"Wainwright, 22, is expected to open 2004 in the Memphis rotation. Wainwright, 6 feet 8, 205 pounds, was selected by the Braves in the first round (29th overall) in June 2000. He throws in the low 90s. The Cardinals believe Wainwright strengthens a nucleus of young pitching that includes Blake Hawksowrth, Tyler Johnson, Chris Narveson and Danny Haren.
Ten days later, former columnist Bernie Miklasz weighed in: "Wainwright is a legitimately bright prospect and a potential steal for the Cardinals. But if Duncan and La Russa are around beyond the 2004 season it may not matter, because they can't develop young pitchers.