Fans can always dream.

It will be fascinating to watch how Mozeliak and Girsch play out the week. They don’t have to drop the plunger just yet. The Chicago Cubs fell to the cross-town White Sox on Monday, so the Cardinals remain within reach in spite of themselves.

This team could add some long-term offensive assets this summer while still competing. The Cards could test rookies DeJong and Voit and give outfielders Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty more time to establish their value here or elsewhere.

Last year Piscotty hit 35 doubles and 22 homers while driving home 85 runs. He hit .273 and appeared ready to bat in the middle of the order this year, but he admits this injury-marred season has been a “wash”.

As Hall of Fame baseball writer Rick Hummel wondered before the game, could the Cardinals really fetch somebody better than Piscotty by trading Lynn?

If not, he could be better off trying to win games and leave the door open for Lynn — who has handled his tenuous standing with class while expressing interest in remaining put.