For the past two seasons, the St. Louis Cardinals have dominated the National League Central Division, but both times, came up short in the post season. In 2004, the Cards made it all the way to the Big Show before losing four straight to "Destiny's Team," the Boston Red Sox. Last season, after winning the division by 11 games, the Cardinals fell to the resurgent Houston Astros in Game Seven of the NLCS.

Let's take a look at St. Louis' prospects heading into 2006.

First, the Cardinals will be taking the field in new digs this year. Gone is old Busch Stadium, with its magnificent arches symmetrical design. A new stadium is up and ready for business and, from all accounts, the new Busch Stadium should be state-of-the-art.

St. Louis, long recognized as the best baseball city in America, should continue its legacy of supporting the team through thick and thin, especially in the sparkling downtown facility that is modern and retro at the same time.

But, what about the team that will hit the diamond in the new park? Will the Cards still be the dominant team in the NL Central?

My guess is: Yes.

Any discussion of the Cardinals necessarily begins with Albert Pujols. Pujols, with five years experience under his belt, is coming off a year that saw him win MVP honors and solidify his reputation as one of baseball's premier superstars. Pujols hits for both power and average and drives in runs like a machine. The first baseman hit .330 in 2006, while pounding 41 homers and driving in 117 runs. For my money, Pujols is the best all-around player in the game.

Cardinal fans hope 2006 will be a healthy year for Scott Roland. Joining Pujols at the other corner of the St. Louis infield, Roland is a solid offensive player and also hits for power and average. After suffering two injury plagued seasons, Roland appears to be ready and could put up big numbers in 2006.

David Eckstein, the diminutive shortstop, will once again be the Cards' leadoff hitter and is a decent defensive shortstop. Yadier Molina returns behind the plate, and All-Star Jim Edmonds will patrol centerfield, giving the Cardinals great strength up the middle.

Juan Encarnacion, a solid defender and decent hitter, comes over from the Marlins to take over right field for the retired Larry Walker. Left field will probably see a rotation of rising young stud John Rodriguez, who hit .295 in limited action last season and So Taguchi, a defensive gem from Japan.

St. Louis' pitching staff will be led by Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Carpenter went 21-5 during a break out year last season and again figures to be among the league's elite. Behind Carpenter is Mark Mulder (16-8). Mulder should be even better during his second season in the National League, now that he has learned the hitters and the ball parks.

Jeff Suppan is solid as the No. 3 starter, eating up innings and consistently winning. Suppan posted a 16-10 mark in 2006 to go along with a solid 3.57 ERA. Rounding out the top four is Jason Marquis, another solid if not spectacular hurler.

Jason Isringhausen, the closer, is among the best in the Senior Circuit and, if he can stay healthy, should help the Cards win their share of close games. Beyond Isringhausen, the St. Louis bullpen looks solid.

Any challenge to the Cards in 2006 should come from either the Astros or the Cubs. The rest of the division is mediocre or worse.

Houston played out the same scenario the past two seasons. The Astros started slow and finished fast to take the wild card. Two years ago, Houston lost to St. Louis in a seven-game thriller during the NLCS. Last season, the Astros won Game Seven and advanced to the Series. Houston's main problem last season was lack of consistent offensive production and the same specter may well haunt the Astros again in 2006. Aside from adding Preston Wilson to an already overcrowded outfield, Houston made little improvement in the off-season. Further, the uncertain status of ageless wonder Roger Clemens sends shock waves throughout the pitching staff. Roy Oswalt and Brian Backe are solid, but things get iffy beyond these three.

The Cubs should be better in 2006 but, as usual, the Chicago fortunes ride largely on the health of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. Prior looks like he is stable, but Wood once again is doubtful and may not see action until August. Despite being better offensively, the Cubs rotation sans Wood will be problematic. Carlos Zambrano will be spectacular but whether or not Greg Maddux can hold up through another campaign is doubtful.

Milwaukee played .500 ball last year, but may be hard pressed to do so again. The Pirates are improved but not nearly a contender. Cincinnati's offense is better than any in the league, but the Reds' pitching is woeful.

Will the Cardinals win the division in 2006? Will St. Louis, resplendent with a new ball yard, host the World Series? Stay tuned.