If anybody has got it made in the game of baseball today, it’s Albert Pujols. He is currently the hot topic of debate in the newspapers, on websites, on television, and even in conversation. He’s currently entering the final year of his current contra – as if you all didn’t already know that – and he’s contemplating on taking his unmatched skill elsewhere.
Pujols has declared that he will not negotiate a contract extension with the Cardinals after the onset of Spring Training, and has said that he will use his no-trade clause to veto any potential trades that may be executed midseason.
Even if the Cardinals don’t entice Pujols with what he feels is a respectable offer prior to the season, they are far from out of the hunt. Frequent big money spenders like the Yankees and Red Sox are currently not in the market for a heavy hitting first basemen, as they have Mark Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez, respectively.
Although Gonzalez is not currently under contract for more than this 2011 season, it is assumed around the league that the Sox will retain him for most of the near future.
The Cardinals would most likely have to compete with the Cubs (Carlos Pena is only under contract for this season), Blue Jays (you never know with Alex Anthopolous), Dodgers (if they part with James Loney), and Angels (if Kendry Morales shifts to the DH position).
Pure speculation on my part, as other teams will surely be in the mix. From the teams mentioned above, I see the Angels with the most legitimate shot at Pujols, but again, pure speculation.
If Pujols was smart, though, he’d stay right where he is in St. Louis.
He has that city in the palm of his hand. Albert Pujols is a baseball god to Cardinals fans, fans who are very educated about their past baseball heroes. If he continues his career in St. Louis, he could realistically lead the franchise in just about every career offensive category.
That’s saying something. There have been tons of great players in Cardinals history, and to be considered amongst them is a true honor.
Even though they may be expecting somewhat of a home town discount, the Cardinals will stay pay Pujols a large chunk of change. Although he’s never had a reason to be hated, accepting a smaller contract to play for his current team would only boost his popularity.
Baseball needs another one-team superstar, and being one of them would enhance his popularity even more. Players today just don’t stay with one team anymore, as they are always interested in “testing the market.” Money speaks in today’s game and hopefully Pujols chooses not to listen.
As good as Pujols is, and he’s really good, there is always an adjustment period when playing for a new club. Optimistically, he’d love for those new team jitters to get played out in Spring Training, but you never know what could happen.
Realistically, it won’t lead to that much of a drop in his production because, well, he’s Albert Pujols, but fans love to see newly acquired players produce. If he stumbles out of the gate, he may be in for one heck of a tenure with his new team.
Do I want Pujols to stay? Yes, I most certainly do.
Do I think he will? It’s very tough to gauge it at this point.
He seems very serious at this point, and a serious player is a dangerous player. Look out for Albert this season, as he’s motivated and playing for that next contract.
As if pitchers needed to worry any more about him.
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