Cardinals exercised RHP Adam Wainwright's options for 2012 and 2013.
It was never really in doubt. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak announced his intent to pick up the options earlier this summer, but the move was made official during the team's postseason run. Wainwright, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, will earn $9 million next season and $12 million in 2013. The 30-year-old right-hander recently stopped throwing for a week due to scar tissue in his elbow, but played catch Wednesday and is scheduled to do so again Thursday. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready for the start of spring training.
It's pretty remarkable the Cardinals are where they are right now without Wainwright. These were no-brainers as Wainwright is a top 10 pitcher when healthy. Cardinals are guaranteed to have Wainwright/Carpernter for two more years. Now they just have to retain Pujols.