Chicago Cubs: How the Cubs stack up against NL contenders

St. Louis Cardinals

Record (as of Sept. 27): 81-75

Home Record: 33-42

Away Record: 48-33

One Run Games: 22-22

Versus Cubs: 9-10

Team ERA: 4.05 (7th in NL)

Batting Average Against: .256 (8th in NL)

Is it fair to say that this is the team that scares me the most in October? The St. Louis Cardinals organization is one of immense pride. They are a team that most other teams have looked up to over the generations. But this is not your typical Cardinals team.

They rely on the home run, hitting more than any other team in the National League, including the Colorado Rockies. Their defense is statically one of the worse in the league. And, only two teams have less home wins than the Cardinals.

Still, they have Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, Matt Holliday, Matt Carpenter, and Carlos Martinez. And Mike Matheny. And their fans.

Next: Cubs make Pirates walk plank in blow-out win

While their starting rotation struggled, the bullpen is solid. They can score runs and they have depth, but they can strikeout. If they make it to and win the Wild Card game, their rotation does not set up well against the Cubs in a short series.

But this is the Cardinals. And the playoffs. Anything can happen.

Next: Chicago Cubs make Kuhl, Pirates walk the plank in blow-out win