Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals Renew Acquaintances
By David Dickey
Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha look to continue on the comeback trail
Last season, especially in the first half, the Cardinals pitching staff carried them to a dominant start and eventual 100 win, NL Central title holding season. This season the results have been a bit more mixed. While a season ending injury in the spring to Lance Lynn, and the loss of John Lackey to the Cubs had something to do with the drop-off, the brunt of the burden falls most squarely on two men’s shoulders: Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha.
The return of Adam Wainwright has not been as complete or rapid as some in St. Louis may have envisioned. After appearing to be his usual self while appearing out of the bullpen last postseason, the Cardinals brass figured their big righty would be ready to reassume the role of staff ace. His 4.78 ERA, and even his 3.84 FIP, through the first 14 starts has been less than inspiring. However, his June has been reminiscent of vintage Wainwright, most especially his seven shutout innings against Houston in his last outing.
Meanwhile, Michael Wacha’s roller coaster ride has continued to inflict a nauseating impact on Cardinals fans. The 2013 breakout postseason star has since experienced an up and down early chapter in his career, although his electric stuff and enormous potential has never fully waned. Last season, he put up All-Star caliber results in the first half, followed by an exponential decline later in the year. After showing signs of redemption in August, he blew up in September/October, delivering a bloated 7.88 ERA, with an astronomically high 6.75 BB/9, that nearly outpaced his K/9 average.
He carried over his putrid end to 2015 into the new season, but as of late he’s seemingly regained some of his better form. He’s been solid in June, and is coming off his best performance to date; a 72/3 6 hit, 1 run, 7 strikeout performance against the Rangers. Unfortunately for him he ran into Cole Hamels who out-dueled him in a 1-0 low scoring affair. The small margin for error was likely good training for his next start as he’ll be going up against Jake Arrieta. Speaking of Arrieta….
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