Adam Wainwright

2013

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2012

A February Tommy John surgery robbed Wainwright of the entire 2011 season, but all signs in his recovery have been good and there were even some rumblings that he'd be available to pitch in the postseason. Fortunately, for the Cardinals and Wainwright, he wasn't needed. He's been a fantastic pitcher since he burst on the scene in 2006, and there's little doubt he'll eventually get back to where he once was, but he'll be a bit rusty early on. Don't pay for his 2009-2010 numbers.

2011

Elbow stiffness late in the season was just about the only blip on Wainwright's excellent 2010 campaign. He was in the top five in the NL in wins, ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, innings pitched and quality starts. Expect more of the same from the 29-year-old in 2011: he's the ace of the staff, and his draft day cost has steadily remained behind the elite early-round aces.

2010

Although Wainwright didn't win the Cy Young, he may have been the most consistent starter in the National League last year. At one point, he had 26 starts in a row of six or more innings pitched and he placed in the top four in all three Triple Crown categories. He has improved in each of his three years as a starter, and even with Chris Carpenter on the roster, he's the ace of the staff.

2009

Despite a two-month interruption due to a finger injury, Wainwright was the St. Louis ace again in 2008. He only started 20 games, but he went 11-3 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Even if Chris Carpenter returns to form this year, Wainwright will deservedly be at the top of the St. Louis rotation.

2008

It’s been a strange road to the top of the St. Louis rotation for Wainwright. A top starting pitching prospect with Atlanta, Wainwright came to the St. Louis organization as part of the J.D. Drew trade in 2003. After suffering with two seasons of injuries and ineffectiveness in Triple-A, Wainwright got called up and was one of the best rookie relief pitchers in baseball in 2006, even saving the last game of the World Series. He moved back to starter in 2007 and initially struggled filling the shoes of the injured Chris Carpenter before coming into his own after the All-Star break.

2007

Outside of Chris Carpenter, Wainwright was probably the most valuable Cardinals pitcher in 2006. He was practically unhittable over his first 12 appearances (one run and seven hits with a 15:3 K:BB in 16.2 IP), and wasn’t bad the rest of the way either. More importantly, he stepped in to close some key games down the stretch in the playoffs after Jason Isringhausen went down. As good as he was in relief, the Cardinals believe he can be a top-of-the-rotation starter. He should get an opportunity to join the Cardinals rotation, but if the Cardinals believe he’s better suited for the bullpen, he’ll be one of the more valuable non-closer relievers in the National League in 2007.

2006

Wainwright was up-and-down at Triple-A last year. His final numbers were so-so, but he did end the year going 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 31 K in 26 IP before a September call-up. He's still one of the Cardinals' best prospects and will get a look in spring training, but Wainwright is most likely ticketed for another year at Triple-A.

2005

Wainwright joined the Cardinals in the J.D. Drew trade and promptly improved the Cardinals minor-league pitching talent by a few grades. A slight tear in his elbow ligament shut him down after 12 unspectacular Triple-A outings in 2004. He was healthy enough to pitch in the Arizona Fall League but was 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA, walking nine in 10 innings. He has a live arm with a fastball in the 90s and a curveball that has fooled batters at the lower levels. It's a troublesome sign, however, that his hit and walk totals have gone up as his strikeout totals have gone down as he has advanced. He will need a healthy stint in Triple-A and a return to earlier form to carve his way into the rotation.

2004

Wainwright was considered the best pitching prospect in the Atlanta system before being traded to St. Louis. While he wasn't overpowering at Double-A Greenville, he performed well-enough and a strong first half could see him called up in 2004.

2003

The 2000 first-round draft pick had a solid year in high A, and will likely jump to AA. He's one of the strongest starting pitcher candidates in the Braves organization and could be a factor at the major-league level by 2004.