8* St. Louis (8:05 ET): The Cardinals can easily end up finishing fifth in the National League’s playoff bracket. But that would likely mean a first round matchup with the Padres. The division (NL Central) also remains in play for the Cards entering the final week of the season. But they’ll need a big push to overtake the Cubs, who are 3.5 games in front of them. Then you have the matter of the two teams right behind St. Louis - Cincinnati & Milwaukee - both of whom could knock the Redbirds right out of the postseason picture. The bottom line is that the Cards really need to dominate this series with the Royals.

I like their chances Monday behind Adam Wainwright, who has a 6-2 TSR w/ a 2.87 ERA and 0.975 WHIP. Wainwright is coming off four consecutive quality outings, one of which was a complete game. He’s also pitched well in the past vs. Kansas City, his most common AL opponent, going 5-2 w/ a 3.96 ERA in 13 appearances. The Cardinals come into this series having just taken four straight in a five-game series from another last place team (Pittsburgh). They should have no issues beating another “cellar-dweller.” Last month, they took two of three from the Royals at home.

Over the weekend, Kansas City did St. Louis no favors as it was swept in Milwaukee. When not facing the Pirates or Tigers, the Royals are just 3-10 this month. With no realistic playoff aspirations, they should be “easy prey” for the Redbirds as I don’t have much confidence in Carlos Hernandez, who allowed three home runs in three innings in his big league debut. Somehow the Royals managed to win that game (all 3 HR’s were solo shots), but they won’t be that fortunate this time around. 8* St. Louis