'Big Unit' trade is exciting but not likely

Take a deep breath.

Good.

Now pick up the phone, call your neighbor and say, "Let's put Randy's welcome parade on hold for now. David said there's rain in the forecast."

Cardinals nation is in a frenzy over this Randy Johnson-to-the-Cardinals rumor. I was excited, just like you, when I heard Jeff Brantley tell a national audience he thought Johnson would end up in St. Louis, but it's wishful thinking.

The players have all but said, "We don't need him."

Yet, we still want him. It would make the Cardinals the favorites to win the World Series, let alone the National League Central.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Cards pulled off a "wow" trade before the deadline, though. This club doesn't need anything, except maybe an everyday left-fielder (although our best hope at a left-fielder lies in John Gall at Class AAA Memphis), but if someone is available and affordable you can rest assured that my man Walt Jocketty will go get them.

I'm no baseball insider, but here's a trade to chew on for the rest of the week: Rumor has it that Oakland would deal Barry Zito for an "offensive-minded" second baseman, of course the Cards don't have any players that fit that description. But Seattle does, and they're willing to deal Bret Boone for pennies. A three-team swap could be in order that would send Zito to St. Louis.

Chew on that while you finish the week ahead:

Today

If the heat is getting to you, take the night off and head up to Sauget, Ill., to enjoy a game at GMC Stadium. The Gateway Grizzlies host the Mid-Missouri Mavericks and they're having Christmas in July at the ballpark. You could just pretend it's really cold outside with your Santa hat on. 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday

The Senior American Legion Zone Tournament begins on Wednesday. None of the four teams look overpowering, so it should make for some good baseball.

The Cardinals begin a two-game home series with the Brewers at 7:10 p.m.

Thursday

The Buds from Waterloo, Ill., visit Cape Girardeau for a game with the Plaza Tire Capahas at 7:30 p.m. It's the Caps' final home game of year.

Sunday

The Cardinals wrap up a three-game series with the Giants that begins on Friday. The first 25,000 fans receive a Pfizer Pet calendar. This is the first time since I named my dog after ex-Cardinal pitcher and ex-Red Rob Dibble, that I've ever heard of pets being to tied to baseball. 1:15 p.m.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and his column appears every Monday.