Stock Down: Adam Wainwright
Not many top pitchers have fallen harder than Adam Wainwright has this season. Coming back from a torn achilles and losing some key players on the Cardinals roster, everyone expected at least a slight decline in performance, but I don’t think anyone saw what he has done so far happening.
Given a 4-0 lead against the Reds on Saturday, Waino imploded and earned the loss by giving up 10 hits and seven earned runs. He also only managed to strike out a measly two batters.
Winless in three starts (0-2) with 16.1 innings pitched, Wainwright has surrendered 15 earned runs and 22 hits. A great strikeout pitcher he has only managed a disappointing seven so far and has a dismal ERA of 8.27.
Anyone that “wasted” a high pick on Wainwright has to be kicking themselves hard and driving themselves crazy wondering whether or not to drop him or try to find a trade partner. I would say, as hard as it is because of his start to the season, give him a little more time and see if he can right the ship.
If he returns to form then you have the top pitcher that he is capable of being. Be a lot easier to deal with him on your team turning it around than letting him hurt you later in the season on someone else’s team.
