Well 4 losses in a row. Time to panic? No, but it is time to admit that our beloved Cardinals are not the best team in their division. Coming off back to back sweeps from Cincy and Houston, unfortunately proves that.

I do not believe that the Reds are a better team, however I feel that the Reds have a superior lineup(1-9) than the Cards. The Cardinals core (Pujols,Rolen,possibly Edmonds)is much better that that of the Reds(Dunn,Kearns,healthy Griffey), however the supporting cast of Freel, Phillips, Aurilia, E. Encarnicion,Etc. Frankly, is better. Pitching is what seperates the two teams. The Cardinals are much better in this area, bullpen included. Arroyo is very good, but the rest of the rotation is suspect. Although Harang now leads the league in K's. If they get a solid pitching performance they are very tough to beat.

Now for the best team in the division...Houston, hands down. Lineup and pitching are dominant. Granted they play in that poor excuse for a ballpark, but visiting teams have the same chance to hit it 315 to left for a HR. Everyone overlooked the defending NL champs in the off season. Every major sport site.."the Cardinals will handily win the Central." The Astros have found a way to score runs and that makes them very dangerous. A healthy Berkmann makes a huge difference, and btw there is that Clemens guy lurking.

Without a substantial move, the Cardinals will not win the Central.I do not mean to sound too negative, I am a huge Cards fan and that is the reason for my concern. I would like to see the Organization fix this sooner rather than later.

According to MLBtraderumors, there is possibility that the Cubs will move maddux. The Cardinals are listed as "interested" in that. Also, the Cardinals are listed as the only fit for Jay Payton. Last, the Cards are listed as a possible fit for Adam Kennedy.

Honestly, I don't see the Maddux thing happening the Cubs would be crazy to deal him with the always frail Prior and Wood DL combo. Jay Payton just doesn't interest me. He isn't a marked upgrade from any of our platooning OF's. Adam Kennedy would definetly be worth a look. A former Cardinal for one.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

I have recently become frustrated with the attitudes toward our new stadium. It seems the the local talk surrounding it consist only of "It must be a hitter's park, Albert hit 3 HRs." "The old Busch stadium had(insert whatever you want)."
I even spoke with a guy that said "I'm not impressed in the least!"

I have had the pleasure of attending the Minor League Opener, the Open House, and the Home Opener. Everytime I have gone I have been proud of the facility representing our home town team.

The Cardinal Organization avoided adding the cheap gimmicks that seem to be popular in new stadiums (i.e a hill in center field), as well as , keeping the deminsions fair.

The new Busch is NOT the old one. I miss the the giant scoreboard and the arches around the brim, but change is inevitable. It is fun to go to a game and feel like a kid attending his first MLB game. Walking around and hollering out "Hey, look at that." everyone once and awhile.

It is important to enjoy your memories of the old stadium, but is also important to let yourself make memories in the new one.

As far as is it a hitter's or pitcher's park? Homeruns have increased across the entire league(by 20% last I heard). Our starting pitchers have the third best ERA in baseball. I think the verdict is......It is a fair park, and the Cardinals have a very good starting staff.

Take the time to stand at the area behind homeplate looking out at the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch, and then tell me if you can seriously say..."I'm not impressed in the least."