It doesn't sound like Albert Pujols’ representatives are going to be shy in their negotiations with the Cardinals. There are early indications that Pujols and agent Dan Lozano have used Alex Rodriguez’s ten-year $275MM contract as the lone point of reference in discussions for a potential extension, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com.
However, the Cardinals “are said to have initially suggested a contract that would guarantee Pujols at least a bit less than $200MM,” Heyman writes. Heyman’s sources believe the Cardinals would prefer not to guarantee Pujols more than seven years. One person said the Cards could offer a seven-year, $196MM deal. Other insiders suggest the team could agree to a $30MM annual salary or a ten-year deal, but not both.
Most people Heyman surveyed suggest Pujols won’t top $250MM if he signs an extension, since he is not negotiating on the open market and since the Yankees and Red Sox have established first basemen.
Click here to vote on Pujols’ future, which will unfold within the next month or so. Lozano set a Spring Training deadline for a possible extension. If the sides don’t reach a deal, the three-time MVP will hit free agency after the coming season. As I explained here, A-Rod money is not an unreasonable target for Pujols.
Cardinal fans need to think realistically here. There’s a short window between now and spring training and Pujols is going to put their self imposed cap way higher than they’d like. Looks like if this does happen the Cards will have trouble keeping talent around their core 4.
the cards should offer a deal close to arods and say look…”we will give you very close to arod money but we cant go higher because it would hurt the team more than help it because in terms of arod length he has the ability to DH unlike you.. And if you dont want to be here then we will trade you” imagine the haul they would get for lebron
There’s only a few teams that can really handle a contract like that. I think we know who they are. Sadly if Pujols gets this kind of contract, in a few years, it’s going to look like A-Rod’s contract with the Rangers. Even though he was awesome, they couldn’t afford to put anyone around him to build a championship. It would probably end up the same in St. Louis.
Based on need at 1B, ability to spend, and team desperation, I think he will sign with the Orioles, Mets, Dodgers, or (sit down for this one Cards fans) the Cubs. The more I think about it, the Cubs seem to be a perfect fit with salary coming of the books, a willingness to spend, and a angry fan base demanding a winner.
Based on need at 1B, ability to spend, and team desperation, I think he will sign with the Orioles, Mets, Dodgers, or (sit down for this one Cards fans) the Cubs. The more I think about it, the Cubs seem to be a perfect fit with salary coming of the books, a willingness to spend, and a angry fan base demanding a winner.
This article is total Bullsh*t. I’m a Cards fan and am actually of the opinion that signing Albert would handicap the Cards in the future. But what people have to understand is that the are truly on radio silence and are not discussing terms outside of the team. Heyman’s article points to other officials from around the league and this is not coming from the Cardinals or from Lozano. THEY ARE NOT LETTING INFORMATION GET OUT IN THE MEDIA. Do not let this cause a stir because honestly no one knows anything about the negotiations. Heyman is just blowing smoke up everyone’s as*
Yeah but isn’t pretty much a safe bet to say that AP wants Arod money or very close to it? And even if it didn’t come directly from Lozano’s mouth doesn’t mean it wasn’t a 3rd party relay of info coming from someone around AP, Lazano or the Cards. I think it’s prety obvious he wants to be somewhere around $25-$30 mil. Why wouldn’t he?
i don’t think its the AAV holding them back, more so the guaranteed years.
I agree. It will beither be more money and fewer years or more years and less money. Either way, he’s probably getting at least $25 per.
i don’t think its the AAV holding them back, more so the guaranteed years.
Angels!
I think the post somewhere else on this site, which pointed out how lots of the teams that could afford such a high contract do not have first base open, was indicative. The Cards know this well, and hence won’t overpay for an extension.
I see him hitting FA, but not getting A-Rod money. Perhaps $220m/ 7 years or $238m/ 8 years after waiting it out hoping other teams get involved – or something like that. I also think he stays a Card though.
I know the Cardinals really want to keep him, but imagine the package they would get if they traded him!
