Who has the edge?

Steve Popper at North Jersey.com writes about the Mets and Cardinals and who has the edge going into the NLCS. Here are a few match ups. The rest you can reach through the link:



First base
Albert Pujols vs. Carlos Delgado

The first round was fun for Delgado, rewarding his careerlong wait for a shot at the postseason. But whether it's the regular season or the postseason, no one is a threat like Pujols at the plate. But one small item in the Mets' favor: With a banged-up lineup, Pujols doesn't figure to see many pitches.

Edge: Cards.

Second base
Ronnie Belliard vs. Jose Valentin

Valentin's performance lagged late in the season and he was hitless in the three NLDS games. Belliard has been a find for the Cards, coming up with one big play after another in the field, and in the opening round he hit .462.

Edge: Even.

Shortstop
David Eckstein vs. Jose Reyes

Once Reyes was an injury risk. Now he's an everyday player for two straight years and might be the most dangerous player in the league. Eckstein is the one now fighting one injury after another -- hamstrings and obliques limited him in the first round and through September -- although he played in all four NLDS games.

Edge: Mets.

Third base
Scott Rolen vs. David Wright

Wright often has stated that he looks to Rolen as a goal of what he wants to be. But in their first postseason matchup, Wright may show that he has passed him by. In the first round he showed no sign of big-game jitters, and Rolen is banged-up badly, having to sit out Game 4 of the NLDS with a sore shoulder, which he will receive a cortisone shot for in an attempt to play.

Edge: Mets.