WAIT TILL NEXT SEASON OR THESE REDBIRDS ARE TOAST

With the news that St. Louis Cardinal ace pitcher Chris Carpenter is to undergo surgery to repair elbow damage and will be on the shelf for 3 months minimum, I have officially given up on the 2007 season. In early May. I guess I know what it feels like to be a Cub fan. Year after year.

No one repeats as World Series champs. I knew that before April 1. But I had hoped for the playoffs. Even though the Cardinals couldn't get any pitcher to sign a free agent contract. Well Kip Wells. Who's 1-6. But no one else.

They couldn't get additional outfield help. Gonzo left AZ for LA instead. The only major addition was former Cards 2nd baseman, Adam Kennedy. Who's hitting .215. In a partial platoon situation.

With the tragic death of Josh Hancock, the karma seems very bad. Edmonds and Rolen seem to be getting old in a hurry. The magic has gone.

Unless the Cardinals can get some of those Wonderboy bats from The Natural. But I'm afraid this team might break them all in batting practice. Oh, I'll still hold out hope. But it's a facade. I'm about to become a Brewers fan. Or anyone who can beat the Cubs.