Batting Order: The Cardinals are stacked here, with a plethora of OB 10s, power, and speed. Tatis, Pujols, McGwire, and Edmonds provide one of the best 2-5 stretches in the game. Expect Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina to drive in a lot of runs, especially with the high walk rates of the studs in front of them. Renteria and Vina should be productive in the bottom of the order, setting the table when the lineup swings back to the mini-murderer's row assembled in St. Louis.
Rotation: The Cardinals have some talented pitching and decided on an interesting managerial style to the rotation. In a move of "gamemenship", the Cardinals are pitching should-be #3 starter Chris Carpenter first as a "sign of respect, to eat up innings, and to put Lohse and Lynn in more comfortable positions." Whether this gamble pays off will remain to be seen, but the Cardinals do field a stellar rotation capable of supporting this great batting order.
Bullpen: Clearly a casualty of the lineup's financial costs, the bullpen appears weak. However, they've found several thrifty signings, especially Arthur Rhodes. While his HR allowed is frightening, the odds make him a tier 3 still and a steal at 50 points. Motte is a stud closer, but may be called on to pitch more than that. Dotel will often be called upon to go a full inning, otherwise the starters will be too exhausted. Don't be surprised if they cut Descalso and add a 70 point reliever to help eat innings.
Overall: St. Louis is clearly a frontrunner for the NL Central crown. Behind their powerful bats and solid starting staff, they'll remain in contention. Obviously, the bullpen remains a huge question mark that could drag the team down, but I see them staying in the hunt until the bitter end.
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