The St. Louis Cardinals approach a fork in the road

In what is becoming an annual habit, the St. Louis Cardinals are back-sliding going into and coming out of the All-Star break. Some view it as natural regression for a team that over-achieved in the first half of the season. As we approach the two-thirds point of the season, lack of depth gets exposed. Regression can be harsh that way, no?

Of course, the obvious approaching point is the trade deadline, which will be a mere 10 days away when you read this article. I'm not going to try to predict what will happen there or advocate for buy or sell or both. Today I'm going to try and peek under the covers at the key drivers that will guide Cardinal decision makers not only as they approach the trade deadline, but in decisions to be made in the final third of the season.