The St. Louis Cardinals are seven games back in the National League Central, but Mike Matheny believes the club is fortunate to be that close.

They've had a winning and losing streak of five games through their first 88 games. St. Louis has a plus-89 run differential, the third-best in the National League, but their record at the break, 46-42, is seventh best in the league.

"I think universally our team would say there's not a satisfaction with where we are," Matheny said. "We're fortunate to be where we are. As I look up there, it says we're seven games behind. With how we've played, that's pretty impressive because we haven't played well. We saw very short periods where we put it all together and it’s going to happen. There's too much talent and too much experience and too many winning players on this club not to put it together."

The hitting has been powerful and balanced, but not consistent. The Cardinals rank third in the NL in OPS. Overall, the starting pitching has been disappointing, but improving.