1. St. Louis Cardinals (17-8) - Nine games over .500 at this point in the season is something that I don't think Tony La Russa could have even predicted. I still think that the bats of Brian Barden and Yadier Molina will cool down eventually and this coupled with their spotty defense so far (22 errors), will bring them back to the pack. However, they have a nice cushion, and if they keep getting the production they are getting from Kyle Lohse (one or fewer earned runs in three of his past four starts), they will hold on to this top spot for awhile.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (12-12) - The simple explanation for why the Pirates have been more successful than usual so far is their starting pitching. Duke, Maholm, and Ohlendorf all have pitched over 31 innings and all have ERA's under 3.50. There is also a simple explanation to why I put them here, and it is there run differential, which currently stands at +19. This is better than the Cubs (+2) and Reds (-7), but falls behind the Cardinals (+36).
3. Cincinnati Reds (13-11) - As mentioned above the Reds run differential is not great, but their starting pitching is really starting to come around in the last few days. Arroyo, Volquez, and Cueto have each had starts in the past week in which they have not given up an earned run. With Jay Bruce's power starting to heat up (6 home runs) and Votto still mashing, you have to feel pretty good if you are a Reds fan. I would say right now they have the deepest rotation in the division.
4. Chicago Cubs (13-11) - This has not been the start Lou Piniella was hoping for, but I think if he were talking candidly he would tell he is pretty happy where the Cubs stand right now. No team in baseball has had to deal with the injuries the Cubs have had so far this year as Ramirez, Bradley, Lee, Soto, Zambrano, and Marmol have been banged up at one time or another. Ryan Dempster, Zambrano, and Harden have been inconsistent so far, but after taking 3/4 from the Marlins, the Cubs aren't in the worst spot they could be.
5. Milwaukee Brewers (13-12) - Going 7-3 in their last 10 games has erased the Brewers poor start. However, despite Mike Cameron provided some unexpected offensive help, I don't think this team has enough to outhit its pitching deficiencies. On any three game series with the Reds, Cubs, or Cardinals, the Brewers simply can't match up. Braden Looper is throwing great though.
6. Houston Astros (11-14) - At 3 games under, the Astros aren't as far out as you'd think for a last place team. Knowing the way the Astros always finish seasons, this may be exactly where Cecil Cooper wants them, just joking. With series coming up with the Nationals, Rockies, and Padres in the next few weeks, they have a nice shot to even it up.
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