24 for a playoff spot. 28 for the division. 24 is the Stl number -- I think the 2nd place NL East team (Phils or Mets) has an excellent chance of passing the Cards before a clinch date, so 24 is a little misleading. It's lower than 24 for the Phils, so 24 is accurate for the time being. Sure it's accurate, but my point is there's obviously a difference between a magic # to eliminate a team with no competition, compared to the same magic # to eliminate a team with a very good team right on their tail. Any bond future traders out there will recognize this effect as the cheapest to deliver option in T-bond futures. Right now Stl is the "cheapest to deliver" bond, but the 2nd cheapest bond (Phil) is a close 2nd, and it significantly affects pricing.