Could The St. Louis Cardinals Add Cliff Lee?

The St. Louis Cardinals come into spring training once again as the favorites to win the NL Central division, but they still have big question marks regarding their starting pitching rotation. Ace pitcher Adam Wainwright had offseason elbow cleanup surgery, and also had to go back to St. Louis just this week to be tested for lower abdominal pain. Jaime Garcia has missed the majority of the last three seasons with various injuries and surgeries. Michael Wacha missed half of last season with a shoulder injury. The Cardinals browsed the starting pitching market throughout the offseason, but chose to stick with what they had. But with Wainwright being tested already with a potential injury, it may force the Cardinals to make a move. The Philadelphia Phillies lefty Cliff Lee was limited to just 13 starts last season due to various injuries, but after proving himself healthy so far in spring training, the Cardinals may look to acquire him. He is owed 27.5 million this season with a vesting option for next season. He would cost alot less than teamate Cole Hamels, and he would give the Cardinals an experienced lefty who also has a good reputation in the postseason. The Cardinals will wait and see what Wainwright's test results show about his injury before doing anything, but rest assured they are keeping their eyes and ears open. -Jared Pate