He has 5 and 10 rights and a full no trade clause in his contract.
Not until may
Trade him to whom? The teams who would be likely to give up a ton of prospects for him already have first basemen, and not many teams could afford to resign him.
if he wants to dh the red sox have a spot open next season after ortiz is gone.
I really doubt he wants to DH.
if he wants to win and get paid the yankees and bosox could easily be a place for him…TO be honest next season one of those two teams are the best bet for him…as the yankees he can split time with tex and same with the bosox and maybe maybe adrian if they extend him…
If he wants to win he’ll go to NY? Can he pitch? That’s laughable. He has limited options, and the best place for him to be is STL. Great baseball town, great fans, great tradition.
As a Giants fan I would love to have Pujols, but they’re going to build through the draft and lock their pitching staff in.
As Yankees fan I would love to see Pujols in NY in that ballpark.
However, I just woke up because the only way the Yankees get him is in a dream. They would have to deal Tex to another team, but why would that team trade for him when Pujols is available. That is just for starters….
Yanks are not getting Pujols but if they were going to I don’t see why they would have to trade Tex? Just move one of them to DH part-time. Wouldn’t be a good idea and it WILL NEVER HAPPEN but they could do it if he were willing to come to NY as a FA.
It could happen if he goes to the open market!
Many teams could afford 30 anually if they did not have many other high priced players. If the Cardinals would trade Pujols, it would cost the teams 1-2-3-4 prospects, their best major league ready guy- and more
No it certainly would not. We are talking about 1 year and a likely $200m commitment. The Cards would be lucky to get an A level and a couple of Bs
i wouldn’t say “lucky to get” an A and some B’s. That is probably the starting point. 2 A’s and 2 B’s is about what i’d expect if they were to trade him right now and an A and 2-3 B’s mid season.
Yeah it would definetly cost, but no team would be willing to send their top 4 picks AND pay $200 mil.
The very fact that there are few teams that could afford $200 mil narrows it down to a handful of teams and those teams would way the likely hood of him going elsewhere vs just waiting it out until the end of the season.
It’s imperitive to take in to account that any sort of long term deal with Albert is only really for 4-5 years of Albert, then maybe 2-3 years of declining Albert (a significantly different player). Analyze what he wants, if it’s ridiculous, the haul for even one year of Pujols would be huge. Only issue with that is, the one team with the farm system, opening and money to swing such a deal already did one (Boston – A-Gon).
True, but I would assume that even a decling albert is better then 90% of first basemen out there.
The guys swing is perfect, he hits for average and has power. His first 10 seasons are among the best EVER in baseball. I think a ted williams regression is not out of the question here. He will perform better in old age then people think.
Granted this is just speculation on my part and he could blow off his elbow tomorrow and be done.
That’s mainly my concern. I don’t neccesarily think that in 5 or 6 years Albert will have a Travis Hafner decline, but I do see a lot of signs that he’ll fall apart, the man is constantly playing hurt. Doing that at 30 is one thing, doing that at 35 is another thing entirely. If it’s not the elbow it’s the feet, if it’s not the feet it’s the back. I realize all players have little things here and there, Albert seems to always have something going on though. I’m an enormous Albert fan, I truely believe he is the best player in the game today and there is an argument that can be made to say he is one of the best of all time, that being said, I also see a serious amount of luck involved if he’s to be producing at this level in 5 years time. That’s the unfortunate bind the Cardinals face, YOU DO NOT TRADE AWAY THE BEST PLAYER IN BASEBALL! However, do you want to jeopardise the next few years of your franchise in order to appease the fans and sign Albert to whatever sort of deal he demands. If the Red Sox hadn’t traded for A-Gon this would have been easy, Albert goes to Boston for an even larger package than the Padres got, A-Gon gets a rather hefty payday himself and comes to St. Louis, now though, the water has gotten a darn sight murkier.
