Adam Wainwright's Elbow Injury: Why It Means Albert Pujols Could Be Traded

It appears that Adam Wainwright may need Tommy John surgery. This would be a major loss for the Cardinals. Wainwright is not only the staff ace, but he is also one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues.

This severely hurts the Cardinals' chances of competing this season. It could even mean that Albert Pujols is on the move. Obviously this all depends on Pujols's willingness to waive his no trade clause.

Cardinals Will Be Less Competitive

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PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 18: Pitcher Zack Greinke #13 of the Milwaukee Brewers participates in fielding drills during a MLB spring training practice at Maryvale Baseball Park on February 18, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Ima

The Cardinals will be scrambling during Spring Training to replace Wainwright. Losing an ace puts a lot more pressure on the rest of the rotation. This, along with finding a new fifth starter, will cost the Cardinals a number of wins.

Last year, the Cardinals finished in second place. The Brewers have gotten better by adding Zack Greinke. The Reds are looking like they will have another good season. If Pujols wants to win this season, he may be willing to wave his no-trade clause.

Cardinals May Look to the Future

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JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 17: Albert Pujols # 5 of the St. Louis Cardinals takes fielding practice at Roger Dean Stadium on February 17, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Without Adam Wainwright, the Cardinals may start to look towards the 2012 season. If this is the case, the Cardinals could look to get Major League ready prospects. It is also uncertain if Pujols will be back for the 2012 season; therefore, it is possible that the Cardinals may look to move him to improve their team for the future.

Pujols Could Become Unhappy

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JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 17: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits the ball during batting practice at Roger Dean Stadium on February 17, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Pujols is already a bit unhappy with the Cardinals for the low-ball offer they made to him. Depending on how the Cardinals go about finding a replacement for Wainwright, Pujols could become even more unhappy. If the team does not make a commitment to bringing in high quality players he could be tempted to waive his no-trade clause.

The Cardinals Will Likely Pick Up Wainwright's Option

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JUPITER, FL - FEBRUARY 16: Pitcher Adam Wainwright #50 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws during spring training at Roger Dean Stadium on February 16, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Wainwright has a $9 million team option for the 2012 season. The Cardinals will likely pick it up even though Wainwright will be an uncertainty next season. This is less money that is available for Pujols and the money will be tied up in an asset who may not perform. If the Cardinals know that they cannot give Pujols a good offer in the off season they may look to move him during the year.

The Future is Now Unkown

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JUPITER, FL - MARCH 10: Relief pitcher Shelby Miller #91 of the St Louis Cardinals pitches against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Stadium on March 10, 2010 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

The Cardinals looked like they had a great future moving forward. Chris Carpenter will be 36 years old during this season. He will not be an ace for much longer. The back end of the Cardinals rotation does not look great with Jake Westbrook and Kyle Lohse. Shelby Miller is waiting in the wings, but he is only one player. If the future does not look great Pujols may be more and more willing to agree to be dealt.