The Cardinals are always a strong team because they are one of the better run organizations in baseball. However, they did lose a lot of pitching and did not gain much in return. Offensively they should be set with Pujols leading the way towards another MVP season. Their outfield doesn't have any major stars, but is very solid and deep. Their defense is also very good. However, the starting staff is shaky after Chris Carpenter. Adam Wainwright is talented, but has to transition from a bullpen role last year. Meanwhile Kip Wells, Anthony Reyes, and the currently injured Mark Mulder just didn't pitch well last year. The Cards still will be in contention late in the year, but I see another team grabbing the NL Central in 2007.

3.5 While they still have some scary hitters like Pujols, their rotation took a big hit with the departure of Suppan and Weaver, and though Marquis was nothing special, he did provide innings. Carpenter's very good though and if Mulder can come back at some point during this year from an awful and injury plagued 2006 that'll help, but I don't think they addressed the rotation in even a satisfactory manner. The team has a decent bench and bullpen, but although they won it all last year, I think that their division got a little better and they got a tad worse. They still have a good shot at winning the division, but will have trouble dealing with the Cubs and perhaps a dark horse such as Milwaukee.

thier pitching is bad rolens geting old and eddmons is to injury prone pujols is all they have

I see no reason why they couldn't repeat, but I wouldn't bet the mortgage on it.

Great offense, decent pitching and defense will keep them in the hunt, and if the breaks fall their way they could go far.

The Cardinals is such a first class outfit that you always have to wish it well.

Everything peaked for them at the right time last postseason but don't look for those miracles 2 years in a row.