The St. Louis Cardinals had their choice of two pitchers to send to the minor leagues Friday when righthanded starter Jake Westbrook returned from injury.

Pitching has been the strength of the Cardinals throughout their league-best season opening. But as the trade season approaches, could adding to their greatest asset be necessary?

This week, we take a closer look at a first-time dad on a hot streak, a team that has picked a bad time to slump, and our weekly Wainwright Walk Watch.

The Cardinals also have plenty of cushion right now. They have the best record in baseball and plenty of other lesser prospects that can fill temporary voids.

The steady stream of players headed back and forth to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds should soon subside when right-handed starter Jake Westbrook makes his return to the team Friday against the Miami Marlins.

The philosophy for the Cardinals while drafting under Jeff Luhnow was always “best player available”. Don’t worry necessarily about specific needs or who is already filling what position on the big league club, but rather create a good problem by having too many players for a certain position.

I have always been flummoxed by Matt Holliday.

St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals affiliates combine for 10 roster selections.

The Cardinals promise on pitching via its much ballyhooed farm system has thus far delivered on promise. Is there a chance within a few years the Cardinals have a completely homegrown pitching staff?

This week, we examine the hottest team in baseball, take a look at what could be the end of one of the most fascinating careers in recent baseball history, and more (including our weekly Wainwright Walk Watch).