Noteworthy

Eckstein was back in the leadoff spot and went 3-5 in the 9-4 win last night over the visiting Pirates. Like Cam said, this as good a chance as we are going to get to make up some ground on the rest of the National League Central. We can't just string together a couple series', we have to get out of one or two of them with a sweep if possible.

Chris Duncan hit just the fifth homerun for the Card's this month - now that we're starting to pull through with some hits, we need our power hitters to start swinging for the fences a bit. i remember last year toward then end when Pujols was having some hamstring issues - i'm wondering if he is have some lingering affects from that...just isn't getting his power behind the bat.

and good ol' Yadi raised his hitting streak to 14-games and word on the street is that he is finaling garnishing some All-Star votes. meanwhile Juan is batting cleanup while he's hitting .280...might as well keep him there until Edmonds or Rolen prove they're still worth something.

And this just in: Eckstein HOMERS in the first against Ian Snell. C'mon baby!