You've probably read that best-selling business book Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten, right? Yeah, me neither. But considering that the author is an AZ resident who frequents our local sporting events and doesn't exactly sit in the Uecker seats… uh, I'd probably be well-advised to read it, no doubt.

Until then, here's the connection: on a recent vacation, Paulie Griswald didn't exactly swim with the sharks, but I did walk amongst them at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. (Note: in truth, Paulie Cousteau actually pushed a stroller while walking amongst the sea life.)

Now, here's the point: since water covers 70 percent of the earth's surface and we've all been wondering whether the Cards will be able to swim with the sharks in the NFC West, Paulie Calamari pondered whether the answers to the Cards off-season might be found in this "Seafood Sampler" of sorts?

So, that's our excuse to fire up a "Show ‘n Tell" from our recent field trip. Hey, let's face it, when the lockout lifts - it's feeding time. Big tiem. NFL teams will devour free agents like piranha on a pork chop.

So, put on your mask & flippers, because Paulie Player Personnel is going to detail how the Cards can turn this coming season into a whale of a fish story.

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The Sunfish

For example, our first photo shows an Ocean Sunfish. No wonder it's part of the million-gallon Open Sea exhibit, because in terms of sheer size, this honkin' huge Sunfish is like the Yao Ming of the aquarium. And do the Cards not have a Sunfish-sized need at QB? Ding. Hence, we've named this creature "Kolb."

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Pacific Octopus

Okay, our next slide shows a giant Pacific Octopus. The eight arms make us contemplate the 8 offensive linemen needed this season. Who will they be? Where will they come from? We've dubbed this octopus "Coach Grimm" and O-Line becomes priority 1a.

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Jellyfish

Still with us? Check out this snapshot of a jellyfish. What's that? You say you don't want to get too close? Good. Cuz fans are hoping the Cards defense has the same sting to it this season! Giving the D some more zing & sting is the next priority. (By the way, we've named this jellyfish "Blitz" since that's what new Cards coordinator Ray Horton has vowed will be his first call).

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Seahorses

What sort of secrets are the Cards sitting on? Ask the seahorses. That's the next exhibit we encountered - "Secret Lives of Seahorses." How many players NOT on the media radar will end up on the final roster? Only Coach Whisenhunt, GM Rod Graves, and the seahorses really know which free agents the Cards will be fishing for.

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Sea Otter

And the final question that will determine whether the Big Red has a big season ("big, big season!"), can be found in this family photo of a Sea Otter and her pup. Meaning, will the coaching staff have enough time to raise and rear the young guys and new guys?

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If the pup players are fast learners, then the Cards might get off to a fast start. If so, look for fans to respond with plenty of standing ovations this season.

For now, feel free to give yourselves a hand for enduring a slide show any father would be proud of… (Note: I've officially become my Dad…sigh.)