| The Dodgers have a better record and the Phillies | | | | pitcher through the course of the season. |
| are defending World Series champs, but you have | | | | On top of this, the St. Louis Cardinals pitching |
| to wonder if the St. Louis Cardinals might be the | | | | staff has a great deal of support from guys like |
| best baseball team in the National League. | | | | Joel Pineiro, Kyle Lohse, and now even John |
| The potent blend of hitting and pitching is | | | | Smoltz, who has seen a revival after coming to |
| downright dangerous when you break down this | | | | the Cards from Boston. |
| team. As they say, the key to winning a playoff | | | | The bullpen is very reliable as well, with Ryan |
| series is having two great starters. In doing so, | | | | Franklin providing a rock solid presence as the |
| you can guarantee four competitive games of | | | | team's closer. His 2.02 ERA just about ensures |
| baseball should they pitch effectively. | | | | that the team will protect a lead. |
| With a leading candidate for the 2009 Cy Young | | | | Then, there's the obvious factor. The best hitter |
| award in Chris Carpenter and another top major | | | | in baseball and possibly the best hitter of our |
| league pitcher in Adam Wainwright, the St. Louis | | | | generation. Albert Pujols. His 47 home runs are |
| Cardinals most definitely have those two pitchers. | | | | the best in baseball, his 128 RBIs tied for the best |
| Each pitcher has an ERA well within the 2 range, | | | | in baseball, and his .329 batting average is second |
| and each has been a top five National League | | | | best in the National League. A near triple crown. |