7. The St. Louis starters. With one of the most consistent rotations in baseball (outside of, perhaps, the beaten Atlanta Braves!), the Cardinals can count on solid pitching outings from a number of talented pitchers. Ace Darryl Kile will give the Mets fits, as will rookie southpaw Rick Ankiel. And with Garrett Stephenson, Pat Hentgen and Andy Benes also able and ready, there appears to be no letdown of strong arms.

8. The St. Louis relievers. Once believed to be a liability, the Cardinal bullpen has become one of the team's greatest assets. Dave Veres is a strong closer, one championship away from

being one of the best. Mike James, Mike Timlin and Matt Morris can all go long, solid innings should a starter falter early.

9. The Cardinal bench: Undoubtedly the Cardinals' biggest strength. Do you start J.D. Drew

or Ray Lankford or Eric Davis? What a dilemma. And what about clutch-hitting Craig Paquette?

And do you start streaking Placido Polanco or hard-hitting Fernando Tatis at third base?

Decisions, decisions.

10. Will Clark. The man has been amazing since coming over from Baltimore to man first base in McGwire's absence. He said he can focus now that he's on a team that takes the game seriously. He batted .345, hit 12 homeruns and drove in 42 in 51 games in Cardinal red. Talk about focus.