2011 MLB Playoffs: Don't Discard St. Louis Cardinals' Chances in Philadelphia

The St. Louis Cardinals overtook the NL Wild Card on the last day of the MLB season, only to be left for dead as they head into Philadelphia.

While the Phillies have been this year's favorite for a World Series title, the games have yet to be played.

Dial back the clock to the 2010 season, and the Phillies were again the favorite but were ousted by the eventual World Series champion San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.

This year Phillies fans should be concerned about their first-round opponent. The Cardinals are not to be taken lightly. Along with the Tampa Bay Rays, they're the hottest team in baseball. Just like the Rays, they've been written off.

As an example, look at what the Rays did to the Texas Rangers on the road in Game 1 of the ALDS. Powered by rookie pitcher Matt Moore, making his second start ever, the Rays two-hit the high-powered Rangers and beat them 9-0. Nothing should be taken for granted in Philadelphia.

We all know that Roy Halladay will take the hill in Philly later on today. We're all aware of his postseason heroics he accomplished in the NLDS last season, pitching a no-hitter. While Halladay is one of the best, every postseason game brings something new. After all, he's only pitched in three postseason games in his 14-year MLB career.

Halladay's opponent on Saturday, Kyle Lohse, has appeared in six postseason games. Incidentally, his last was in 2007 with the Phillies. Manager Tony La Russa and the Cardinals have the hidden advantage of Lohse's experience of pitching in Philly. He's familiar with the hostile environment he's about to walk into—he's a great choice to pitch Game 1.

Also keep in mind that the Cardinals took the season series against the Phillies, 6-3. This includes taking three of four just a few weeks ago in Philadelphia.

Don't sleep on the Cardinals.