I'm a little tardy in responding to Brandon's prediction, so I ask your collective indulgence.  It's hard to dispute his assessments.  On paper, it seems the Astros' chances aren't very good; they did finish 11 games behind the Cards for a reason.  Our boys can't even come close to matching the Cards offensively.  With Ensberg slumping (and being perhaps the worst situational hitter I've ever seen), one could even argue that it's a "wash" at 3B.  It's starting pitching where we have to make our case, and that's certainly not to disparage the starters that the Cards have.  Carpenter is the likely Cy Young winner, after all, and the other guys are very good as well.  I do think we have a more decided edge in the pen, especially if we can get to the 7th with our starter.  Using Wheeler as a bridge to Lidge has been extremely effective.  Brad doesn't seem to be quite as "Lights Out" as he has been, but he's still pretty close to a sure bet.  My gut still says the Cards should win, but I'm hoping a break here and there can bring a World Series trip our way.  Today is crucial.  We need Roger to be Roger.  Ken in Austin