4 september Although a one-sided feud over the years, the Cubs are ready to escape the National League Central's basement and challenge the Cardinals for division supremacy. Behind an army of lethal young position players and free-agent signing Jon Lester, the future is bright in the Windy City.

St. Louis, however, won't go gently into the good night. With the exception of shipping starting pitcher Shelby Miller to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Jason Heyward, they largely stood pat after making a trip to the National League Championship Series last year.