The Maroth IRA

The worst pitching staff in the league got some help with a trade on Friday. Detroit Tigers lefty Mike Maroth will make his Cardinals debut Monday night in New York.

There's a lot to like about this deal. Maroth is still fairly young (won't turn 30 until later this year) and is ERA against the National League is a very respectable 3.75 -- about a full run less than his career numbers. He's a soft-tossing, innings-eater lefty - the kind that tortures the Cardinals (Jamie Moyer provided another reminder last night).

It also doesn't look like St. Louis had to give up much in return. It will be one of three pitchers, at least one of whom is on the 40-man roster, according the Post-Dispatch.

Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski described the player his team will receive this way. "It won't be a premier prospect, but it will be a guy we'll think can pitch or play in the big leagues."

It will be interesting to see how things unfold from here. The Cardinals active roster shows 12 pitchers and reliever Troy Percival is expected to be called up from Memphis in the next few days.

There are six guys who can start, counting Maroth. Of the other five, I have to think Anthony Reyes is the most vulnerable. He had a golden chance to make an impression last night but lasted only 4 1/3 innings.

His record is 0-9 and his ERA stands at 6.64. His minor league numbers suggest he should be far better. But for whatever reason, it hasn't worked out. La Russa and Duncan have never been big fans. I wonder how many more chances he's going to get in St. Louis.

Of course, the Cardinals could swap out Percival for another bullpen arm. If that's the case, Reyes survives for another day.

But the opportunities are dwindling.