As I write this, the Cards have taken the first game in the series at home. The Cards have a much more powerful hitting team with adequate pitching. Usually, that wins a short series. I predict the Astros in 6 games, as the Cards realize (to their peril) that if they lose this series, they replace the 1990's Braves as the most disappointing team at playoff time.

Astros in 7. I think they'll out-gut the Cards.

Cardinals in 5. They will outhit, outpitch, and play better defensively than Houston. Another 18 inning thriller will be needed by Houston in this one.