Berkman hits 4 HR and collects 10 RBIs during the Cardinal's first series victory.

     It's been a rough opening week for the Cards. Matt Holliday was injured for about a week due to an emergency apendectomy all while Albert's bat fell silent. But even through the games they lost I can tell something different about this season compared to last, they're showing they can hang tough even without their ace or their two best hitters in the lineup.  So far the offense has been a lot stronger than what I expected especially now that Albert seems to be coming out of his funk since he reached base safely 6 out of his 9 oppurtunities.  The bullpen is shaky but they seem to be learning from their mistakes rather quickly compared to last season.  Although things are looking up it's still too early to tell how things will shape up come October.