Acquiring Mike Maroth was one of the worst things the Cardinals have done in a long time so they didn’t want to compound the problem so they released him. He pitched in 14 games (7 starts) for the Cardinals last season and he was 0-5 with a 10.66 ERA and a 2.32 WHIP. He pitched 38 innings for the Cards and he allowed a stunning 71 hits, 11 homers, walked 17 batters and whiffed 23. The Cardinals will lose no sleep over losing Maroth.

Chris Carpenter was injured on opening night against the Mets in 2007 and he never returned. The rotation just couldn’t pick it up in Carpenter’s absence and it was the big reason that they failed to defend their World Championship of 2006. Chris Carpenter has now started 94 games for the Cardinals in his career and he’s 51-19 with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Carpenter has completed 13 games with the Cards which is rare these days and 7 of those were shutouts which proves that he’s the anchor of the staff. He has thrown 650.1 innings for the Cards and he’s allowed 576 hits, walked 133 batters and whiffed 552. The Cards need him healthy for 2008 or they will have another disappointing season.