The Cardinals lost their ace in April and still managed to win 100 games. Now, Adam Wainwright is back to change the landscape of the NL playoff picture.
The right-hander tore his Achilles in April, but he was determined to return to the starting rotation by season's end. In his absence, everything went right for the Cardinals -- as usual -- and the club still managed to win the NL Central for the third straight season.
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Now Wainwright, despite a poor outing in his first bullpen work on the mound, is ready to make a difference.
Though the Cardinals lost Carlos Martinez (shoulder) for the season, they still boast a deep rotation that includes Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, Jaime Garcia and a resurgent John Lackey. Having Wainwright come out of the bullpen makes facing St. Louis an unenviable task in the playoffs. (Good luck Pirates or Cubs).
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The three-time All-Star last pitched out of the 'pen in the postseason in 2006, when he struck out 15 over 9 2/3 scoreless innings and notched four saves. Someone who is likely quivering in his cleats at the thought of possibly facing Wainwright out of the bullpen is Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran.
When he played across town with the Mets, he was perhaps the biggest victim of Wainwright during his magical run in October 2006. In NLCS Game 7, the righty faced Beltran with the bases loaded and buckled his knees with a wicked curve ball to clinch the NL pennant for the Cardinals. St. Louis went on to win the World Series.
While the Yankees are struggling just to clinch a berth and would have to win the Wild Card Game and two more rounds to potenitally face Wainwright and the Cardinals in the World Series, the pitch has haunted Beltran -- and Mets fans -- for nine years.
Keep in mind, Beltran is a .333 career playoff hitter and was two years removed from hitting eight homers in one postseason when he was bested by Wainwright.
Without their ace, the Cardinals staff has led the majors with a 2.93 ERA. With Wainwright back, St. Louis is the team to beat.
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