The Cardinals' starting three

In recent years, we've heard a lot about the 1-2 combos--and rightfully so--of Schilling/Johnson, Cain/Lincecum, Sheets/Sabathia, Carmona/Santana, etc. etc. etc.

But how about this punch?

Chris Carpenter
G: 21
GS: 21
IP: 145.2
H: 117
W: 14
L: 3
ERA: 2.16
K: 111
BB: 23
WHIP: 0.961

Adam Wainwright
G: 27
GS: 27
IP: 187.0
H: 172
W: 15
L: 7
ERA: 2.50
K: 152
BB: 54
WHIP: 1.246

Joel Pineiro
G: 24
GS: 24
IP: 162.2
H: 162
W: 12
L: 9
ERA: 3.15
K: 79
BB: 18
WHIP: 1.107

First of all, Carp missed one month and a week. Yet he is behind only one guy in the NL in wins. That guy is Wainwright.

Also, Joel Pineiro has walked 18 batters. That's it.

That is a filthy rotation, and if Smoltz can regain some semblance of decent pitching, this team is going to be very tough in a best-of-five series.

Carp leading the league in ERA

Cy Young anyone?