Contract Details:
Signed a one-year, $410,000 contract on February 27, 2007.

2007: $410,000

Became a Cardinal:
Acquired from the Atlanta Braves with pitchers Ray King and Jason Marquis in exchange for outfielders J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero on December 13, 2003.

2006 Season:
Wainwright spent the entire season pitching out of the Cardinals bullpen. He became the Cardinals closer in September when Jason Isrinhausen went on the disabled list. In 61 games, Wainright posted a 3.12 ERA, allowing 64 hits, striking out 72 and walking 22 in 75 innings. Opponents hit .230 against him.

He continued to be the Cardinals closer in the post-season where he closed out each of the Cardinals three clinching games. He picked up four saves and was unscored upon in nine games. He allowed seven hits, struck out 15 and walked only two in 9.2 innings.

Career Notes:
The Braves gave Wainwright a $1,250,000 signing bonus as the 29th overall pick in the June, 2000 First-Year Player Draft. Recognized as the Braves top prospect in 2002, he also earned a roster spot in the MLB Future's game that season in Milwaukee. He made only 12 starts for Triple-A Memphis in 2004 before being shut down for the season with an elbow strain. He did comeback and pitch 10 innings in the Arizona Fall League, however.

Wainwright made 29 starts for Triple-A Memphis in 2005, going 10-10 with a 4.40 ERA. He was called up to St. Louis in September and made two relief appearances.

Contract Info: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Photo: MLB Photos