=== Keys in the Astros - Cardinals series ===

By Eric Gold, MLB Editor

(My Sportsbook) - A pair of Central Division teams will battle in the best-of- seven National League Championship Series, as the Houston Astros meet the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals are coming off a Division Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games, while Houston was pushed to the limit before disposing of the Atlanta Braves Monday night for its first playoff series triumph in the 43-year history of the franchise.

As an introduction to this NLCS matchup, let's take a look at the keys to winning the series for both clubs.

HOUSTON ASTROS

1 - Brandon Backe and Pete Munro

It's already a given that Roger Clemens and Roy Oswalt will likely have strong outings, especially since they'll both pitch on regular rest in Games 3 and 4. Clemens and Oswalt both stifled the Cardinals in the regular season. Clemens had a 2-0 mark and a 2.36 ERA in four starts, while Oswalt was 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three outings. The problem is both Clemens and Oswalt pitched twice during the Division Series, meaning Backe and Munro will have to start Games 1 and 2, respectively, and do it against the best offensive team in the National League. Not only that, but Backe is going on three days' rest in the opener. Munro hasn't pitched in a game since October 1 versus Colorado and has never appeared in the playoffs.

2 - The Killer B's

The Killer B's catapulted the Astros to their first-ever playoff series win and the did it with the long ball. Houston homered 11 times in the series. Carlos Beltran went deep four times, breaking the Houston record for a postseason series.

Beltran, who was acquired in mid-season from Kansas City, hit .455 (10-for-22) with nine RBI in the five games. Lance Berkman hit .409, Craig Biggio .400 and third baseman Morgan Ensberg .368.

Houston scored 36 runs in the five games versus the Braves, and the Astros figure to have a good offensive performance against the Cardinals, especially if Beltran continues his onslaught. Beltran hit just .217 this year versus the Cardinals, but Craig Biggio (.311), Jeff Bagwell (.338) and Jeff Kent (.366) all did considerable damage versus St. Louis.

3 - Damage control

It's obvious Houston pitchers must limit the walks. In fact, they really have no room for error around the plate because St. Louis has the most complete lineup where any batter, from Albert Pujols to Scott Rolen, to Jim Edmonds, to Reggie Sanders can hurt you. Strikeouts will be key in this series because with the Cardinals, balls in play tend to be hits.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

1 - Scott Rolen

Rolen drove in 124 runs and batted .358 with runners in scoring position this season, but a calf injury obviously slowed him down near the end of the year. He'll have to get his timing back for this series, especially considering Rolen went hitless in 12 at-bats in the NLDS, although he did walk six times.

2 - Bullpen

St. Louis led the majors in ERA for a bullpen and for good reason with Jason Isringhausen at the back end. He had a career high 47 saves, but also had seven blown saves this season. Lefties Ray King and Steve Kline are good situational guys out of the bullpen. Righthanders Julian Tavarez, Kiko Calero and Cal Eldred will also help out from the bullpen. A strong pen could prove to be a major difference in this series, if the Killer B's find a way to get to the starters early.

3 - Tony Womack

Womack proved to be a durable leadoff hitter during the regular season, but he'll need to get on base more in this series and forget about his .158 batting average versus the Dodgers last week.