ST LOUIS CARDINALS-Oscar Lopez

The biggest issues the Cardinals face are not whether Rick Ankiel can get the ball over the plate (he probably can; he was only 21 last year in the playoffs--the rest of the year he fanned 194 and walked 90 in 175 innings, a decent BB to K ratio) nor is Big Mac's knee completely recovered (Cardinal watchers doubt if he will have any more full seasons--he'll contribute mightily when he does play and if he gets into 100 games, we'll be glad).

The main issues are the entire pitching staff, not just Ankiel, who saw a sports psychologist and took a long vacation this winter. He was 11-7, 3.50 last year and the Cards expect even more of him this year with two years under his belt. But there is also Matt Morris, who went from potential ace to Tommy John surgery to the bullpen in three years. Now they are hoping he will resume his rightful place in the rotation. Darryl Kile (20-9) returned to the form he displayed in Houston after two years in that Pitcher's Hell, Colorado. At 32, he still should have a few good years left. Andy Benes never attained the stardom many predicted for him. He has battled injuries, lost the steam on his heater and had a career worst 4.88 ERA last year, along with a 12-9 record. He also gets high pitch counts, a killer for someone fighting stamina problems. They no longer look for him too be one of their best, just hope he can be a reliable three or four man.

The biggest issue concerning the rotation is can Dustin Hermanson replace Pat Hentgen? Hentgen (15-12) flew from the Cardinals to the Orioles, taking his 6 million dollar salary along. They felt Hermanson, cheaper and 4 years younger (at 28) would be a better bet. 12-14 with Montreal, his ERA and innings were on a par with Hentgen. Tony LaRussa and pitching coach Dave Duncan have always gone for deep rotations; for the number five spot they have Morris, Garret Stephenson (16-9 but on the trading block?), and Bene's younger brother, Alan. A very solid staff.

A solid veteran bullpen, consisting of closer Dave Veres and Mike James and Mike Timlin, lefty Jason Christensen and newcomer southpaw Steve Kline. La Russa loves to have two lefties and two righties in the pen, to match any switches the other team makes.

But Hermanson and Kline came at the cost of Fernando Tatis, the slugging 3B who had an off-year but who looked like a star in '99. Along with Fernando Vina at second and Edgar Renteria at short, this was a fine infield.

Now they have role player Craig Paquette at third and a questionable McGwire at first.

The outfield of Jim Edmonds (.295, 42, 108), the rapidly improving JD Drew and Ray Lankford is good, and could be great if Lankford can comeback from a subpar year. At 33, this is the make or break it year from the former star.

The Cardinals have excellent defense, especially up the middle, with Edmonds in center, Vina and Renteria at 2B and SS, and the unheralded Mike Matheney behind the plate. With McGwire in the lineup, the offense is among the best, and even though there are no greats on the pitching staff, they are almost all better than average. No wonder most pundits are picking them for the NL Central crown, with a good chance of going to the Series, where they would have a decent shot at upsetting the Yankees, due to their depth.