Cardinals Trying to Land Padres’ Bell and Barlett

Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting that the Cardinals are hoping to obtain a pair of Padres.

St. Louis is looking for some help offensively as well as in their pen.  The club covets San Diego’s current short stop Jason Bartlett and closer Heath Bell.

The Pads are said to want to get into trade action early with Bell and fellow reliever Chad Qualls.  I looked at Bell’s value earlier this year, and even though the big righty has said he wants to remain in San Diego, the team appears like to trade their closer.

Bell’s been more than solid this season for the Padres, maintaining an ERA of 2.53 while completing 21 of his 22 save opportunities.

In acquiring Bartlett, the Cardinals would be looking to improve a little bit defensively at short while hoping the 31 year old could return to 2009 form at the plate.  Current St. Louis short stop Ryan Theriot and his 13 errors would have to move over to second to make room for Bartlett.

For more on the Cardinals and Padres, be sure to check out Redbird Rants and Chicken Friars.