The MLB lockout could deprive Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina of major accomplishments.
One of baseball’s greatest battery-mates deserves a lot better than to have their final season together postponed.
For the past 15 years, Wainwright has pitched to Molina’s mitt. They’ve put together one of baseball’s best batteries, and they’re even better pals off the field. Wainwright and Molina even spent Thanksgiving together in Puerto Rico last year.
While both players are slated to retire in 2022, a delayed Opening Day and start to the season could cost them some awards. At this point in their careers or the lockout process, neither player is likely to be thinking about it. Wainwright has been outspoken in his support for the union, and Molina is expected to share his sentiments.
Milestones for Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright could be taken away
Molina and/or Wainwright could be robbed of important individual milestones next season, depending on when the season starts.
For example, Yadi just needs.3 WAR to pass Curt Flood for ninth place all-time in WAR for the Cardinals. With a strong 3-WAR season, he’d pass Ted Simmons for ninth place. Molina has a chance to pass Enos Slaughter for fifth place on the Cardinals’ all-time total bases leaderboard. Molina may pass Simmons, Jim Bottomley, and Rogers Hornsby on the Cardinals’ all-time home run list with 23 home runs this season.
Wainwright is one of the best pitchers in Cardinals history, and he’s in a good position to advance this season. First and foremost, he’s only 16 wins away from 200 in his career.
Wainwright would pass Jesse Haines for third place in the Cardinals’ history if he started 30 games this season. Waino also has the chance to advance in terms of innings pitched and starts.
Of course, depending on when the season begins, all of this could vary.
