Low Expectations for Wacha

Mar 14, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA;. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Wacha takes the bump at Busch in less than 48 hours, but don’t immediately expect too much from a guy who was in college one year ago.  Sure his name is awesome like Dwight Gooden, but the evidence is in the pudding.

John Mozeliak warned today that there was no need to bow to the 21 year old towering Carpenteresque figure, yet.  However, managing the expectations around the third young Texan starter will be tough, because the hype surrounding him this spring was like Fredbird in 79′.

Maybe “Wachpedia” will win his debut. Perhaps “Wachamatic” will get knocked out of the game in the first frame without throwing one strike. Of course, it is possible that he will evolve into the next Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Shelby Miller or Rick Ankiel.

Wacha, Wacha, Wacha is all that seemed to be buzzing around Jupiter earlier this year, and it is sure going to sound like Charlie Borwn’s classroom on Thursday.  The excitement and anticipation is deserving after Wacha breezed through high A and AA, then was praised by Yadier Molina in March as being MLB ready.  Wacha’s bold numbers in AAA Memphis during the past two months have only added booze to the cocktail.

Michael Wacha will be the fourth rookie starting pitcher for the Birdinals in 2013, and he doesn’t have to be the best.  The former Texas A&M star just needs to experience what AAAA is all about, so he can stay there.  Luckily there is no place like home to start out a career that has the potential for hundreds of wins and millions of jersey sales.

No matter what the long term future holds for this almost famous young buck, Thursday’s start versus the other Missouri team will ignite a new era in St. Louis baseball history, WACHAMANIA!