Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals’ best pitcher the last two years, probably will be lost for the season due to a “significant” elbow injury. Wainwright was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young award last year, and finished third two years ago. Expect a heavy dose of “karma!” from St. Louis fans, who probably think this is the penalty the franchise must pay for not signing Albert Pujols earlier this month.

Wainwright’s injury, coupled with the Brewers’ strengthening their pitching staff this offseason, plus the Reds’ having perhaps the deepest staff in the division, probably means St. Louis will have a very tough time making the postseason. The Cardinals last won a postseason game in 2006 – when they won the World Series.

With Albert Pujols likely to walk in free agency, you’re looking at a franchise that has the potential to make a major nosedive in the coming years. Unless you think Lance Lynn is ready to enter the rotation and become a factor, and the Cards will sign Pujols.

Yankees beat writers are already speculating – would the Cardinals perhaps consider dealing their 2nd best pitcher, Chris Carpenter, for prospects later this summer?