Ryne Gery: The Albert Pujols contract negotiations jumped back into the news after Howard’s big deal. How do you see the negotiations playing out and how much do you think Pujols will realistically get? I can’t see him going anywhere else, but could he leave St. Louis if the right price comes along?

Matthew Leach: I’m not really comfortable speculating on numbers, but to answer the last question, sure, absolutely he could leave. I expect, ultimately, that a deal will get done. But anyone who calims that it’s not possible is in my opinion deluding himself or herself.

RG: David Freese was an unknown coming into the season with everyone focusing on his off-the-field issues in the past. What are your thoughts on his hot start? How has he handled himself and what has it been like for him as the hometown kid?

ML: I’ve been a fan of his as a player for a while. The guy has legitimate power, a good approach and is a quality defensive third baseman. I don’t expect him to keep this batting average, but I do expect him to flash more power. His carriage on the field and in the clubhouse has been very impressive. He goes about things the right way, from what I’ve observed and been told.

RG: Colby Rasmus has also been a hot name. How far do you see him progressing this year and beyond as a player?

ML: Star in the making. He’ll play in some All-Star games. Power, patience, defense, speed, what’s not to love? Ballplayer.

RG: Mark McGwire has been pretty quiet so far. What has he been like for those of us who don’t get to see some of the behind the scenes workouts? Does he seem at ease and how have the players responded to him?

ML: We just don’t see much of it.

RG: Right now, would you say the Cardinals are the best team in the National League?

ML: They’re in the conversation. By the end of the year, I think the Phillies, Cardinals, Rockies and maybe Braves will have separated themselves — I’m still very high on COL.

RG: Do you see the club adding any players or tweaking the roster before the season is over or is this team the one they’ll try to ride to October?

ML: Depends on what happens between now and late July, but I certainly don’t expect that they’ll just completely stand pat.

RG: What do you think separates this year’s team from last year’s? Are there any differences that make you think the 2010 Cards are better suited for October?

ML: Not a lot. Similar team. The mistake is thinking that last year’s team somehow was poorly “suited for October.” They lost three games. To read more into it than that is IMO a mistake.

RG: Are there any unsung guys that you have been really impressed with that may not be catching the press’ or fans’ eye? Any interesting stories about a player that we may not be aware of?

ML: Not really sure what you’re asking here, honestly. I will say, and I’ve said before, that I don’t really get why the fans ride Jason Motte so hard. He’s having a very nice year.

RG: Besides staying healthy, what is the most important thing for the Cards to reach the ultimate destination this fall?

ML: That’d be the main thing. Be healthy, be lucky, play well when and if they get there.

(Special thanks to Matthew Leach for taking the time to give his insight on the Cards.)

Colby Rasmus' broken bat game-winner highlighted an outstanding week at the plate for the Cards center fielder. (Source: AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

The Cardinals have picked up their play over the past week heading into their showdown with another surging team, the Dodgers. Colby Rasmus has been the key to the team’s newfound energy. The hot young center fielder hit .500 during the week to go with three home runs and nine RBIs. He also scored six runs and had a game-winning hit during his streak. Rasmus’ batting average skyrocketed from .262 to .293.

The big week earned him honors as the National League Player of the Week.

Albert Pujols has also found his stroke following a frustrating month and a heated exchange with manager Tony La Russa. As they say, misery loves company. Rasmus also went at it with La Russa after a poor defensive play last Monday. The exhcange sparked Rasmus and the Cards as some signs of life are returning to the St. Louis clubhouse.

Along with the extra motivation, Rasmus got some good old-fashioned advice from his father, Tony. He worked out with his father at a local high school and it seems dad still knows a thing or two. His father pushed him to see an eye doctor and got new contact lenses. The new contacts have certainly made a difference. The older Rasmus was a minor league ballplayer and coaches at Russell County High School in Alabama.

Even pros need to take a step back from the game for a new perspective — or a refreshed one. A few days with dad and a new hungry attitude is always good to stay grounded.

With Rasmus firmly planted, he’s ready to soar to new heights on the diamond.

Albert Pujols is a big reason. The superstar hit another home run after his three-homer day last week at Wrigley. Pujols is looking better at the plate and leading the offensive charge.

The offense was firing on all cylinders early with a four-run first inning. The Cards didn’t score again until Rasmus’ game-winner in extras. Pujols’ homer got things started in the first and Rasmus plated two more runs with a double to punctuate the opening frame.

Adam Ottavino settled in for a solid day on the mound before Tony La Russa pulled him in the sixth after one batter. Ottavino threw 75 pitches in five innings. Dennys Reyes came in and struggled. Reyes didn’t get an out, gave up one run, and left the bases loaded. After a fielder’s choice and sac fly, the game was tied and neither team could break free.

Rasmus came through in a big way for the win. He finished his day with three hits and a walk. The Cards are looking to build up some momentum after a tough May for everyone. With June comes summer and a new outlook. The Cards can go strong leading into the All-Star break in July.