St. Louis Cardinals: 5 Most Devastating Pitches from Redbird Hurlers

The St. Louis Cardinals have one of the best pitching staffs in the National League.

It might not have the star power of the Philadelphia Phillies’ staff, but it is probably better from top to bottom.

The Redbirds’ pitchers have some pretty devastating pitches, from blazing fastballs to curveballs that fall off the table.

Let’s take a look at the five best pitches that Cardinal pitchers have in their repertoires this season.

5. Jake Westbrook's Sinker

Westbrook isn’t one of the best five pitchers on the Cardinals staff, but he has a great sinker.

When his sinker is sharp, he’s getting plenty of ground balls and limiting opponents from scoring runs.

If he can keep his sinker going like he did on Monday night, he’ll be a great asset in small ballparks like Wrigley Field and Great American Ballpark.

4. Marc Rzepczynski's Slider

There’s no way the Cardinals make it to the World Series in 2011 without Rzepczynski’s efforts against Prince Fielder in the National League Championship Series.

Rzepczynski was charged with retiring the powerful lefty in late-inning situations, and he thrived.

Fielder couldn’t touch Rzepczynski’s slider, and it was a major reason the Cardinals were able to advance and eventually emerge as world champions.

3. Chris Carpenter's Curveball

Carpenter’s curveball isn’t quite as good as Adam Wainwright’s, but Carp’s is more consistent.

Carpenter’s outstanding effort against Roy Halladay and the Phillies in the 2011 NLDS saved the Redbirds from a first-round playoff exit. His sharp curveball was the biggest factor in neutralizing sluggers like Ryan Howard, Hunter Pence and Jimmy Rollins.

Cardinal fans have to hope his curve is still just as sharp when he comes off the DL later this season.

2. Jason Motte's Fastball

Motte’s fastball has an average velocity of 96 miles per hour. It’s the biggest reason why he won the closer job this season.

But he needs to develop his secondary pitches or hitters will eventually start catching up with the heater.

If he can develop a decent slider or changeup that can keep hitters from sending one over the wall, he’ll be one of the best closers in baseball.

1. Adam Wainwright's Curveball

As a closer in 2006, this is the pitch that froze Carlos Beltran with the bases loaded in Game 7 of the NLCS and sent the Cardinals to the World Series.

After Wainwright moved to the starting rotation, his curveball became an integral part of his 20-win season in 2010.

When his curveball is dropping in its trademark 12-to-6 fashion, it’s nearly unhittable.

It appears that he hasn’t lost anything on his curve after 2011 Tommy John surgery, but it might still be too early to tell.