OK, this is not good, "Tommy John surgery" and "Adam Wainwright" being mentioned in the same story is a bad start to spring training. The phrase "significant injury" also doesn't sound good.
That said, what if the worst is true? Beyond Wainwright, what does this mean for Albert Pujols?
Wainwright might not be back until the middle of 2012 and not be back to 100 percent effectiveness until 2013. That would mean the first year of a new Pujols contract is unlikely to show dividends in the postseason. So, management might engage in loss-cutting and rebuilding mode. Trades made during the year this year could be one sign of that.
On the other hand, a team without both Wainwright AND Pujols might not be close to contention for the postseason. In fact, it might be far enough "out" to have impact at the turnstiles.
So, stay tuned. But, yes, Wainwright's injury can't be viewed in the light of him alone.
And, it turns out Ken Rosenthal agrees. He even wonders if this will change Pujols' mind on being traded this year.
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