Well, last week was the Winter Meetings and there was one major surprise with Albert Pujols going out west to play for the Angels. It was a surprise to me personally because I really believed he would stay in St. Louis. What has surprised me even more is a lot of the hatred that has been directed at him since the announcement. If you don’t know, or remember, I live in Cardinals territory. I am surrounded by Cardinal fans everywhere I go. Over the last week I have read and heard some of the most ignorant comments that sports fans can make. Here’s just a few. “I hope Albert gets injured and never plays again”, “I wouldn’t urinate on him if he was on fire” and the worst of them all, “I hope Albert dies”……can you believe that? Listen, I understand the frustration and disappointment, but those comments are ridiculous! Hopefully, the hatred and initial shock will calm down and fans will remember that they were privileged to watch one of the greatest hitters in baseball for 11 seasons. That Albert was never in the news for DUIs, PEDs, beating women, not paying his taxes or anything bad like that. Remember the good that Albert did on the field and off the field and wish him well.

Now, on to more important issues. The Cubs are still in need of several players in my opinion. We have no one at either corner infield spot in my opinion. I understand that Ian Stewart is slated to be our new third baseman, but I’m not sold on him at this point. We better hope that Josh Vitters is capable of playing in the big leagues if Stewart cannot hit in 2012. We also have an opportunity to sign Prince Fielder to play first base if we chose to. I think that we should sign him and build our lineup around the left-handed slugger.

Aramis Ramirez has left us for the Milwaukee Brewers. I hope he stays healthy and plays well for the Brewers….except when he faces the Cubs. Best wishes Aramis. You will be missed by this Cubs fan.

I am excited for Angels fans with the arrivals of C.J. Wilson and Pujols. With the current lineup they have and young players such as Trumbo, Trout and Conger, I would be elated at the change of a World Series championship in Anaheim soon. Also, I would consider trading Trout and Conger for David Wright. Just a thought.

Speaking of David Wright, I think a lot of teams should be pursuing him right now. He would be a great fit on a lot of teams. Heck, I even believe he would be the perfect fit for the St. Louis Cardinals. Move Freese to first base and have Wright at third. I’m sure a package deal involving Shelby Miller and Zach Cox could be a great starting point to get a deal done.

Another trade idea I have for an opposing team involves the Cincinnati Reds. Trade Yonder Alonso! He’s a stud with the stick and needs to stay at first base. I’m thinking Ricky Romero, Gio Gonzalez or James Shields. The Reds have a real good shot at winning the NL Central in 2012 with the loss of Pujols by the Cards and potential loss of Prince Fielder by the Brewers. Make the move Walt and get your team into the post-season next year.

I was shocked at the news of Ryan Braun failing a drug test. I really want to believe him and I hope he is exonerated. However, if it is proven that he really cheated…..well, I really don’t know what to say about that.

How about Tim Tebow?!!?! I’ve learned to turn his games on with less than 8 minutes remaining so I don’t have to suffer through the first 3 1/2 quarters. He keeps getting the job done and I wish him well. I really hope he guides the Broncos to the playoffs. Now, if only my Cowboys could learn how to win instead of giving games away.