The game one starter for the Cardinals at Los Angeles Wednesday night is no big surprise. The Dodgers will start lefty Randy Wolf. For much of the season, the Cardinals have struggled with left handed pitching, but it’s Chris Carpenter who will get the ball for St. Louis.

His 17-4 record after nearly two years of injuries have earned Carpenter the National League comeback player of the year. He could still pull off the Cy Young Award, but it’s highly likely that will come down to his teammate Adam Wainwright and San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum. Although, the case should still be made for Carpenter. He has the best winning percentage and ERA in the National League.

In other playoff news. Tony LaRussa has decided to go with Troy Glaus over Khalil Greene as a bench player. Glaus missed most of the year recovering from shoulder surgery, but has impressed LaRussa enough with individual workouts get the nod over Greene who spent two stints on the DL this summer for social anxiety disorder.

LaRussa may be playing it close to the vest when he talks about the severity of Yadier Molina’s sore left knee. Molina was limited in action this final weekend, but by all accounts should be ready to catch the full load of games in this best of five series. While his offense could be hampered, it shouldn’t affect Molina’s arm much at all.

For updates throughout the playoffs check back here and at twitter.com/missourisports.