Rotation may find relief in bullpen

~ Thompson or Looper may try out as starters if the Cardinals can't fill out the rotation through signings.

ST. LOUIS -- Rather than overpay for any of the remaining free agent pitchers, the St. Louis Cardinals reiterated their stance on Wednesday that they'd prefer to convert some of their stockpile of right-handed relievers.

"I think our alternatives are very good," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "You don't always have to have big names and pay a lot of money to get quality pitching and quality players.

"I think people have to keep that in mind."

The World Series champions remained in the running to retain rehabbing left-hander Mark Mulder and postseason success story Jeff Weaver, although the team believes the demands for years and dollars from their other postseason sensation, Jeff Suppan, have likely knocked him out of their shopping list.

Mulder, who isn't expected back from September shoulder surgery until perhaps midseason, is getting married this weekend, and Jocketty expects him to settle on a team before then.

"We're still very hopeful," Jocketty said. "He indicated to me he still thought this was the best place for him, and we certainly feel it's the best place for him."

Jocketty felt less urgency on the Weaver front, with agent Scott Boras dealing with other higher-profile clients first. He said there have been no conversations with the agent for Suppan the "last few days."

"I definitely believe that we would slightly overpay him," St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said. "The difference between slightly overpaying and way overpaying is where the argument is. I'm not disrespecting anybody's decision not to come back, because this is their time to make some money."

The Cardinals have a backup plan for the three rotation spots behind Chris Carpenter and free-agent pickup Kip Wells.

Right-hander Anthony Reyes is a likely third member of the rotation after a strong postseason to wind up his rookie year, including eight shutout innings in Game 1 of the World Series, although the Cardinals want him to win a spot.

If they're unable to add any more pitching before spring training, the team will audition Brad Thompson and Braden Looper. Thompson has been a starter in the minors, although Looper has been a closer most of his major league career.

"Our young pitchers like [Adam] Wainwright, Thompson and even Looper may have a higher upside than some of the guys that are on the market, with the exception of Weaver and Suppan," Jocketty said.

Wainwright is expected to join the rotation at some point, too. He filled in as the closer after Jason Isringhausen underwent hip surgery in September, and got the final outs in the NLCS and World Series.

The Cardinals' reports on Isringhausen are optimistic he'll be ready if not at the start of the season within a short amount of time after that. Isringhausen had a checkup Tuesday.