Here are more thoughts and observations on the St. Louis Cardinals as they push for the NL Central title:

- After dropping the first two games of this weekend set against the Atlanta Braves, the Cardinals are guaranteed to lose their first series since they lost two of three in Philadelphia July 24-26. Since then, the Cards had won 12 series and split a two game set against the New York Mets. After that series in Philly, the Cards were a half game behind the Chicago Cubs for the division lead. Today they are 10.5 games ahead of the Cubs, and the Cardinals’ Magic Number is 11. 


- Kyle Lohse started Saturday’s game and gave up four earned runs over only 3 1/3 innings. The Cardinals fought back to take the lead in the 8th, only to have Ryan Franklin cough it up for his fourth blown save and third loss on the season. John Smoltz has shoulder tendonitis. Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, and Joel Piniero aside, does Cardinal Nation have a right to be a little concerned about the pitching staff? Maybe it’s not a talent issue…is it a durability issue?


- Colby Rasmus has had a pretty good year. It does appear he’s quickly developing into a 5-tool player. But the kid really needs to learn how to direct traffic in that outfield. His collision with Matt Holliday on Saturday was scary stuff; from the left field bleachers they fell out of my view right at the point of impact. Those seconds where I wasn’t quite sure if they’d gotten up, hit hard, required a meat wagon, etc. were some of the longest of my life. If you called the ball and Holliday kept coming, you either need to be louder or tell him what to listen for. If you didn’t call it, you need to start doing so. These are some of the fundamental tasks of playing center field. Please, Colby…take charge before someone ends up on a stretcher.


- The Cardinals and Cubs will play a total of 15 games between today and next Sunday, the regular season finale between the rivals. With a Magic Number of 11, the Cards are still on track to have a chance to clinch the division title at home against the second place team…who also happens to be their long, heated rival.


-Today’s game will feature Chris Carpenter (16-3, 2.16, 129 K, 30 BB) against Javier Vazquez (12-9, 3.06, 208 K, 40 BB). These two are two of the best in the NL. They know how to pitch and they work efficiently. This could be a quick game, folks…don’t be late if you’re heading to the stadium.


Chris Reed is a freelance writer from Belleville, IL who also blogs on the Cardinals at http://bird-brained.mlblogs.com.