With the 2011 Belmont Stakes betting race less than two weeks away, the St. Louis Cardinals remain at the top of the National League Central thanks in big part due to the phenomenal play of a couple of veteran sluggers that continue to rake in the victories for fantasy owners. Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday were considered two of the major surprises through the first month of the season, but with the two sluggers continuing to lead the NL in batting average past the quarter mark of the season it is no longer a surprise but simply something that is more than predictable and paying off for fantasy teams as well as the actual Cardinals.

Berkman and Holliday had identical batting .344 batting averages through Monday night’s action, and while Berkman had the edge in home runs with 11 compared to Holliday’s six, it was the opposite in terms of doubles with Holliday going for 13 to Berkman’s nine. That pair has joined Yadier Molina to lead St. Louis in hitting, a spot usually reserved for the spectacular play of Albert Pujols until this season. As long as Berkman and Holliday continue to produce the Cardinals will be in contention for a division title, and while Berkman may be a good option to sell high now hold on to Holliday as he continues to heat up and make it even more difficult for management to sign Pujols to a long-term extension after this sports betting season.