And most would wonder if they even have the prospects to satisfy the Cardinals (even though they would just have to present the best package compared to a small amount of competitors).
I think the Red Sox could have put together a package for Albert. The Padres didn’t do badly in the A-Gon trade although obviously, Albert would probably command some major league ready talent additionally. I was a firm advocate of starting at Youkilis and the farm and working down from there to find a halfway point.
Where is this information coming from, I mean seriously? The deal is gonna get done…….These writers that don’t write for the post are using this to make headlines and create a stir…..These talks are private I would like for Olney and Mr.Smith to Cite their sources so we all know where the information is coming from….Untill then or I Hear the same from a Stl. Post writer I am calling BULLSHIT!!!!!!
The Post guys are pretty good, but not immune to the need to get your articles read and commentaries heard. Heyman is just doing his job with a little less integrity than some others…
Certainly mum is the word on these negotiations. If the status quo holds, and there’s nothing to suggest it wouldn’t, no one is going to know details about the talks, plain and simple (save for DeWitt being ‘hopeful’ and Pujols wanting to be a Cardinal for life and other similar vague statements). Unfortunately, that really s*cks for people who make their living off of getting the scoop before any official release and those of us who like to hear the scoop before it hits the papers.
I have just come to the point, when it has to do with the cardinals, and I see it on here, I will always check the post’s website to get confirmation….So far they have nothing on these leads so I think they are just headline grabbers…..Have a good day man
What are you arguing about? All the article says it what they feel AP is going to ask for. I think I can even write an article saying he will probably seek something in the neighborhood of Arod. Figure, Howard is going to start making $25 mil soon and there’s your base ($25 mil) and the probably ceiling ($30 mil).
This is regurgitating a Heyman article that’s already based on information from people with “peripheral” knowledge of the situation.
So this whole thing will swirl around like it’s truth because Heyman got someone to say something about the Pujols negotiations even though they have no idea what the hell is actually going on. Behold, a manufactured internet rumor!!
As a Cub fan, this is win-win. If the Cards re-sign him, he’ll make up around 33% of St. Louis’ payroll. If the Cards don’t re-sign him, they will be set back a few years before even being competitive again. The fact that the Cards have missed the playoffs 3 of the last 4 years with Pujols just backs up what I said.
I’m not sure why people think the Cards can just sit back and low ball Pujols. There will be teams that will pay Pujols. For starters, divison rival Cubs. Bigger market, bigger payroll, and a need at 1st base.
Just take care of your team before you consider talking about the Cards buddy.. you guys have been a mess for decades.
50% of payroll for Albert > 10% for Soriano and Zambrano
Ya.. Pujols signal handedly has carried the Cardinals to the playoffs more than 50% of the time.. figure that math out
maybe they should change their name from the st. louis cardinals to the st. louis pujolses
maybe they should change their name from the st. louis cardinals to the st. louis pujolses
Indeed. I don’t think Pujols has much interest in becoming a lovable loser.
Which is why I dont think Pujols would go to the Yanks or Boston.. the fans will boo him if he doesnt hit a home run in every plate appearance.
you’d know better than I, being a Cards fan and all, but it doesn’t seem that Albert would enjoy the hectic and impulsive nature of Boston and NY. Especially if he’s used to the wise, and often times overly gracious fans of St. Louis.
Thats about as ignorant a statement as i’ve seen here! Just jealous that the most passionate fanbases are in Boston and New York I see! He will be a megastar in either city and would thrive!
it can’t go both ways. gotta love cardinal fans. if pujols has single-handedly (or signal-handedly, if you’re an illiterate cardinal fan) carried the cardinals to the playoffs more than 50% of the time, why would you assume Pujols on the Cubs wouldn’t carry the Cubs to the playoffs more than 50% of the time? It’s called logic.
it can’t go both ways. gotta love cardinal fans. if pujols has single-handedly (or signal-handedly, if you’re an illiterate cardinal fan) carried the cardinals to the playoffs more than 50% of the time, why would you assume Pujols on the Cubs wouldn’t carry the Cubs to the playoffs more than 50% of the time? It’s called logic.
try a century.
don’t come on a website started by a cubs fan if you can’t take the cubs fans, buddy.
