I as everyone already knows is a big Cards fan so this will likely be considered a homer thread and it very well may be. But I for one really like the Cards at +150 to win their series with Padres. Padres are probably the team with the best pitching in the NL but I believe Cards getting them now could be a blessing with being able to start Carpenter twice and Suppan and Weaver have both been throwing the ball well. Bullpen is biggest issue as during 7 game losing streak, Cards led or were tied in all 7 games in the 8th and 9th innings. Wainwright seems ready to step into to Izzy's role as Looper more comfortable as setup man. I think all the pressure is off the Cards as they are not the team to beat and under the radar with their struggles this year. They are getting healthy with Edmonds and Eckstein back and feel we have found some guys like Preston Wilson and Chris Duncan who have stepped up. Padres won season series vs Cards winning 4 of 6 but all 6 games were competitive. Peavy is pitching real well but Carpenter who was overused in 2 outings down the stretch will have full week's worth of rest with Larussa skipping him yesterday. The key will be for Cards to win 1 of the first 2 games in San Diego. I feel they will do no worse than split. We then will comeback to St. Louis and if Weaver continues to pitch well and they can win Game 3, I expect Larussa to move up Carpenter to try to clinch it at home with Suppan in Game 5. Marquis and Reyes will not pitch in this series. Trust me on this. Padres have played Cards twice in post season and not only have they not beaten Cards but have not won a game in post season vs Cards. Though I do expect that to change, I think Cards are actually mentally more prepared this year than in the past being pressured all year and especially down the stretch by Astros. The last 2 years in playoffs, Cards had no important games after the all star break. Another thing to look at is the teams that have won WS last couple of years. White Sox had big losing streak down stretch before winning it in last 3 days ly. Red Sox lost division to Yanks, and were down 3-0 before coming on to win. Marlins were not even considered threats for title or playoff stretch until late season run in late August and Sept beating up on Phils and then coming back from 3-1 to beat Cubs. Not saying any of this is going to happen as this is the worst Cards team in probably last 6 years but the best team doesn't always win. Cards have more post season experience of any of the NL teams in playoffs this season and think they step it up with new life. Don't be surprised if they make it back to the show.