ST. LOUIS • In need of a pitcher to bring some certainty to the middle of the rotation, the Cardinals are attempting to close a deal with free-agent Mike Leake.
A source familiar with the negotiations told The Post-Dispatch the two sides are "getting closer."
The Cardinals do not comment on signings until they are finalized, and to them that means the completion of a physical.
The young righthander, who debuted with the Cincinnati Reds straight out of college, went 11-10 with 3.70 ERA last season. His 1.161 WHIP ranked among the leaders in the National League.