MLB

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline inches closer, the St. Louis Cardinals will have a few decisions to make to improve the best team in baseball at the time of writing.

When Manny Ramirez signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers earlier this week it didn't seem as though he could offer much help to the team as a 41-year-old.

That might not be the case.

If the fans don't vote Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig into the 2013 All-Star Game it will be a great disservice to the July 16 exhibition. 

The 22-year-old dynamo wasn't named to the initial rosters for the game in New York. But he is included in the list of National League players that fans can vote in, per the MLB's Twitter. 

According to Jody Jackson of Fox Sports Arizona, Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Adam Eaton has been activated from the disabled list and will be in the starting lineup tonight versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Major League Baseball appears to be nearing a conclusion in its quest to suspend New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun for their connection to the Biogenesis Clinic. 

Dear Mr. Amaro Jr.,

First off, congratulations!

There are several teams on the cusp of falling out of playoff contention, which is always fun as it opens up the potential for even more trade rumors.

Seven teams—the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox—are currently more than 10 games back of a playoff spot, a very tough spot from which to bounce back. More could join them soon in the land of non-contenders. 

A pair of Dodgers prospects highlights this week’s installment of the hottest pitchers in the minor leagues.

Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun headline a large list of players that are reportedly expected to face suspensions from Major League Baseball shortly after the 2013 All-Star break. 

If you do happen by Marlins Park this weekend, be careful as to not get the desperation all over you.