Wainwright holds an option for two year extension at total of $21 million. Hitch is, he has to be active at the end of 2011 to excercise the option. Of course, considering how damn good he has been, he might have decided not to excercise it anyway.

Other thought: This could make Pujols more affordable for STL – assuming they don’t tank this season and he still wants to return. STL is also concerned about Carpenter, who has begun to show signs of wear. If Carp can’t maintain his form, STL may not look that attractive to Pujols anymore.

I give all the credit to Will, who dared to pose the question of a “changing of the guard”, so to speak, in Missouri baseball.

Kudos, Will. Now, can you hint about a Pujols knee injury too?

If he has some decent starts he might be worth a big time prospect in June.