Mess for decades? Ha. If only the cubs were a mess for decades, the cards would have broken atlanta’s division title streak. but alas, your words are just wishful thinking.
He will not make up around 33% of the payroll. The payroll for 2011 is projected to be $106 mil and if he gets an A-Rod size contract of $28 mil/year then that is only around 20% of the 2012 payroll. Since he is already making $16 mil in 2011 that is a possible increase of $12 mil and only around a 10% overall increase. I think that is feasible for the organization.
you’re assuming that St. Louis’ payroll will stay around that $106 million or increase. And I’m assuming that St. Louis’ payroll will go back down to its more stable range of $75-$90 million.
You’re also assuming it will be $28 million/yr, I’m assuming at least $30 million/yr.
$30 million of $90 million payroll = 33%
If that’s the case, then yes that would be true. But you also have players like Molina and Wainright who’s salary is each increasing $2 mil from 2011 to 2012 and player like Holiday and Lohse, who’s big contracts stay the same. Not to mention general economic inflation. The Card’s will never be back in the $75-$90 mil range. They’re a valuable franchise and now that DeWitt is willing to open up the checkbook, we’ve enter a new era for the team.
Per Cot’s, the Cardinals have under $50M committed to the 2012 payroll at this point (plus Carpenter’s $15M option, if they pick that up):
spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=t_WBl5PYQPvrO7eNWG…
They should be in a position to pay him and still not hamper their ability to make moves going forward.
So in the article there were 3 people with “peripheral knowledge of the situation” and all 3 had completely different opinions. In other words, we still have no clue how the talks are going. It’s the biggest story of the year and none of the writers can get any info on it, so we will continue to see this crap either until a deal gets done, or they break off talks.
33% of the payroll? You have some odd math. I believe right now the Cardinals are at 101MM for 2011. That’s including Albert’s 16MM. SO even if he goes up to 30MM that would put the Cards at 115MM with Albert making 30 of it. That is not 33%.
You have odd math. Typically, teams set payroll budgets and stick around them. You can’t say they’ll add $16 million in salary and ALSO RAISE payroll $16 million.
That’s a politician’s math right there….
You have no clue, the Cardinals will never be around 90MM payroll again. The Cubs had their chance while St. Louis was keeping payroll low to pay off the new stadium. Now you will start to see payro will go up again since it will be paid off this year. That was the plan all along. Bill Dewitt said Sunday “Payroll will be well above 100MM for 2011. So if your claiming that teams “set payroll budgets and stick around them” They are already over 100MM, so why won’t they stick to this budget instead of your imaginary budget for them?
You have odd math. Typically, teams set payroll budgets and stick around them. You can’t say they’ll add $16 million in salary and ALSO RAISE payroll $16 million.
That’s a politician’s math right there….
Yep.. its the Roller Coaster effect! $100 says within the next 3 articles about Pujols extension on this site, one will be positive and then back to negative.
“Cards getting closer to meeting Pujols needs”
“Cardinals near deal with Pujols extension?”
Just watch. Thats how these things work, and they work well.. obviously there are a lot of people (especially fans in St. Louis) watching this site religiously.
Till its all over ESPN dont believe a thing!
A general word of caution: It can be dangerous getting your sports ‘news’ from ESPN (and subsequently forming an informed opinion on such ‘news’). But in this case I think you’re safe.
Pujols is a superstar. Normally I don’t think signing players to monster contracts is wise, but he is the most consistent hitter in the game, that aside he is one of the few players in baseball who everyone in America knows and would pay to see play. The type of player who makes 6 year olds lifelong Cardinals fans. How much value has been added to the Cardinals organization simply because Albert Pujols wore their uniform? The guy transcends baseball
Any publicity is good publicity when you’re trying to stay in the news during the offseason.
i could see pujols getting traded to the yanks for tex, gardner, joba and prospects.. maybe more? honestly, i would actually consider that if i were the cards.
