Including tonight's game, the Cubs have 13 more games against the Cardinals, having split the opening 6 games. I missed both of the first two games of the series, but am looking forward to a good pitching matchup on ESPN coming up shortly. Though the wind is blowing out, according to pre-game reports...

In one of the oddities of this year's schedule, the Cubs and Cardinals play their last game July 20th, which could turn out to be a real shame if both teams still find themselves within striking distance of the division crown in September. As opposed to many Cubs fans, I've never held a particularly strong distaste for the Cardinals, but it's undeniable that the games do seem to take on a greater intensity. As Michael Barrett observed, "They bring in a rivalry like this (with the Cardinals) and it is one of the best rivalries in the game. The Toronto-Montreal rivalry has nothing on this." Uh, yeah, Toronto-Montreal, Michael... Last year's five-game match between the Cubs-Cards late in the year was an incredible thing to behold, but these two teams won't be privy to such a late-season duel this year, at least.

The Cubs continue to be dinged up. Kent Mercker and Mike Remlinger play switcheroo, and Rem coming up as Mercker hits the DL. This is probably a net plus, but you really can't look at it that way: the Cubs want both guys in their 'pen.

Christian has the matchups below. It looks like Pujols and Renteria are starting, though Reggie Sanders is not.