St. Louis Cardinals second-half preview

St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 52-44

Standing: 2nd in NL Central

Team Leaders:

Batting Average: Matt Adams, .329

Home Runs: Jhonny Peralta, 14

The Cardinals lost catcher Yadier Molina for up to eight weeks with a thumb injury and probably won't be in the market for another catcher. The Cardinals are still within striking distance in the NL Central, even though Matt Holliday and Allen Craig's power numbers are down this season.

One would expect the Cardinals, who are in a dogfight with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds for the division lead, to be active with the trade deadline approaching to try to distance themselves and make another push to the World Series. The truth is, the Cardinals have enough pitching and hitting to beat anyone in the NL and any trade would just add to what the team already has.

- Scooby Axson