Not sure why everybody seems to think they are the clearcut favorites. They lost Larry Walker, Reggie Sanders, Mark Grudzielanek, Matt Morris, Julian Tavarez, Ray King. Replaced them with players such as Larry Bigbie, Juan Encarnacion, Junior Spivey, Sidney Ponson, Looper, and Rincon.

Edmonds's production has markedly dropped since steroids testing started last year. Rolen only played in 56 games last year due to cronically bad back.

They have Albert Pujols, and a rotation that has overachieved in the recent past couple seasons. They have up-and-coming Anthony Reyes who is supposed to be an absolute phenom. But with LaRussa and D Duncan's history with their young pitchers from their own minor league system (ie. Rick Ankiel), he may just fizzle.

I don't see them running away with anything in 2006 unless they make a couple major moves.

Check out this forums members takes on the division: http://forum.diehardbaseball.com/index.php...2549&st=0&#last .
They all seem to be blinded by Pujols' ability and LaRussa's brilliant baseball mind. I just don't see enough reason to believe that they have a good team.