What an absolute beauty of a game Adam Wainwright threw last night, blanking the Astros on 3 hits over eight  innings in a 1-0 Cardinal victory.  The night was made even sweeter when Carlos Zambrano got shelled by Washington in his return to the mound, extending the Cardinal division lead to nine games.......but that's another story.   Wainwright was on fire all night in shutting down Houston, really only getting in trouble a couple of times.  Adam has been maybe the most consistent starter in the NL all year, and continued his recent dominance last night.  He has to be joining Carp in the NL Cy Young discussion.

Other Cardinal thoughts:

-  Walt Jocketty made a LOT of great trades during his tenure in St. Louis.  He acquired guys like Jim Edmonds, Mark McGwire, Edgar Renteria and Darryl Kile while giving little in return.   Some of his deals could be classified as absolute robbery.  In spite of all those deals though, when all is said and done I think he best deal may be the one to bring Wainwright to St. Louis.   In one deal, Walt unloaded the Cardinals of JD Drew, and added Wainwright.  Adam not only was key to the Cardinals in the 2006 playoffs as a lights-out closer, but he looks to be an ace starting pitcher for years to come.

-  I'm not sure why Joe Thurston is still on the roster.   With Khalil Greene's return and Julio Lugo's presence, the Cards have the backup infielders they need.  I think I'd rather be bringing Nick Stavinoha off the bench rather than Thurston.   I suppose it is a lefty-righty thing for Tony, but Thurston just doesn't add much to the roster.  He's a horrible base-runner and he isn't a great pinch-hitter, hitting only .227 with 2 RBIs in that role.   I think the Cards would be better served with Stavinoha on the bench.

-  Todd Wellemeyer is throwing again and getting ready to come off the DL soon.   Sigh......I really didn't want to see him pitch again in a key spot this year.  However, with Lohse on the DL, I'm sure if Mitchell Boggs struggles again in his next start we'll see Wellemeyer return to the rotation.

-  I have significant doubts about the Cards' ability to sign Matt Holliday this off-season, but even if they don't I hope they at least sign Mark DeRosa and return him to the fold in 2010.   Other than David Freese, there is no serious candidate in the organization to play 3rd in 2010, and I believe DeRosa brings a lot as a veteran leader in the clubhouse.