If they can afford Tex, they can afford Albert. Not happening.
Yankees really shouldn’t bother. They threw a big contract on Tex because there was nobody else.
If you can afford Tex + Gardner + Joba + Prospects or Pujols, you take the former every time.
Cards might take a short-term hit in sales, merchandise and whatnot, but the team would be so much more competitive…
Pujols is about 1 WAR/ season better than Tex. Gardner is decent, and Joba is a talented enigma. Especially with the Cards’ outfield set, why would you do this?
whats the point? If they can’t afford Pujols at about 27.5million, than they might as well not bother with Tex at 23million. 4mil isn’t enough to compensate in the talent difference.
pujols is worth way more than 27.5 mil.. i doubt him and his agent would settle for just 27.5 mil. especially when they could get over 8 yrs/30 mil from the yankees.
it would also give the cardinals a chance at a better overall team. theyll have flexibility in the upcoming offseasons to acquire guys w/ more speed and a better avg and obp. they absolutely lack that.
it’s not just $4 million, it’s also Gardner, Joba, and prospects…
Yanks easily hang up first, then call back and make a counter proposal because you know they really want Pujols.
we have no use for Joba. Gardner is nice but we already have a starting outfield and minor league depth. Prospects are always welcome but thats not enough to compensate it for me.
The Cards would consider it, certainly, but I don’t think the Yanks would. Although the Bombers certainly have the resources to burn so I guess anything’s possible.
That would never happen. Pujols is the best hitter in the game but how many wins is he going to add above the value of Tex, Gardner, Joba and what I would assume would have to be some good prospects.
Disclaimer: I don’t agree with fangraphs 2010 WAR value for Tex (too low on defense) but let’s just use it anyway.
AP @ 7.3 WAR < Tex @ 3.5, Gardner @ 5.4, Joba @ 1.4 WAR and prospects + extra salary that can be used elsewhere.
If AP is the measure of all greatness @ a perfect 10 then Tex has got to be at least a 7 or 8.
Obviously, the teams would never consider this and for good reasons.
its worth more though if you can get a larger amount of production from just one at position though. For example, i could say that 8 Brendan Ryan’s who had 1WAlR each is worth more than 1 Albert Pujols who had like 7.3 but that would be stretching the truth(to say the least).
Yes, but you’re talking about trading a perfect “10” 1B for a pretty good “8 or 9” 1B plus a pretty good cost controlled LF, a decent SP/bullpen arm with 3 years of control and upside plus a few prospects. And then, you have extend a $200 mil contract to AP. Not at all worth it.
thats the thing, Cards don’t need an outfielder or BP arms or a starting pitcher. Which goes back to my original point: Cards would gain little from that trade. I really can’t think of any real fits who help fill the need for STL. No one has elite middle infield prospects available and elite starting pitching prospects and spare parts on the big league roster ready to contribute now. no one.
The players are interchangable. I was simply replying to the offer that someone suggested. Either way you cut it, no team is going to trade a “Tex like position player”, and a starting position player, and a 25 yo pitcher w/ upside AND prospects for 1 year of Pujols who they would then have to lay out a $200 mil contract for.
There isn’t even a precedent I could look at for that kind of deal. Look at what the Yanks traded for Arod who was arguably as good as Pujols is now at that time and was 2 years younger at the time of the trade. They traded 1 up and coming superstar who was 3 years away from free agency and a then highly rated prospect (top 100).
Good examples of what the Cards might be able to get for Pujols would be along the lines of….
Angels- Kendry Morales, Tyler Chatwood and Jean Segura (or substitute for a pitcher)
Blue Jays- Adam Lind, Deck McGuire, Zack Stewart and one of their catchers.
Dodgers- James Loney, Jerry Sands, Dee Gordon, Zach Lee
Giants- Bumgarner, Brandon Belt and a lower prospect.
