No, the Cardinals don’t have the National League’s best pitching staff.
After watching the Cubs work at Busch Stadium over the weekend, we can all agree that the Small Bears will take that prize.
What happens when they throw the overpowering Mark Prior back into that mix? NL hitters will struggle with self-esteem issues facing that crew.
But give the Cards credit. They are starting to make a case for possessing the most improved staff in the league, top to bottom.
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Step by step, the staff shows signs of coming together. After a dreadful start, the five-man rotation settled in to deliver a series of quality starts. After a horrendous stretch, the veteran relievers are finally establishing themselves as well.
The general perception here and everywhere is this team is badly over-matched in the NL Central arms race. The first four weeks of the season seemed to confirm that.
But the Cards are now 3-0 in extra innings this season and 5-1 in one-run games–both strong indicators the staff presents hope. This could be a competitive pitching staff after all. Just ask the Cubs.