St. Louis Cardinals: Five Free-Agent southpaws to consider

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Jul 10, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Joe Thatcher (54) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Houston Astros 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2. Joe Thatcher

A former product of the River City Rascals, Thatcher has bounced around with four different teams since debuting in 2007. Although various control problems have caused Thatcher to relocate in the past, he could bring valuable leadership to a relatively young bullpen.

Thatcher is not a typical go-to strikeout pitcher, but his ability to limit big hits has helped him compile a respectable major league career. The 34 year-old only allowed 11 home runs in the last five seasons, rejuvenating his career with the Houston Astros last year with his best earned run average since 2010.

Reasonable contract: 1 year, $2.5 million