The St. Louis Cardinals are 23-15 on the season so far and look like a legit force to be reckoned with in the Nationla League. Right now, the Cardinals are just 3 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central. Chicago was expected to be very good. The Cardinals, on the other hand, entered the season with very little buzz. The Milwaukee Brewers entered the season expected to be a contender once again after winning three straight National League Central Titles. Right now, the Brewers are 20-16 on the season, which is two games behind St. Louis. The Cardinals aren't a fluke . St. Louis has consistently beaten good teams and isn't even at full strength yet. Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar hasn't played in a game yet this season after undergoing surgery on both of his heels this past offseason to correct Haglund's deformities. The Cardinals Outfielder Is Almost Back Aug 31, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; St.…