22-12... and counting... they're winning games right now in dramatic fashion. Ankiel - 2 outstanding outfield assists last night...
Arm and a bat short? I'm not sure. They're pitching over their heads right now, but the guys that are having success now showed glimpses of it last year... and we'll see if either Mulder or Carpenter come back. I really don't want to see Mulder thrown back into the mix (and most people in STL don't either)...
Their team ERA is 3.55, which is pretty damn good... hitting is doing well too... granted they're not hitting the long ball but they are finding ways to outscore the opponent almost every game. If Glaus finds his power stroke, they're going to have a much more potent offense. If not, i'm sure they'll hit a couple ruts this season, but so far so good. You can just see it in their jump. This team is full of energy and players out to prove something.
Cubs... I'm sure they're going to be tough all year long, as their offense is great. Their pitching is a little suspect though it seems. And I'm not worried at all about the Brew Crew.
It's still early of course, but the Cards just had their best April in team history. And considering they were predicted to do this -
5. St. Louis Cardinals
Prediction: 70-92
Key Additions: Troy Glaus, Matt Clement
Key Losses: Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, David Eckstein, Troy Percival
Projected Lineup: SS Izturis, LF Duncan, 1B Pujols, 3B Glaus, CF Ankiel, RF Ludwick, C Molina, 2B Kennedy
Projected Rotation & Closer: Wainwright, Looper, Pineiro, Reyes, Mulder/Clement (if either is ready), plus Carpenter due to return mid-season & Isringhausen
Analysis: How the mighty have fallen. Since Pujols busted onto the scene until 2006, the Cards were perennial National League favorites. Now they represent a shell of what they were. Glaus might be the best power hitter to ever hit cleanup for Pujols, but is anyone going to be shocked when he ends up on the DL at some point this year? They’ll start the season with up to 3 starters on the shelf, which never a good way to kick off a season. Unless Pujols puts up a “Barry in 2001” season, I cannot see this team doing much damage, due to the lack of starting pitching, the subpar bullpen, the aging closer and the non-productive bottom of the order. And they’re a boring team to discuss, so let’s just move on.
Still early like I said... but so far the experts couldn't have been more wrong.