Panic Strikes Cards Camp

For almost all Major League teams, Spring Training is utilized to work out the kinks in players and in most cases prepare them for the grueling season that awaits. However, nothing in the world could prepare the St. Louis Cardinals for the news they recently received. As if Redbirds fans haven't been through enough this past week after the team failed to ink their All-Star slugger -- Albert Pujols to a long-term deal before the start of Spring Training, their hopes of capturing a World Series title in 2011 will have to do without their best pitcher for the past two seasons -- Adam Wainwright. While throwing batting practice, Wainwright felt a burning sensation in his right elbow before experiencing stiffness, causing him to be evaluated by team trainers who later told the 2010 All-Star that Tommy John surgery will be required to reconstruct his elbow, forcing him to sit out the entire upcoming season.

Wainwright, the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award for the second consecutive season last year, losing to Giants ace Tim Lincecum in 2009 and Phillies hurler Roy Halladay in 2010, failed to take the hill in his last scheduled start in 2010 following an injury to the same elbow. Those in the clubhouse believe last year's injury might have a bit to do with this one. Not only will Wainwright's absence be felt by Cardinal fans, but also by fans of fantasy baseball. Just how valuable has Wainwright been over the past two years for the Cardinals and fantasy owners alike? His 39 Wins, 2.53 ERA, 425 K's and 463 Innings Pitched all rank among the top 10 in the league. And if you're not familiar with those type of numbers, all you need to know is that ESPN has him ranked as the No. 1 starting pitcher in Fantasy Baseball.

Though it may not have any effect in fantasy sports considering most drafts are yet to take place, the loss is a huge blow for the Cardinals organization and makes a large dent in their shots at winning the division. But as devastating as the news may be, it's nothing new for the Cardinals organization who are all too familiar with Tommy John surgery, having lost their ace and former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter to the very same injury back in 2007. With the surgery, Wainwright joins the list of Cardinals starting pitchers Jaime Garcia, Jake Westbrook and the aforementioned Chris Carpenter who have all underwent the procedure during their career. Without Wainwright, St. Louis' fate could very well hinge on Carpenter if Jaime Garcia fails to repeat last seasons success. That's if Carpenter can remain healthy.

Three innings into his Spring Training debut pitching against the Florida Marlins, Carpenter suffered a strained left hamstring before handing the ball over. With Cards manager Tony LaRussa downplaying the injury, worst case scenario Carpenter will miss his next start. But if injuries are beginning to pile up during Spring Training, there's no telling what might happen once the regular season kicks off. If Carpenter is plagued with another injury like he has been throughout his career, the Cardinals will have to survive without one of the better pitching tandems in all of baseball, leaving the division open for other division favorites. Those favorites include such teams as the reigning NL Central champion Cincinnati Reds who ended their 15 year playoff drought last season and the Milwaukee Brewers who's pitching staff recently received a much needed makeover with the additions of gems Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum.