Game #26

CARDINALS 6, PHILLIES 3

The Phillies are not alone. The consensus is that Philadelphia is the team to beat in the National League. And this is true. But there's one more "team to beat" in the National League: the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals started off the four-gamer in Philadelphia on the right foot with a 6-3 win over Joe Blanton. Jaime Garcia is becoming more and more of a realistic contender for the Rookie of the Year award in the NL with a convincing win over one of the most feared lineups in baseball. I don't care if the Phillies have not seen Garcia; they're one of the best offensive teams in the business, and Garcia contained them to just one run on three hits through six innings. Remarkable. Eventually, we will find out how good Garcia really is when he faces teams for a second time. But for now, let's enjoy the kid's success.

Speaking of success for a young player, I cannot go without mentioning David Freese, the NL Player of the Week last week. Freese is 15 for his last 34 at bats (.441) with 14 RBI and 3 home runs in his last nine games, including his 2 for 5 day which included a bases clearing double in the seventh inning. The Cardinals scored five runs in that seventh inning. Nick Stavinoha's home run today, which gave the Cardinals the lead, was his second of the season. Each of Stavinoha's home runs were pinch hit homers, and I'm sure you remember the other one in Milwaukee.

To get back the the Cardinals and Phillies comparisons, I stick by my stance I took prior to this series that the Cardinals are very close to the Phillies as far as ability goes. They're right there with them. What I am getting sick of is people who say the Phillies are clearly better by only citing their superb lineup. Of course, I can't argue against the Phillies' lineup; it's truly one of the best in the majors. But if people can salivate at the Phillies' lineup, then why can't we do the same thing with the Cardinals' starting pitching?

The Cardinals are right there with the Phillies. You can debate which team is better, and either one is a viable choice. But the Phillies are no longer the lone "team to beat" in the National League. And, no, I'm not basing that thought off of the victory today. I've felt this way for at least a week now.

Boxscore courtesy of mlb.com.