On Dec. 13, 2003, the St. Louis Cardinals sent J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero to Atlanta for pitchers Jason Marquis, Ray King and "prize prospect Adam Wainwright," the Post-Dispatch reported.
His first description in a sports-front story written by Joe Strauss:
"Wainwright, 22, is expected to open 2004 in the Memphis rotation. Wainwright, 6 feet 8, 205 pounds, was selected by the Braves in the first round (29th overall) in June 2000. He throws in the low 90s. The Cardinals believe Wainwright strengthens a nucleus of young pitching that includes Blake Hawksworth, Tyler Johnson, Chris Narveson and Danny Haren.