"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak called the agent for free agent pitcher John Smoltz on Monday to convey what one official described as "very serious" interest in the 42-year-old righthander.

The Boston Red Sox released Smoltz, making the likely future Hall of Famer available to any club willing to play him a pro-rated share of the major-league minimum $410,000 salary. The Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Florida Marlins are thought to be the leading contenders, with the Cardinals eyeing Smoltz as a possible answer for a nagging eighth-inning question.

"I can confirm that a call was made today," Mozeliak said. "We're looking at a number of options for our bullpen right now. It's fair to say he is someone we have legitimate interest in."

Widespread support exists within the Cardinals' clubhouse for bringing Smoltz on board. Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright and third baseman Mark DeRosa previously played in the same organization while with the Atlanta Braves. Wainwright, traded over Smoltz's dissent to the Cardinals in December 2003, considers Smoltz something of a mentor.

Manager Tony La Russa acknowledged the club's interest before Monday's series opener against the Dodgers and said he would be open to contacting Smoltz or his agent, Lonnie Cooper, should Mozeliak think it beneficial.

"I know he's one of the guys we've been looking into. When he's healthy, he's a weapon," La Russa commented, adding, "I'll do whatever I'm asked to do. I think it's enough to say we have interest. We have since the day he was designated."

The Red Sox designated Smoltz for assignment Aug. 7 after he was 2-5 with an 8.53 ERA and no quality starts; however, Smoltz remained effective the first time through a lineup, suggesting he could mesh with the Cardinals' need for a veteran righthander to front closer Ryan Franklin.

Smoltz is an eight-time NL All-Star who won the NL Cy Young Award in 1996, when he won a club record 24 games for the Braves. He tied for the NL lead in wins in 2006, four years after leading the major leagues with 55 saves."