I don't think 9 is too bad either, but if you really think about it, it kinda is. If the Cards remain just above .500 for the next couple weeks and go say, 11-9, the Astros would have to go 20-0 to catch them! Of course the 'Stros have the second half of the season to make it up, but they're gonna have to start winning 3/4 and so on all the time. AND SOON!
Instead of worrying about the division at the moment, they should focus on the wild card which is only three games out of reach.