Adam Wainwright's future?

by cooper7d7 on Jan 18, 2006 7:25 PM EST

GS IP H BB K ERA WHIP
2004 22 Mem AAA 12 63.0 68 28 64 5.37 1.51
2005 23 Mem AAA 29 182.0 204 51 147 4.40 1.40

I only hear mention of Reyes as a possibility for the Cards' final rotation spot (I just can't believe Ponson will work out). John mentioned that Wainwright has gone from a dominator to an innings eating strike thrower. I suppose there are worse things to say about a guy. He is still only 24. Looking at his 04 numbers, it looks like he missed more than half the season, I don't remember hearing about surgury, so what was the injury? What is his future with the Cards and in the bigs?

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Wainright

I think the Cards are being patient with him, i think other organizations would have him competing for a ML job in the spring. I think he will be at AAA Memphis, i also think Brad Thompson might return to AAA to work as a SP again(the acquisition of Ponson and Nelson give the Red Birds room to do this) I believe Thompson has a bright future as a starter in the Bob Tewksbury mold, however Wainwright worries me, i think he needs to show something to the Cardinal nation in 06.

by gashousegang on Jan 18, 2006 7:45 PM EST reply actions

Was there an injury?

Why did Adam only throw in 12 games in 2004? Was he recovering from something last year and is that what led to the low K's? Or is this just another case of the Braves selling high?

by cooper7d7 on Jan 19, 2006 8:25 AM EST up reply actions

Ponson

He'll be fine, mark my words. Twelve wins at least. He's always had the stuff and the talent; now he's added the hard work. Anyone's guess whether he'll be able to sustain it after this year, but as a 2006 "breakout" or comeback candidate, there aren't many better choices.

by Flynn Blake on Jan 18, 2006 7:49 PM EST reply actions

Sidney in the NL

10 games
68 innings
64 hits
only 18 walks, but
only 34 Ks
3.71 era and 1.21 whip

decent, decent enough for the O's to sign him back.

How will the new stadium play?

by cooper7d7 on Jan 18, 2006 8:01 PM EST up reply actions

ponson

For three straight years now, Ponson has demonstrated a declining strikeout rate and rising walk rates and hit rates. His off-field problems haven't declined, either.
I simply don't se any indication that he's going to be an above-average pitcher.

Now, he probably won't post a 6.21 ERA again (especially in a new league). But it's likely that he still won't be any good.

by FI @ Minor League Ball on Jan 18, 2006 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

Please

The guy isn't 30 yet, and he's quit drinking. This is what happens when you take into account only statistics and don't bother to consider what might have caused those declines.

Players aren't lines of numbers in agate type, they're human beings.

by Flynn Blake on Jan 18, 2006 9:01 PM EST up reply actions

Odds

That's a tough wagon to stay off of, especially as a pro athlete. He's a human being with MAJOR personality issues. As gambles go, he recalls Vin baker.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Jan 18, 2006 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

I'm rooting for Sir Sidney...

...but I doubt he turns anything around. To stay on top of your game, you need to work on it everyday, year-after-year; some 6-month rehab project isn't going to turn the tide.

by Azteca on Jan 19, 2006 12:31 AM EST up reply actions

I would agree ...

... to the point that you're talking about a really refined skill like hitting. I think pitching isn't quite as finely honed a skill, quite as precise. Or I could just be talking out my ass, who knows. Anyway, it's not like Ponson hasn't been throwing on the side, I'm sure.

As to what Crimson said, I don't know if Vin Baker had the kind of crash that Ponson did -- getting his contract terminated (though it's still being disputed), potentially losing millions of dollars, being arrested twice for DUI and once in Aruba as I recall -- really being humbled and humiliated and basically hitting rock bottom. Ponson definitely has some things to prove, so we'll see what the guy is made of if nothing else.

by Flynn Blake on Jan 19, 2006 2:24 AM EST up reply actions