Thoughts on Cardinals, NFL Training Camps

So, I just thought I'd share my opinions on some of the most trending topics in the sports world.

First, I'm not happy one bit that the St. Louis Cardinals traded Ryan Ludwick.

I know that we have young outfielders in John Jay and Allen Craig that need playing time, but what kind of message did the Cardinals send to the rest of the team by trading away a proven veteran just so that rookies can get playing time?? I don't get it....the message is this: If you start getting old, in terms of your baseball career, the Cardinals are going to get rid of you and play guys that aren't experienced enough and ready.

Don't get me wrong, I like Jay and Craig but I don't think it's worth getting rid of Ludwick to get them playing time. There were other ways of getting them playing time, such as benching Colby Rasmus because he's been the WORST infielder on this team this season. The guy isn't consistent with the bat and he's the worst throwing outfielder I've ever seen.

Basically, I hope that Ludwick does well in San Diego. I guess I hope that we keep Jake Westbrook for a few years because I've been told that he's a pretty good starting pitcher.

Ultimately, I hope that, come a few months from now when the Cardinals are celebrating a World Series title in front of the their home fans, I'm praising John Mozeliak (Cardinals' GM) for making a bold move and improving the team to the point that they can win multiple championships. Other than that, I see this move as a way to clear cap space for the huge contract that they're going to have to give Albert Pujols if they want him to stay with the team.

Now, let's turn our attention to the National Football League (Praise the Lord, football season is HERE!!!).

Training camps are under way and things have already been getting interesting.

First, I want to congratulate the Cincinnati Bengals for signing T.O. I think it's a smart move that just might land that franchise in the Super Bowl this season (if they can get past my Indianapolis Colts). I'm already predicting two things: 1. The Colts and Bengals will meet in the AFC Championship, and 2. The Bengals will lead the NFL in player fines due to excessive celebration. I'm ready for the T.O and Ocho Show!!!

Another thing, I'm probably one of the few people that likes what Redskins' head coach Mike Shanahan is doing to defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Shanahan is forcing Haynesworth to pass a conditioning test before he lets his star defensive lineman back on the field.

First off, let's remember that Haynesworth received a huge salary from the Redskins...then he skipped all the mandatory and non-mandatory workouts before training camp. His reason, he wasn't happy that the team was switching to a defensive alignment (the 3-4) that he thought didn't fit his style of play.

Excuse me Mr. Haynesworth, what makes you think that you have a say in the team's defensive style, your contract tells you to just show up and play football...plain and simple.

You know what would happen is I received a raise from my job and then decided not to show up for work because I didn't like some of the changes that my bosses made?? I would be FIRED!!!

If that's the case, why are NFL players not held to the same standard? We'll never know the answer, but all I know is that until Haynesworth passes that conditioning test (which is the same one that the rest of his teammates had to pass) he's just going to lose his spot on the starting roster and he'll have to keep taking that test until he passes.

I applaud Coach Shanahan for what he's doing in standing up to whiny NFL players!

Dustin Sullivan is the sports editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat. Contact him at dsullivan@dddnews.com