful performance Tuesday night. He struck out 12 Cubs during his complete-game effort in Houston.

In all 21 starts this season, Myers has pitched at least six innings. The Cards could really use such reliability behind their top three of Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter and Jaime Garcia.

Cards manager Tony La Russa has expressed admiration for Myers, noting how he became a much better pitcher after suffering injuries. Rather than trying to overpower hitters, Myers is working them with a variety of pitches.

Myers may be more of a finesse pitcher now, but he oozes mental toughness. Pitching coach Dave Duncan would love to have another veteran like this."