Bonds' numbers add up to another MVP

RELATED ARTICLE: Playoff hopefuls might want to get Cards or Yanks in a Division Series.

The Cardinals own the best record in the National League by a wide margin, and the Yankees are reasonably comfortable in the A.L.--seemingly adding drama to the race for second place in each league's standings. By avoiding the No. 1 seeds in the Division Series, the No. 2 seeds would have an easier path to the League Championship Series, right?

Not necessarily.

Several N.L. clubs fear the Cubs, a potential wild-card team, as much as they do the Cardinals, a team with a less imposing rotation. The Yankees, meanwhile, are full of pitching questions and no longer have postseason warhorses Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and David Wells to provide answers.

Five A.L. contenders--the A's, Twins, Red Sox, Angels and Rangers--topped the league's team ERA rankings at the start of the week. The Yankees were seventh, and their rotation isn't their only concern. Relievers Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon and Mariano Rivera ranked among the league leaders in appearances, raising the possibility of fatigue.

Back in the N.L., the Cardinals have lefthanded reliever Steve Kline on the disabled list, the Dodgers lack a proven setup man, and the Braves keep building momentum. Parity in the regular season, parity in the postseason. What is this, the NFL?--K.R.

KEN ROSENTHAL

kenrosenthal@sportingnews.com

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