Even Steve Keim is feeling the local pride, mentioning the 11-game winning streak of baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks and the four home runs hit Labor Day night by J.D. Martinez while doing his appearance on the "Doug and Wolf" show Tuesday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7.

But there was Cardinals stuff for the GM to talk about too. Keim was asked about three of the most talked-about cuts: RB Chris Johnson, OL Cole Toner and OLB Cap Capi. Not surprisingly, Keim didn't want to get into specifics. But the bottom line? No one outside can know everything with how the decisions are made.

"When you are building a roster there are so many things behind the scenes that go into it," Keim said. "It could be your role on game day, there are so many factors many people don't see. There is the mental side of the game, the ability to pick up assignments, how many mental errors to you have, can you line up in the right gap, you work ethic, the intangibles, the things you bring to the table in the locker room.

"There are so many factors that go into it that the fans and the media may not see, and we are privy to that information that's so important in building the final 53."

-- Keim said his toughest work of the weekend wasn't any particular cut, but putting together the 10-man practice squad. The 53-man roster "fell into place," while the practice squad is more difficult, wanting to make sure it's stocked with players that can develop into 53-man roster players, or guys who might be able to be plug and play if there is an injury.

-- New punter Andy Lee was "a guy we had an eye on all along," Keim said. Coming off the 2016 season, it was no secret the Cards had to upgrade the special teams work, Keim added. Having him available now "was a great gift for us." The relationship with K Phil Dawson (and even his friendship with college teammate Larry Fitzgerald) is just a bonus.

-- Keim said backup center Daniel Munyer "might be the most pleasant surprise" of training camp. Munyer was under-the-radar as potential 53-man pick, but he might be someone who can continue to develop into starter material. As for his roster spot now, "he's earned it," Keim said.

-- Reiterating what Bruce Arians has said, there is (surprising?) confidence in the cornerback room beyond Patrick Peterson. Justin Bethel seems to have shown big improvement in his bugaboo of awareness and finding the ball in the air -- "He's taken ownership of that," Keim said -- and both Tramon Williams and Brandon Williams showed in camp they are capable.

-- Keim's biggest concern right now? "Living up to expectations," he said. The roster is solid, the locker room is solid, and Keim credited team president Michael Bidwill for providing all the resources needed. "Now it's time to play football and win," Keim said.