Cubs rival might spiral at deadline if selfish stars won’t budge

The National League Central seems to be down to a two-team race with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers vying for not only the top spot in the division, but the top spot in the National League. While the Cubs haven't exactly been able to put away the Brewers this season, it would seem that another rival, the St. Louis Cardinals, can be passed over for the remainder of the season.

The Cardinals enter Monday 8.5 games behind the Cubs for first place in the NL Central, and it would seem that they are on a path toward selling at the MLB trade deadline. The issue, however, is that they may not have players who are willing to be moved.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today peeled back the curtain on the Cardinals' trade deadline plans, but all that was revealed was uncertainty. The Cardinals, according to the report, haven't determined if they will make closer Ryan Helsley available ahead of the deadline, and it doesn't seem that there's much of a market for third baseman Nolan Arenado.

Cardinals' starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas likely would generate trade interest, but each has a full no-trade clause, and neither appears willing to leave St. Louis.

Deadline could get ugly for Cubs rival stuck with stubborn stars

It's not an ideal situation for the Cardinals to be in, considering their history suggests there won't be an aggressive buy to boost their chances in the Wild-Card. With a front office change taking place this offseason, selling at the deadline was always the perceived goal, but now it seems that St. Louis will be stuck standing pat.

Unless, of course, they choose to move Helsley. Helsley is a free agent after the season, so logic would suggest that trading him is exactly what the Cardinals should do. However, their false sense of entitlement and the Cardinals' way could have them seeing something that just isn't there.

Dancing on the Cardinals' grave has always seemed to be just asking for trouble, but these aren't your father's Red Birds. Maybe that changes when Chaim Bloom takes hold of the front office, but for now, take joy in the Cardinals being stuck because of selfish players like Mikolas and his 4.94 ERA on the season.

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