Out of the 4 teams seriously vying for an NL wild card, I'd prefer the Cards and Marlins to any other permutation. I'd most like Marlins/Pirates, but I feel like I've nearly written Pittsburgh off. I agree Cards and Marlins are the 2 worst of the realistic candidates but the difference between the Cardinals and another team is not worth the emotional risk of another Cards-Cubs series. I prefer smooth sailing and saving my emotions for winning the World Series I suppose you have a point, but I have have zero fear of the Cardinals right now. Though the playoffs are the playoffs, and if by some act of satanic intervention they were to eliminate us, that would be crushing. But otoh, bouncing their asses for a second straight year would be oh so gratifying.