Cardinals rumors: St. Louis is actively pursuing Alex Colome

Cardinals rumors have it that the team is still actively pursuing Tampa Bay Rays closer Alex Colome.

Cardinals rumors have been circulating since they were eliminated from playoff contention in 2017. After missing the postseason in two consecutive seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals need to shake things up a bit.

One area in need of a makeover is their bullpen, especially the backend of it. After losing Trevor Rosenthal to injury and now free agency, that need is more glaring than ever.

Help could be on the way, with Cardinals rumors surfacing that they are still in hot pursuit of Tampa Bay Rays All-Star closer Alex Colome.

Apparently, so are the Colorado Rockies, with Greg Holland opting out of his contract with the Rocky Mountain squad.

An All-Star in 2016, he compiled a dominating campaign, to say the least — 1.91 ERA/1.02 WHIP/37 saves.

Last season, Colome led MLB in saves (47) with steady statistics to accompany them — 3.24 ERA/1.20 WHIP, while boasting an  MLB best with 47 saves.

It’s possible they would have to part ways with one or a few of their top prospects, but the Cardinals are deep in the Farm System, so it would be worth the risk.

If Alex Colome does not pan out for the St. Louis Cardinals, here are some other viable options for the closer role.

Top 25 Pitcher free agents for 2017-18

• Juan Nicasio, Right-handed, relief pitcher: St. Louis Cardinals final stretch of 2017
• 2017 stats: 76 G, 71 1/3 IP, 5-5, 6 SV, 2.61 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 6.9% BB, 24.7% K
• Career stats: 629 2/3 IP, 4.55 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 8.5% BB, 20.8% K

Nicasio nearly provided that spark to guide the Cardinals to the postseason in 2017, but it wasn’t meant to be.

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2018 could see him return to the Arch City, as the set-up man would be best or the stopper for the ninth inning.

• Greg Holland, Right-handed, relief pitcher: Colorado Rockies in 2017
• 2017 stats: 61 G, 57 1/3 IP, 3-6, 41 SV, 3.61 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 11.1% BB, 29.8% K
• Career stats: 377 IP, 2.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.9% BB, 32.6%

Speaking of the Rockies’ former closer, Greg Holland, A change of scenery would do him good, after a sour taste was left in his mouth in their Wild Card playoff loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks

The 2017 Comeback Player of the Year in 2017 is looking for a true contender, with the Cardinals fitting that role.

• Wade Davis, Right-handed, relief pitcher: Chicago Cubs in 2017
• 2017 stats: 59 G, 58 2/3 IP, 4-2, 32 SV, 2.30 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 11.6% BB, 32.6% K
  Career stats: 835 1/3 IP, 3.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 8.9%, 21.8% K

Snagging the former Cub would be a bit of revenge, snagging the closer with the best overall stuff and experience.

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Alex Colome would be a perfect fit with the St. Louis Cardinals, providing them with one of the top rising stars in all of MLB.

Even if they are able to land the flame-thrower, their offseason work is just beginning — or those Cardinals rumors are what fans are hoping is true.