Cardinals' desire to win shows in their play

When your team leader scores the winning run from second base on an infield roller, it sets a powerful example. Albert Pujols' mad dash (sorry, Enos) to the plate Monday night and the subsequent dugout celebration showed you everything you need to know about the 2008 Cardinals: This team means business.

When your bullpen leader, a guy who has celebrated 291 other saves, yells out loud and pumps his fist after a game-ending double play, you can tell the fire still burns brightly. Jason Isringhausen is as competitive an athlete as there is, and despite some tough times, this man is a warrior. Mentally, who's tougher?

When your popular, youthful catcher is blocking every pitch in the dirt and throwing opposing basestealers out from his knees, well, who else is doing that? Yadier Molina is as good as it gets, folks.

Veterans like Pujols and Isringhausen are showing this younger group of Cardinals how it's done. There's no Scott Rolen, David Eckstein or Jim Edmonds around anymore to relieve pressure. Pujols, Izzy and Molina are running the show, and it's turning into quite a production.

Look at the seasons being turned in by Skip Schumaker, Rick Ankiel, Adam Kennedy, Cesar Izturis, Ryan Ludwick, Aaron Miles, Kyle McClellan, Kyle Lohse, Adam Wainwright and Todd Wellemeyer, to name a few. They're taking ownership of their roles, following the leads of more experienced players.

Sure, there will be some lean times. Twenty of the Cardinals' next 35 games are on the road. But I'm banking there will be no panic.