If you're holding Edmonds, it's time to sell, sell, sell

If the Cardinals' Jim Edmonds was a stock, it would be peaking right now.

Edmonds has achieved four Gold Gloves in a row and has had career highs in offense over the past three years. He was the best all-around center fielder in baseball last year. Boys and girls, don't get too hung up on him, because what goes up always (and I mean always) comes down.

That shiny, new gold glove says he can still make the fans say "wow" when he plays the outfield. On the other hand, his crusty birth certificate says 1970, and the Cardinals owe him a cool $34 million over the next three years. That makes the owners say "yikes."

Of course, 33 isn't old by any stretch, but players don't play baseball into their 40s anymore (unless you're Jesse Orosco), and Edmonds is not the future of the Cardinals.

Young power pitching is the future of the franchise, and Edmonds can be the one to acquire it.

It's understandable if you don't like the idea of trading one of the Cardinals' best players, because I'm not crazy about it. But if you think about it, there's no other player who makes sense.

The Cardinals can't trade Edgar Renteria because they declined Fernando Vina's option. Losing both middle infielders would devastate the Cardinals' infield defense.

J.D. Drew isn't making enough money to warrant a trade, but he's contending with Grant Hill for most time on the trainer's table.

The Cardinals won't trade Edmonds for pitching. In fact, it doesn't really matter what the Cards get in return as long as they dump his salary. The Cards have to cut back on their spending, because they only have an $80 million budget and they are set to exceed that.

What better way to pocket a little money than cashing in on a peaking stock? So trade now.

Edmonds can be traded now, but don't ever trade in the thing that is always there for you -- your week ahead:

Tuesdayn Central boys soccer team won a district again this year, and once again it will host a sectional. This is not just another year for Central soccer, though. This could be the makings of something special. The road to the final four begins against Francis Howell North at Houck Stadium at 7 p.m.

Wednesdayn Central fans may as well pitch a tent at Houck Tuesday night, because they'll be back Wednesday. Two state playoff games for Central on back-to-back nights. Does it get any better than this for Tiger fans? Central football goes to Round 2 against North County this season at Houck Stadium at 7 p.m.

Saturdayn Missouri hosts Texas A&M in the final home game of the season. This is your last chance to see offensive line stud Rob Droege, the most notable of the Tigers' seniors. Game time is 11:30 a.m.

If you're headed south for the weekend, stop at the Pyramid for the Grizzlies game. Tell your spouse you need to pick up a new backpack for the kids (since they're giving one to the first 3,000). The struggling Mavericks visit at 7 p.m.

Down the roadCollege basketball is on the doorstep, and Southeast Missouri State University's men open their basketball season at home next week.

David Wilson is a columnist for the Southeast Missourian and a senior at Central High School. His column appears each Monday.