This team is more than 4 1/2 games back. They need to pass 3 teams to make the playoffs. Being just 4 1/2 games back is a big deal itself if you are chasing 1 team, but when you need to be better than 3 teams that makes things much more challenging. I suppose we could trade Gamel or Escobar for Jon Garland and Doug Davis, but the reality is with the injuries to Weeks, Bush, Suppan and Parra and Looper being so disappointing even two pitchers like Garland and Davis dont make us all of the sudden better than the Cards and Cubs. I dont agree with your gripe. This team will compete next year and Doug knows that.