The NL Central may look to be decided, but baseball tickets in at least a few cities are going to be worth the effort to obtain as the season steams towards the finish line. The Cardinals are still on top of the standings, but the Reds are still within striking distance and can also clinch the Wild Card despite a miserable recent stretch of games.



St. Louis Cardinals

Currently:

The Cardinals have held onto their lead, even though they didn't have a great month. The team went 15-13 over the past 30 days, but that was good enough to lengthen their lead given the struggles of the Reds. This team is all about Albert Pujols, who's having an historic season.

Outlook:

Keep Pujols healthy and Chris Carpenter moving along, and they'll cruise to the division title.

Cincinnati Reds

Currently:

The Reds started the month well enough, but have crashed recently, losing nine of their last ten games. That's not how you make a run for the pennant, but the good news is that they're still in contention for the postseason if they can right the ship.

Outlook:

Keep Adam Dunn rolling and get the pitching figured out, as it's been torched lately.

Houston Astros

Currently:

Not that it'll matter in the big picture, but the Astros got to a 15-14 record over the past 30 days with streaky baseball. The Astros suffered through a five-game losing streak and then beat up on the Pirates and Brewers to forge a six-game winning streak.

Outlook:

This season is effectively over, but fans should get their baseball tickets to take one more look at Roger Clemens.

Milwaukee Brewers

Currently:

The Brewers were hanging tough for most of the season, but a recent 10-game losing streak ended any hope that they had in regards to a Wild Card push. That losing streak contributed to a record of 11-18 over the past 30 days, effectively ending the competitive aspect of their 2006 season.

Outlook:

This is a young and talented team, and they could be much-improved in 2007.

Chicago Cubs

Currently:

The Cubs endured another typically lousy month, going 10-18 over the past 30 days. This season has been a major disappointment.

Outlook:

The Cubs need to rebuild their infrastructure with young players who are not injury-prone. Until that happens, this is where you'll continue to see them in the standings.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Currently:

The Pirates' past 30 days wasn't too bad, as they went 13-15 over the past 30 days. Their season is over, but it appears that they're developing some players for the future.

Outlook:

Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez will be worth the price of baseball tickets for the rest of this season and next, particularly if the Pirates can surround them with some talent.