Well 4 losses in a row. Time to panic? No, but it is time to admit that our beloved Cardinals are not the best team in their division. Coming off back to back sweeps from Cincy and Houston, unfortunately proves that.

I do not believe that the Reds are a better team, however I feel that the Reds have a superior lineup(1-9) than the Cards. The Cardinals core (Pujols,Rolen,possibly Edmonds)is much better that that of the Reds(Dunn,Kearns,healthy Griffey), however the supporting cast of Freel, Phillips, Aurilia, E. Encarnicion,Etc. Frankly, is better. Pitching is what seperates the two teams. The Cardinals are much better in this area, bullpen included. Arroyo is very good, but the rest of the rotation is suspect. Although Harang now leads the league in K's. If they get a solid pitching performance they are very tough to beat.

Now for the best team in the division...Houston, hands down. Lineup and pitching are dominant. Granted they play in that poor excuse for a ballpark, but visiting teams have the same chance to hit it 315 to left for a HR. Everyone overlooked the defending NL champs in the off season. Every major sport site.."the Cardinals will handily win the Central." The Astros have found a way to score runs and that makes them very dangerous. A healthy Berkmann makes a huge difference, and btw there is that Clemens guy lurking.

Without a substantial move, the Cardinals will not win the Central.I do not mean to sound too negative, I am a huge Cards fan and that is the reason for my concern. I would like to see the Organization fix this sooner rather than later.