I really think their biggest worry is going to be keeping Carpenter and Wainwright around when their deals are up. I have no idea when that is, but I'm fairly certain Wainwright is FA eligible after 2010 or 2011 and Carp's deal has to be up around the same time. You can have all the offense you want, but if the other team scores 6 runs a game you're screwed. And I don't think they've got anything worth getting excited about in terms of starters anywhere close to the majors. Of course if Duncan stays, all they need is a couple of guys like Daniel Cabrera and Jeff Weaver to show up and they'll have two cheap Cy Young candidates. Carpenter: 5 years/$63.5M (2007-11), plus 2012 club option Wainwright: 4 years/$15M (2008-11), plus 2012, 2013 club options When Carp's contract is up, he will be 36. If they exercise the option, he'll be 37. The chances of him pitching anything like he is now by then are very slim. When that deal is up, the Cards aren't likely to want Carp anymore. Waino is locked up 'til 2011, thru 2013 with options. Not worried about him for a while. (Lohse is also locked up until 2012). As for Daddy Duncan - he seems quite irked about the Cards dumping off his kid, Chris. He may be on his way out of town. As for our minor league pitching prospects: We only have a few with any upside. The fact that Mitchell Boggs is pitching for us tonight is a good indicator. Jaime Garcia is coming back from surgery - he might be a contributor. Shelby Miller is the new kid we just signed. Way to soon to know if he'll live up to the hype (or close to it).