Option Years on Wainwright contract

[Jefferson24]

My understanding is that the Cards don't have to pick up years 2012 and 2013 of his contract if he finishes 2011 on the DL. Both years have to be picked up if they choose to option. Year 2012 salary is 9M and 2013 is 12M.

So do you pay him 21M for what will likely be only a year and a half of pitching? I'm don't think I would especially given the amount of uncertainty as to what he will pitch like after the TJ.

[nmculbreth]

I wouldn't even consider voiding the option years. Tommy John surgery is no longer a career threatening event and I'd expect that he'll outperform his contract even if he misses part of the 2012 season.

[Vottomatic]

It all depends on how he pitches upon his return.

[davereds24]

It all depends on how he pitches upon his return.

he's not going to pitch this year, they won't know that answer