Heilman Shopping Heilman....Should we?

I've read where Aaron Heilman, the relief pitcher for the Mets, is requesting that they give him a starting role or trade him. I have also read that the Mets are listening to offers on both of their current catchers, in hopes that they could then find a better option to fill the position. Why on earth should we care? Well Carps health is still a mammoth question mark, and Mr. Mozeliak has mentioned that he would like to add a swing arm to the pitching staff before the season starts.

My thought is that we could acquire Heilman from the Mets in a trade that sends our current AAA catcher, Bryan Anderson, to them.....possibly straight up. They would fill the void at catcher with a solid offensive option, and be rid of a guy that could possibly become a clubhouse distraction if not given a chance to start in NY. While we get the "swing-arm" that Mr. Mozeliak has mentioned before, as well as a competitor for the 5th spot of the rotation even if Carpenter is healthy. We also allow Anderson to find a rightful home in the Major's, as he is certainly blocked of an honest chance if he remains with us.

Heilman has had is struggles starting at this level, all of those 25 starts coming in his first 3 seasons, but he's also found some decent success as a relief pitcher. His desire though is to be a starter, and he want's to have that shot again....NOW. We just happen to be in need of a guy to fill a role such as a #4/#5/LRP. Seems to me that he fits our needs, and if the rumors of the Mets looking for another option at Catcher are true, we have something that could fill their needs as well. Personally I would imagine a batting order of J. Reyes, B. Anderson, C. Beltran, D. Wright...etc...being a potent one to start your day off against. Certainly more dangerous than one with R. Castro instead of Anderson.

I like the idea of Heilman being in, best case scenario, a 5th starter competition with Piniero and possibly even McClellan through spring training. We all know that LaRussa enjoys his ST competitions, and that would be a nice one to have. I couldn't see any solid reason for the Cardinals to not suggest to K-Mac that he should come to ST in "starter-shape". I really think Piniero struggled through most of the season with a nagging shoulder, he had problems during spring training and I don't think he ever really was 100%. I'd hate to think that Piniero struggled the way he did last season without some sort of nagging shoulder issue. He looked like he had things figured out at the end of 07', but struggled to be consistent for us last year. Though a competition for the spot is certainly in need.

Anyway, I'd hate to see Anderson go.....especially to a NY based team.....but he isn't going to find any playing time here, and we can't just waste him down in AAA for the remaining 3 years of Yadi's contract. Let the kid go and get his career underway. Heilman wants to start, well we have an opening, with OR without Carpenter.