And where will the St. Louis Cardinals finish?

We're close enough to the finish line to ixnay late guesses in the poll that I've had up. So, I did a screengrab Friday, and you can see the results at left.

I voted "second and wild card" myself. I thought the Cubs were likely to win the division again, but, especially after the Paul Goldschmidt trade, which I loved but which didn't deliver as much as expected, I assumed the Birds on Bats would hold off the Brew Crew for second.

As of now, the Cards still sit in first, even as small rumblings continue around Wrigley's Friendly Confines that Joe Maddon could be out as manager after this year. You'd think Chicago had turned in to Boston or Philly as an ungrateful sports town, eh?

Interesting that nobody picked "third and wild card." Worries about the Rockies and/or D-backs out west, or Philly after the Bryce Harper signing, may have been a factor in thinking that only one WC would come from the division (which seems true). Harper, BTW, is doing just about as I expected when I told some of the more mouth-breather division of Cards fans on Twitter we didn't need him. Notable, while his D isn't as bad as last year, it's on the minus side again, and probably won't get better in the future.

The Birds still seem to be doing a bit of smoke and mirrors. The Cubs have a higher overall scoring margin on the year and the Cardinals' staff still is less than inspiring, especially the starters. Maybe Dallas Keuchel didn't seem needed, but call me back when we get into the playoffs. Keuchel is still eating innings and while not fantastic otherwise, is at least solid. For the Birds, Miles Mikolas continues to scuff, Michael Wacha continues to suck, and who knows what Adam Wainwright will show up?

Jack Flaherty is having a very good year, but Keuchel is better than every other starter for the Cards and do you really want to entrust a 23-year-old with being your playoff "ace"?

Speaking of ... should the Cards hold on for the division title, they'd be matching up against the Braves in all likelihood.

It's true that the bullpen has been firmed by the coming out of Giovanny Gallegos, acquired in the Luke Voit trade. But still, I don't see the Cards winning this. Braves in either 4 or 5 games.