M’s- Smoak, Jason Vargas + one of Pineda/Ackely/Franklin) and maybe a lower prospect.
Mets- Ike Davis, Jose Reyes (w/ an extension) and Jenrry Mejia.
Nationals- Drew Storen, Mike Morse, Danny Espinosa OR Ian Desmond, Sammy Solis
O’s- Adam Jones, Chris Tillman, Dan Klein and Matt Hobgood
Rangers- Mitch Moreland, Derek Holland, Jurickson Profar and Miguel De Los Santos
thats the thing, Cards don’t need an outfielder or BP arms or a starting pitcher. Which goes back to my original point: Cards would gain little from that trade. I really can’t think of any real fits who help fill the need for STL. No one has elite middle infield prospects available and elite starting pitching prospects and spare parts on the big league roster ready to contribute now. no one.
Thats would be cool, and the Sox would have the money, but I think the Cardinals would first try to resign him, then if he did not resign try to trade, they would not let him fall into FA and not get anything for him, but if the Cardinals wanted to trade him, the Sox would not have the package to pry him away.
Many teams would be offering good package’s so if the Sox did not get Gonzo, they might have had a chance, but it would probably take, Buchholz-Kelly-Rizzo-Kalish-Iglesias- and Lester/many more prospects…. thats probably what the Sox would have needed to do to make the Cardinals exept, if others teams also had a high offer, but Theo would never ever do that.
for One year of Pujols? are you insane? the Cardinals would have little leverage in any deal for him it being he is Albert Pujols, but why would anyone give up their whole farm when they could just wait it out and bid in FA? how about the Cardinals getting AGon at a whopping 6 million and the Sox taking on that tremendous contract?
Theo would be shot right on Yawkey Way by an angry Sox fan. (Please no AZ shooting comments, it’s just a joke).
Most insane trade proposal ever! We’d have to add Bard, Ellsbury, and Pedroia to that package to make it happen!
I think its best to trade him. I know you’d have to get the package of a lifetime, but I find it hard to believe that for the amount Pujols wants you couldn’t get two very good players on the open market. I think it would take more than one team’s top prospect, however, so a three-team deal deal would be necessary. One involving Mike Trout seems to make sense, and Pujols would play first in LA with Kendry DHing.
If Albert decides a deal cannot be reached and he is going to test free agency, Morales and Trout would be an excellent starting point for me!
Its 1 year of Pujols. There is no chance those names are involved. More likely it would be Mesa-Martinez, Reckling and Chatwood.
I COULD see something like Morales and a top prospect for him possibly.
I meant Kendry would move from 1B to DH. Thats just too much for Albert.
if he wanted to go to Anaheim….he’d veto that trade and sign there in the offseason…he likes to win…he’s going to want to play alongside trout and morales
And a very quick, prompt ending point as well. Ppl are actually using names like “Mantle” to convey the potential talent of Trout (although I think that’s crazy).
I think all Cardinal fans will have to temper their thoughts w/ the idea that teams are trading for 1 year’s worth of AP. What they do to extend them will cost tons of money so while he might stay with that team for “x” amount of years, the Cards are not giving those years to them.
I agree…I dont’ really think they could get Morales and Trout. But I like the idea of Morales as a starting point, IF something were to happen, but obviously I would rather just get this extension done and not worry about it.
I think the Angels will make a play to trade for him before spring training for a couple of reasons. 1. They need a big name to help in the LA market 2. They have lots of money to burn after loosing out on the big FA this offseason 3. They have the prospects to make a deal work for the cardinals. The question is if Pujols is willing to move to LA, He might if they offer the 10 year 28 mill he is looking for.
you mean 10 year 280?
Yes i missed the zero. although i think it will take a 10 year 300 million contract to get him to waive he no trade clause
Can we quit calling it the “LA market? you guys play in Anaheim, a totally different city, do the Mariners call themselves the Tacoma Mariners of Seattle? how about the Fresno A’s of Oakland? Be proud of where you live.
