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Cardinals Rumors: St Louis Not Seeking Top Line Starter

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July 7, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (37) throws during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

The St. Louis Cardinals are still on the hunt for starting pitching, but are unlikely to be in the running for big names like Zack Greinke, Cole Hamels or Ryan Dempster, because they are unwilling to part with players on the big league roster, reports Joe Strauss of St. Louis Today.

[Cardinals GM John] Mozeliak must now deal off the top of his minor-league pitching depth to acquire an impact starter. Secondary names such as the San Diego Padres' Edinson Volquez and Oakland A's Bartolo Colon could offer value at a lesser price.

The most important factor for the Cardinals, according to Mozeliak, is to create a "cascade effect" by acquiring a pitcher who can bump youngsters Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly into the bullpen as the season winds down in order to limit their workloads.

To make a move happen, Mozeliak says St. Louis is willing to listen in on offers for top pitching prospect Shelby Miller. Miller, ranked the No. 8 prospect in baseball prior to the season, has struggled his way to a 6.17 ERA in 17 starts this year.

The Cardinals have been on the hunt for pitching help since at least early last week, when the team learned that their ace, Chris Carpenter, would miss the remainder of the season.

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Of the available second tier starters, who is the best fit for the Cardinals?

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