With Adam Wainwright lost for the season, the heat is on in Jupiter to find the final piece of the puzzle.

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The St. Louis Cardinals are just over 2 weeks away from their regular season home opener for the 2011 season. Of course, the unofficial St. Louis holiday will feature the San Diego Padres as former Cardinal All Star Ryan Ludwick comes back to Busch Stadium for the first time since he was dealt last July.

The Albert Pujols contract talk has been sidetracked–which is a good thin–in large part to the season ending injury to Adam Wainwright. Wainwright underwent Tommy John Surgery on his throwing elbow and will sideline him for 12 months.

The injury opened a spot in the rotation. Kyle McClellan has taken charge as the front runner to step in the void. He has pitched well this spring:

12 IP

6 hits

1 earned run

3 BB’s

9 K’s

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Kyle Lohse has apparently regained  strength in his right arm and has pitched remarkably well too.

13 IP

8 hits

2 earned runs (1 solo HR)

0 BB

9 K’s

Left-hander Jaime Garcia has been absolutely rocked. In 9 IP, he has allowed 18 hits and 12 runs (10 earned) and walked four hitters. Obviously this will be something to keep an eye on. Garcia was 13-8 in 2010 with a 2.70 ERA. He will be crucial for the team in 2011 without Waino’.

Obviously spring training stats are a bunch of hogwash. Pitchers are trying to get a “feel” for their pitches and work on their command and mechanics.

Staff Ace Chris Carpenter will take the mound for the first time since 3/1 on Wednesday to face the Detroit Tigers. Carp has been out for 2 weeks with a strained hamstring.