Killing Time
The regular season grinds to a halt this weekend with a 3-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Even though the NL Central is clinched, the Birds still have something to play for. The outcome of the weekend tilt may have an affect on playoff matchups. 
The Cards would like to continue the offensive momentum that Chris Carpenter jump-started with a 6 RBI performance on Thursday afternoon. And, you know the Birds would like to put a bow on Adam Wainwright’s Cy-Young bid by getting him his 20th victory of the season today.
Despite all the loose ends, it kind of feels like everyone is just killing time until the real games begin next week. All of the peripheral stuff is nice, but this team is ready to make a run at bringing St. Louis their 11th World Series Title. While we wait for the Playoffs to get underway, let’s take a minute to acknowledge some of the key reasons the Cards have a shot at the title.
The Front Office:
Early in the season, I was among those that started to grow impatient by a lack of moves from the front office. On a weekly basis, I questioned Bill Dewitt’s desire to spend money, and John Mozeliak’s ability to make a significant move. It never felt so good to be so wrong.
Mo did his thing in a big way. He went out and made deals for Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday, Julio Lugo, and he signed John Smoltz. Mozeliak was even able to include
the terrible Chris Duncan in his wheeling and dealing. The Cardinals became a different team after the moves, and ran away with the Central. DeWitt has even expressed a desire to re-sign DeRosa and Holliday after the season. Without the contribution from the front office, this season may have had a decidedly different result.
Carp and Waino:
Carpenter and Wainwright are tough, they are leaders, and their stuff is filthy. The Cy Young contenders form the best 1-2 punch in the National league and will wreak havoc on opposing lineups in the Playoffs. The Cardinals will have a chance in every series they play, thanks to these two guys.
After overcoming an early-season injury, Carpenter has been phenomenal. On Thursday, he became the first Cardinals pitcher to win the NL ERA crown since Joe Magrane in 1988. He will finish the season with a healthy 17 wins, and a minuscule 2.24 ERA.
Wainwright has blossomed into one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. He will attempt to win his 20th game tonight, and possibly lock up the Cy Young Award. Earlier in the week, Carpenter endorsed Waino for the honor.
The Middle Infield:
The middle infield was a major question mark heading into the season. The Cardinals signed Khalil Greene to be the everyday shortstop and were relying on Skip Shumaker to convert from outfielder to second baseman. One of those moves worked out, but the emergence 
of Brendan Ryan and Shumaker’s ability to adapt are a reason the Cards will be playing in October.
Greene struggled with anxiety issues for most of the season, which opened the door for Brendan Ryan. He has been spectacular at short, and his offense was an improvement over what the Birds got from that spot last year. Cardinals pitchers love to have Ryan’s Gold Glove-caliber defense behind them and the young shortstop could become a fixture there in the future.
Shumaker is a second baseman now. There was a lot of skepticism regarding whether Shu could make the switch from the outfield, but he has been excellent. His defense hasn’t been an issue all season, and he has remained a steady .300 hitter at the top of the lineup.
Albert Pujols:
He’s
the MVP.
Extra Innings:
Kyle Lohse would be my fourth starter. Two main reasons: First, he can go deeper in games than John Smoltz. Second, Smoltz has done the bullpen thing before, and I think it would be an easier transition for him.
Pete Eichholz plays sportswriter on Thursday nights; you can read him here on Fridays.