St. Louis Cardinals April Success: Merely a Mirage?

As of April 17, 2008, the Cardinals have raced off to the second-best record in the majors, trailing only the Arizona Diamondbacks.  However, I'm sure if there are any Chicago locals reading the headline, their first reaction is: "It's only April".   Contrary to that statement, I truly believe that the Cardinals have something brewing within the confines of Busch Stadium this year (besides the fresh Budweiser). 

Whoever said losing centerfielder Jim Edmonds and third baseman Scott Rolen would make a team better?  Money issues aside, Rick Ankiel (yeah, the once crazy pitcher) has filled Edmonds' role quite admirably, and despite Troy Glaus' early season mediocrity, Scott Rolen is batting, well, .000, because he has yet to play.  Granted, while unexpected early season production from such players as Ryan Ludwick or Kyle Lohse may take a dive, others may fill those declines, including Aaron Miles (who is hitting an abysmal .233), and Jason Isringhausen (whose ERA matches Tiger's driving distance, i.e. A LOT). 

Who is to say that the Cardinals can't make it happen?  Sure they had a letdown against the Brewers on Thursday, but if the Cardinals are pitching to Prince Fielder every game I'd be worried too.  With the majority of the Cardinals next 20 games at home, and against divisional opponents, there is definite ability for the Cardinals to make their mark by winning, say 13 or 14 of those aforementioned games. 

With Albert playing the way he does (MVP-esque), and ace Adam Wainwright filling a significant void in the otherwise shaky rotation, the mortar is sure to fill the gaps sufficiently.  I may say, however, that 85 games in all likelihood will not win the NL Central this year, but the Cardinals sure have enough talent and wherewith all to get things done.  Oh, and by the way, did I mention a man named Tony LaRussa? 

Behind this club is one of the greatest managers in MLB history.  With LaRussa's "small-ball" attitude, the Cardinals are sure to be in almost all of their games, with definite opportunities to pull out victories.  So, here we are, facing a three game set against the Giants, whom we have already split with.
 
But one thing is sure: the Cardinals behind Pujols and LaRussa will find a way to compete, even if it is against the less-than-stellar Giants.