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ST. LOUIS - Jeff Bagwell wants Major League Baseball to change its divisional playoff format.
The Astros first baseman said five games is not always enough to let the best team win, and a short series puts too much emphasis on early games.
"I really have a problem with how the playoffs are done," Bagwell said. "A five-game series? I don't think that's right. Cut the season down and have seven games in the first round and find out who the best team is.
"That might not work out every time, but I think five games is too much urgency on the first couple of games."
Bagwell said he hasn't spoken to anyone about his proposal, knows the regular season won't be shortened and was just thinking out loud.
"At least in a seven-game series, you get a little bit of a breather," he said.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said, "It's not something I spend a lot of time thinking about it because that's the formula they give you."
Not that it's perfect.
"The longer the series, the little bit better a chance that a team that maybe loses a fluke game that's capable of coming back has the opportunity," La Russa said. "Three out of five, if one game goes against you and another one doesn't work out, you're pretty much done."
HOME SWEET HOME: Cardinals fans are acknowledged as some of baseball's best, and St. Louis players talked up the supportive atmosphere at Busch Stadium.
"You're not leaving the bullpen looking over your shoulder seeing if they're throwing bottles at you," reliever Cal Eldred said.
But seriously ... "One of my buddies, a big-leaguer, said he was impressed that the crowd cheered for their players. When we're in other places, the fans seem more interested in yelling at us. This team feels supported."
"The fans know what's going on," rightfielder Larry Walker said. "They know when to cheer and when to boo. It's just a baseball-rich atmosphere."
Still, the Cardinals lost the first two games at home while falling to Mets in the 2000 NLCS and the Giants in 2002.
"It's a great place to play," La Russa said. "The fans are supportive, very passionate, get your adrenaline pumping. But they don't play. Players play. When you get outplayed, you get beat."
HERE'S THE PITCH: It has been a while since Houston pitcher Pete Munro made an appearance; 13 days to be exact, in an Oct. 1 start against the Rockies in which he pitched 22/3 innings and gave up six hits, a run and walked two.
Nevertheless, the right-hander, 4-7 with a 5.15 ERA in 21 games, including 19 starts, will make his first postseason start in tonight's Game 2.
"It could be a good thing," Munro said. "My arm is rested. It could be a bad thing for some guys but I don't think it's going to be a problem with me because my strength is my location."
ODDS AND ENDS: Cardinals 15-game winner Chris Carpenter, out since Sept. 18 with nerve damage in his right biceps, will not pitch in the playoffs. La Russa said he should be ready for spring training. ... The Game 1 winner has advanced to the World Series the past 11 years. ... This is the first time Central rivals have played for the league championship and the first time division rivals have played since the Braves and Mets in 1999. ... Houston is the first team to host the All-Star Game and play in the NLCS since the Astros did it in 1986.