Between not being able to resign Pujols and the Wainwright injury this season is obviously off to a not so great start for the Cards this year. Wainwright was one of the top 3 SP in all of baseball last season, and I just don't see the Cards seriously competing for a playoff spot without him.
It also is pretty apparent that the Cardinals are not willing to meet the contract demands of Pujols (if they were, they probably would have already signed him). If they fall behind in the standings early in the season, could we potentially see a blockbuster deal at the deadline involving Pujols?
Obviously this would not happen if they are in playoff contention, but if they have a rough start to the season and it becomes clear they are not a playoff team in 2010 (which lets face it, without Wainwright, they're not) then why wouldn't they want to trade him at the deadline for a plethora of talent rather than losing him via free agency?
If the Cardinals are not going to pay him what he wants, then they must be thinking about this as a possible strategy. What team(s) do you guys think could make the best offer? Keep in mind he has a full no trade clause...