I'm all for optimism, but taking St. Louis too lightly would be a mistake. True, they had the easiest schedule in the league, but they had the most rookies of any team. (due to the cheap owner I'm told) They had Carpenter and Loshe on the DL for about a month each. Pujols' only protection, Ludwick was on the DL or hampered for most of the 1st half, and they had 4 abominations playing regular. (Duncan, Ankiel and Thurston and Odd Wellemeyer) The fans forced Duncan out by baiting LaRussa to initiate "Vomitgate", and the 3 new additions to the team forced Thurston to the bench. Ankiel is fighting for his life. Odd Welly is the worst starting pitcher in baseball and the locals are giving him the Duncan treatment....he may thru. (maybe Ankiel will take his spot in the rotation?) On paper their offense now is the best in the Central, but with only 3 decent starters and an imploding pen it's hard to predict what's going to happen. One thing is sure....lotta baseball left!