Brian34Cook

Wainwright exudes optimism
03/01/2008


FEBRUARY 29, 2008-- Adam Wainwright pitches against the New York Mets.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Adam Wainwright is a self-described optimist. He is also the Cardinals' projected opening day starter and de facto ace while former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter recovers from July ligament replacement surgery and Mark Mulder rehabs from September rotator cuff repair.

Others may see the team's starting rotation as vulnerable. Wainwright believes it is a source of hope.

"Best case scenario we could be a very, very, very, very scary team. And I mean that whole-heartedly," Wainwright insisted after delivering three innings in 40 pitches during the Cardinals' 5-4 Grapefruit League win over the New York Mets at Tradition Field.

Rather than focus on what his new-look team does not have right now, Wainwright focuses on what it will gain during the season's first several months and how a perceived weakness may become a pillar.

"I've heard Mulder is throwing great. I know Carp' is going to throw great when he comes back. We've got a couple guys in our lineup right now who are dangerous. What Juan Gonzalez has brought to us in just these two games … we could be dangerous," he said. "I don't want to go much farther than that, but we've been underestimated before."

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