Offense:
Not really close. The Astros are better at third and catcher, and
*maybe* at second. Otherwise, a big advantage for the Cards.

Pitching:
While the Astros have a better 1-2-3 combo, the Cards have one very
good starter and four pretty good ones, which matters a bit more in a
7 game series. The Cards also have a slightly deeper bullpen, but
Lidge (despite his recent rash of walks) is better than Isringhausen.
A very slight edge to the Astros.

Defense:
I'm not very familiar with the Cards defense, but I do know that the
Astros' isn't as good as their team fielding percentage indicates.
Only Everett and Taveras have better than average range, and Taveras
has poor instincts in center. Lamb is a liability anywhere and
Berkman should not be in the ourfield. Ausmus isn't bad, unless you
expect him to throw someone out.

Prediction:
Cards in 5.

Brandon