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Four of the six teams in the NL Central remain alive for the postseason, which means that baseball tickets are still relevant in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Milwaukee and Houston. The final standings are far from determined both within the division and for the Wild Card, so the next couple of months are going to be extremely interesting.

St. Louis Cardinals

Currently:
The Cardinals have a decent lead in the division, and they didn't do anything to lose their hold on the catbird seat over the past month, posting a 15-11 record. On offense, this team is all Albert Pujols. He's simply one of the greatest players of his generation. On the mound, Chris Carpenter is coming around, and that bodes well for the postseason.

Outlook:
The Cardinals, barring a collapse, should win the division.

Cincinnati Reds

Currently:
The Reds are firmly entrenched, for now, in second place, and they had a month that was both mediocre and streaky. They went 12-14 over the past month, but lost eight of nine games before the All Star break, only to win five of six to start the second half. Adam Dunn and Bronson Arroyo are the stars of this team in 2006.

Outlook:
It's time for the Reds to make a move if they want to win the division. If not, they're still in decent shape for the Wild Card.

Milwaukee Brewers

Currently:
The Brewers are hanging on for dear life in their quest for the Wild Card, but it's not clear whether they think they're buyers or sellers, given that they just traded Carlos Lee, but would only accept major league players in return. Milwaukee stumbled to a 10-15 record over the past month, and they'll have to find a source of offense going forward.

Outlook:
The Brewers are all but out of it, but at least fans have a reason to use their baseball tickets in August for the first time in awhile.

Houston Astros

Currently:
The Astros are struggling, and time is running out to make a run for the postseason. They posted a record of only 11-15 over the past month. Where would this team be without Lance Berkman? He leads Houston in just about every offensive category.

Outlook:
The time is now. If the Astros don't make a serious move immediately, the season is over.

Chicago Cubs

Currently:
The Cubs actually showed some signs of life this month, going 14-12. However, that's way too little, way too late. They're too far behind to climb back into contention. Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano have been bright spots.

Outlook:
The Cubs need to prepare for the winter and for 2007.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Currently:
The Pirates actually got a little roll going lately, going 13-13 over the month, but they have won five straight as of this writing. Regardless, this team is out of it, and only Freddy Sanchez and Jason Bay have been bright spots.

Outlook:
2007. Fans should still use their baseball tickets to see Sanchez and Bay, however, as they're having great years.