Their name is the Los Angeles Angels now, so they’re in the “LA market”. Get over it. Yes, everyone knows they play in Anaheim, thanks for the obvious. I live in LA, guess what? No one cares here!
Their name is the Los Angeles Angels now, so they’re in the “LA market”. Get over it. Yes, everyone knows they play in Anaheim, thanks for the obvious. I live in LA, guess what? No one cares here!
This is the baseball world we live in now though? Where someone can demand a 30million a year contract? If anyone did deserve one, i would agree its Pujols, but is it right for baseball? The yankees ruined everything by giving into ARod’s ego, and while his numbers are in a league of their own, who deserves that kind of money? Im also a bit shocked if Pujols is really demanding that kind of money personally, since he is such a great personality and what he has done for St, Louis. It makes me think the article is fake.
Yankees did not ruin “it” for everyone else. Texas was the first to sign AROD to an absurd amount of $$$$.
Look at the number of teams that are pulling out the big bucks for FAs.
Owners are actually putting some of their profits back into the business. Owners are finally being “real” about their financial situation. Look at Henry of the Red Sox. Two years ago he was lobbying for a salary cap..do you think he wants one now? Answer: only if his team is under it…..
That trend of ridiculous salaries stops when people stop going to games, watching TV & buying merchandise.
Blame the Rangers dude. Arod might earn $30 in a year or two but his deal avg out to $27.5 mil.
This is the world of sports economics dude. I’m not sure when or for who but some day someone might be earning $35 mil on avg. He might be playing little league ball somewhere right now but it could happen. And as long as teams start signing their own regional tv deals it doesn’t have to be the Yanks or Sox that are doing it.
lemme put this out and make it clear, JOSE ALBERTO PUJOLS IS A ST. LOUIS CARDINAL FOE LIFE. PERIOD.
doubt it!
Match made in heaven, sign with Texas!!!!!!!
I could see that happening if Pujols decides to take his talents elsewhere. They have a ton of cash & will not care about giving up the picks to sign him (then again who would). It would probably mean that some of their talented players now would be gone down the road but who cares? He is flippin Pujols!!!!
Plus it makes sense for him to sign in the American League so that in the 7th or 8th year of the deal he can DH.
Can you imagine the damage he would do during the summer months in that ball park????
He’d hit 70 HR in Texas, at least.
The Cubs did their part this year by signing Pena to a 1 year deal.
They will have plenty of room in their payroll for a 275/10yr contract next year.
Albert’s agent must know how much negotiating leverage that gives him. How much would the Cubs signing Pujols cost the Cardinals in the way of pure fan outrage?
I don’t think the Cardinals can resign Pujols. He has no reason to accept anything less than $250M, and they can’t stay competitive if they pay him that.
Who in their right mind would sign with the Cubs if they’re as competitive and used to winning as Albert? The Cubs are horrible, and always will be. I think it’s safe to say that after 100+ years of futility.
As s cubs fan you’re right Thomas they are horrible…Cubs old ownership only cared about money if they got 40,000 drunks to come watch a lousy baseball team everyday they didn’t care how good the team is. But with new ownership a person not a business (tribune) running the Cubs i can tell there is a difference. They got a crop of young talent in Soto, Colvin, Castro, Cashner, marmol, with solid vets to lead them like Wood, Dempster, and byrd with alot of money next year when fukudome, Ramirez, and sliva’s contract expires next year there going to have a lot of money to spend on a player like Pujols or Fielder. I’m not like you’re prototype cubs this is are year BS in 2 or 3 years the cubs are going to be a real good team
agree. but I also get sick of Cardinal fans acting like the Cubs haven’t been more than decent more than half of the last decade.
The NL Central has basically been a two-team race for the past decade. And the Cubs were one of those two teams.
cardinals fans are stupid they say cubs fans are stupid they cheer on a cheater and embrace him as a hero. There is a reason why sammy sosa number isn’t retired at wrigley field. If sammy was are hitting couch he would be booed out of town.
