So obviously that number was before the trade of Weaver, but they're are still ten realistic options in Flaherty, Gant, Gomber, Hudson, Martinez, Mikolas, Poncedeleon, Reyes, Wacha, and Wainwright. I would say Mikolas and Flaherty are written in ink as starters next year. Then for the other three spots you can pick from the other eight. If the more veteran guys don't make the rotation, they can go to the bullpen. If the younger guys don't make the rotation, they can be put in AAA in case of injury to a starter or the bullpen.
Exactly. Martinez was hurt last year, he's still a 5 WAR potential pitcher. Flaherty and Mikolas have 4 WAR potential. After that, Wacha is very good when healthy, and Wainwright will likely start the year as the 5th guy then move to the bullpen if he's off. Reyes is next man up (not ready opening day or would be in the rotation), then Gant, Gomber, and probably Ryan Helsley were next, all ahead of Weaver.
Cardinals pitching is their main strength. Bullpens are random, they might be a top 3 bullpen next year without even making a change. With the amount of talented arms they have to throw at it, something will work.
I can't wait for Winter Meetings and for projections to start coming out for next year. I really think the Cardinals might have pulled even or within at least a game of the Cubs; Cubs starting pitching is old and very, very thin.