stl sports

Every year, there is a time when talk of Albert Pujols possibly achieving the Triple Crown. It is a romantic idea, as there hasn’t been a batter to win the Triple Crown since 1967 (1937 for the National League.)

While Albert does have an opportunity to make history, there is actually a far better candidate on the Cardinals squad.

Adam Wainwright.

Yep, the Cardinal ace has a legitimate opportunity. Moving into first place for two of the categories in the past week, Waino could be the eleventh pitcher in the live ball era to win the National League honor.

The Cardinals have half of the six batting Triple Crowns in the National League, but have never had a pitcher record the feat.

The three categories have their own unique story. ERA will be an ongoing battle between multiple pitchers but wins look to be a two-man race between Waino and Ubaldo Jimenez. Both stand at 17 wins, each three ahead of third place.

Strikeouts is the one area where ground will have to be made up. Wainwright is currently third, 10 total strikeouts behind Roy Halladay. This will be by far the toughest category for Waino, as his strikeout numbers have declined every month since May - 7.83 K/GS (May), 6.16 K/GS (June), 5.6 K/GS (July), 5.3 K/GS (August).

While there is still a month and a half left in the season, this feat is not out of Waino’s reach. And while a pitcher’s Triple Crown chase is largely overlooked, it would be an incredible accomplishment.