NL Central update

Lots of writers have said that Pujol's injury has opened the division right up...I strongly disagree. Cincy seems to be the biggest beneficiary to the injury, since they're the only other team over .500 in the division and just grabbed 1st place from the Cards. I still don't think they have the pitching to take the division though. Even without Pujols, the Cardinals are still the best team in the division - they're scuffling because their 4 best players are hurt right now, or might as well be. Carpenter will be off the DL soon which will provide a boost. The Cardinals' season depends on how Edmonds bounces back from his abdominal injury and whether Isringhausen gets it together again.

Look at the rest of the teams - Houston is getting Clemens and Oswalt back soon but the rest of its rotation is in total shambles. Milwaukee's pitching is also falling apart. The Cubs will be reloading soon and hopfully will be able to dig themselves out of the hole they are in (they're only 2 games in front of the Pirates !). I'm thinking that the Cubs and 'Stros will make a run before the All-Star break, and the cards and Cincy will slide. My predictions for the ASB standings

Team Back
StL --
Cin 3
Hou 5
ChC 8
Pit 16