[MikeThierry]

Originally Posted by mdccclxix

Between St. Louis and Milwaukee, if both stay healthy in the rotation, whoever gets their bullpen straightened out first will win this division. They're both around 4 era this year, and St. Louis has 16 losses out of their pen to Milwaukee's league high 20 losses. The Reds have 18 losses themselves but with a top 10 bullpen era in baseball it seems a bit unlucky. NY, CLE, TB and PHI have the least bullpen losses.

I firmly believe the Cards have the best rotation in the division (best WHIP and OPS) and just need another quality arm (starter or reliever) at the deadline to pull away. Their offense is better than Cincinnati now that it's healthy with Frease and, ahem, Albert.

I kind of like what the Cards are doing with their bullpen. Management has actually woken up from its use of old veterans by getting rid of Miguel Batista and Ryan Franklin. They are finally letting young arms have a chance to succeed. Sanchez is coming back from the DL after the All Star break so that should give them a boost in the bullpen. I have also liked what I have seen from Lance Lynn. He projected to be an ok to mediocre starter but he has really done a nice job in the pen since he was put in there. The biggest flaw with the Cards bullpen is their left handed relief and I don't see any quick fixes in that regard.