Tuesday: San Diego (Peavy, 13-7) at St. Louis (Carpenter, 21-5), 12:09 (ESPN)
Thursday: San Diego (Astacio, 4-2) vs. St. Louis (Mulder, 16-8), 3:09 (ESPN2)
Saturday: St. Louis (Morris, 14-10) at San Diego (Eaton 11-5), TBA
Sunday: St. Louis at SD, TBA*
Monday: San Diego at St. Louis, TBA*
*– if necessary
Padres’ projected lineup
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PLAYER AVG HR RBI
CF Dave Roberts .275 8 38
2B Mark Loretta .280 3 38
C Ramon Hernandez .290 12 58
RF Brian Giles .301 15 83
LF Ryan Klesko .248 18 58
SS Khalil Greene .250 15 70
3B Joe Randa .276 17 68
1B Mark Sweeney .294 8 40
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Strengths: The Padres’ hopes hinge on the front of the rotation and the back of the bullpen. Jake Peavy (13-7, 2.88 ERA), who will start Game 1, can be dominant when he has his best stuff. He held opposing batters to a .217 average and struck out 216 in 203 innings. Adam Eaton (11-5, 4.27) is another quality starter, and he will pitch Game 3. Trevor Hoffman (43 saves) is one of the best closers in baseball. The offense revolves around outfielder Brian Giles. If speedy center fielder Dave Roberts is able to play, the lineup and the defense improve. If Roberts is sidelined because of a pulled leg muscle he suffered Sept. 24, Robert Fick, Eric Young or Ben Johnson would start.
Weaknesses: Any team that makes the playoffs with an 82-80 record has significant flaws. The Padres ranked 27th in runs, and nobody hit 20 home runs or drove in 85 runs. Defensively they are suspect as well, especially if Roberts can’t patrol center field. As for pitching, there is a significant drop after Eaton.
By the numbers: .257 team average (13th in NL), 4.15 ERA (tied for 8th in NL).
Key to the series: Getting two dominant performances from Peavy in Game 1 and a potential Game 4 are essential. Another pitcher must step up as well. The most likely candidate is Eaton, who struck out 11 in seven scoreless innings Sunday against the Dodgers.
Cardinals’ projected lineup
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PLAYER AVG HR RBI
SS David Eckstein .294 8 61
CF Jim Edmonds .263 29 89
1B Albert Pujols .330 41 117
RF Larry Walker .289 15 52
LF Reggie Sanders .271 21 54
2B Mark Grudzielanek .294 8 59
C Yadier Molina .252 8 49
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3B Abraham Nunez .265 5 44
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Strengths: The Cardinals posted 100 victories to the Padres’ 82 and have the depth and balance to sweep the series. They lead the National League in earned-run average and will send out a quality starter in each game, beginning with Cy Young Award candidate Chris Carpenter in Game 1. They also can bump two starters into the bullpen. Offensively, the Cardinals have the difference-maker in Albert Pujols. Leadoff batter and shortstop David Eckstein had a strong season, and he and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek helped the Cardinals lead the majors with 196 double plays.
Weaknesses: Third baseman Scott Rolen is out, and his replacement, Abraham Nunez, has slumped after a hot start. Jim Edmonds and Larry Walker, critical left-handed bats in the lineup, have battled injuries. Top middle reliever Al Reyes is finished with a torn elbow ligament, and left-handed reliever Ray King had a horrendous September.
By the numbers: .269 team average (3rd in NL), 3.48 ERA (1st in NL).
Key to the series: Carpenter has had a few poor outings lately, so getting a strong performance in his Game 1 matchup against Peavy is important.