With Lowrie gone is Bud Norris next?

Now that Jed Lowrie has been dispatched to Oakland, the Astros have one trade chip remaining. Bud Norris. Rumors are already starting to circulate that Norris could be on his way out of town.

Ken Rosenthal took time out of his Astro-bashing to report the fact that the Cardinals, Orioles, and Padres have expressed interest in Norris. St. Louis seems like the likely landing spot for Bud.

Bud Norris (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Bud’s 2.74 ERA and .220 batting average against in 15 starts versus the Cards could boost his value to John Mozeliak.. Kyle Lohse has priced himself out of the Cardinals range and Chris Carpenter could miss the entire season That puts St.Louis in the market for a starter. Add in the fact that Jeff Luhnow is intimately familiar with the Cardinals minor league system and this seems like a deal that is destined to take place sooner rather than later.

Who might Luhnow be able to pry away from Mozeliak and the Cards? Their farm system is loaded, especially in the pitching department. Shelby Miller and Trevor Rosenthal are the two most recognizable names and both are said to be untouchable. St. Louis’ top hitting prospects Oscar Taveras and Matt Adams are also unlikely to be dealt. One prospect who could be on Luhnow’s radar is SS Greg Garcia. Other Cardinals prospects of interest include 2012 draftee Stephen Piscotty and right-hander Tyrell Jenkins.