The (mathematically inaccurate) second half is underway and the trade deadline is only nine days away. Pencils must be down at 6 p.m. ET next Thursday, July 31. Trade chatter and activity will pick up now that the amateur draft is in the rearview mirror and front offices can focus their attention on the deadline.

The Cards’ bats woke up and collected 15 hits in a 6-2 win last night over the Rockies. Willson Contreras and Masyn Winn led the offense with three hits apiece as St. Louis snapped a three-game losing streak.