Why I Remain Unconvinced

I don't understand it. The takeoff was beautiful.

The Cards have had a nice beginning to the season. The starting pitching has been exemplary; the insertion of Rick Ankiel as an everyday center fielder has proved to be a major upgrade over a hurting Jim Edmonds; the newcomers are contributing both offensively and defensively; we are winning without huge numbers being put up by Pujols; and the bullpen is showing that they can get the job done as long as they are not overworked.

Think that will last indefinitely? I don't. You can expect to get innings from Wainwright and Lohse, but who else can you really count on? You have pitchers who will be returning from various injuries, but I find it hard to believe Pineiro will be able to jump right in and be as effective as he was last year down the stretch. I also don't believe Mulder will be a plus pitcher...not this year at least.

Its true, the bullpen should improve by the return of Thompson to its ranks when he is no longer needed as a starter, but it seems likely he will be overworked as will the rest of the bullpen as we try to incorporate Mulder and Pineiro back into the mix.

Offensively, if Ankiel cools off will anyone have to pitch to Pujols at all? They have been avoiding him as it is. We have been winning but it isn't like we are knocking the cover off the ball. Overall I think we will hit okay, but cool periods will kill us.

The fast start has been nice, but this still looks like a .500 team to me.

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