The Redbirds have been the tops in the NL Central on the strength of leading the NL in runs scored. Their offense has been powered by Pujols, Rolen, and Edmonds. In six games this year, the team has roughed up the Pirate pitchers at the rate of .296 / .377 / .479. They outscored the Pirates 39 to 23 and won five of six.
The Cardinal pitching has been good this year. Their pitchers have been solid if unspectacular and plenty good enough to win games with the strength of that offense. LaRussa has a number of good left-handers in the bullpen. As with the previous two series, however, the Pirates will only see right-handed starting pitching. Randall Simon may start at first throughout the series, then. He's been a maniac the last few days, drawing walks, hitting for power, and diving around to make good plays at first base. The only flaw in his recent play has been his inability to understand the signs given him by the third-base coach.
Former Pirate Jeff Suppan beat the Pirates on back-to-back starts in late May and early June. He's a finesse pitcher who gets a lot of flyballs. We haven't done much against finesse guys this year.
The Cardinals beat up Kris Benson in his two starts against them this year.
Look for all the trends to reverse. Jason Bay and Randall Simon will both have multi-homer games and Benson will outpitch Suppan by a wide margin.
That would be cool.
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