As for NL central the reds are going to be a good team for awhile.
agree. but I also get sick of Cardinal fans acting like the Cubs haven’t been more than decent more than half of the last decade.
The NL Central has basically been a two-team race for the past decade. And the Cubs were one of those two teams.
I agree with the guy who said they are in a lose-lose situation. If they don’t re-sign him, the fanbase may revolt. If they do re-sign him, some of thier other guys will walk later on (15 M option on Carp… any shot at a longterm Wainwright deal, ect). Last I checked, good pitching won ballgames.
The Cards shot themselves in the foot when they signed Holliday for that otherworldly amount of money. A 17 million dollar man better run and play defense too. Between that and the Berkman money they might have resigned him.
But worse case, they get two compensation picks for him to restock the system. And worst case, this could be the equivelant of Bonds leaving Pittsburgh.
Trade Pu Pu for a bucket of sunflower seeds and a box of pine tar I dont care at this point, its gonna be a while before we get real news about his situation.
I just cant wait to watch the bears get drilled by Green Bay next week!
Oh how Chicagos failures make me smile 🙂
Is the Red Sox extending Adrian Gonzalez a sure thing? These reports seem to be treating it as such…
Although it isnt set in stone, the Soxs and Adrian have a gentlemens agreement to get a new contract done. AGon has said that he isnt looking for Pugols money just fair market value. Plus he wants to play in Boston so its pretty much a done deal
Well they aren’t supposed to have a deal in place until the beginning of the season to avoid the luxury tax hit so the rumors of it not being done aren’t true. They are just being swirled to make it seem like there is no agreement.
The Red Sox and Yankees might be all set with first basemen but as a Cardinal’s Gm do you really want to explain why Pujol’s is playing for the Cub’s every time you play them for the next 10 years?
I don’t really think it matters who you have at first when Pujols hits the market. Not many first basemen really even come close to what he has.
Who else is sick of the billionaire team owner with a team that annually rank in the top 5 in attendance, ranked as the 7th most valuable team by Forbes (just behind the Phillies), crying “mid-market”. You’re paying Matt Holliday $17 million a year for the next 7 years…what the hell do you expect to pay Pujols? Is this douchenozzle who ripped off the city for his new stadium (as detailed in stories in the Post-Dispatch if you doubt the claim) really going to go so far as to not resign the best player of his era and an icon just so he can throw an extra $3 million on top of his already considerable wealth at the end of the year? The giant, abandoned lot downtown where “ballpark village” was supposed to be built is one thing, letting the cities biggest star since they heyday of Stan Musial walk away on top of that is disgusting.
You don’t buy a team and then operate it at a loss. Buying a business and losing money on it isn’t the best business plan believe it or not. And until you can find the figures that prove he is making a lot of money on the team you can’t complain.
Guhh. No, you can’t operate the team at a loss, but I figured the 8 billion articles written about Dewitt buying the Cardinals for $150 million and it now being worth $800 million and the obscene profits he’s made off the team, being a shrewd business man and all would have made that point clear. Google it if you doubt ye claim. Some crazy, know nothing websites with strange names like “Forbes” will back up that story.
Guhh. No, you can’t operate the team at a loss, but I figured the 8 billion articles written about Dewitt buying the Cardinals for $150 million and it now being worth $800 million and the obscene profits he’s made off the team, being a shrewd business man and all would have made that point clear. Google it if you doubt ye claim. Some crazy, know nothing websites with strange names like “Forbes” will back up that story.
Indeed. You can always trade the incumbant starter off for more prospects.
Don’t put it past the Yankees to sign Pujols and trade Teixeira.
It’s perfect. Give up a 1st rd pick for Pujols and trade Teixeira for a FOR SP. Pujols and a FOR or Teixeira and a 1st. Easy decision….
What teams could realistically take Teix’s contract and also want to give up prospects for him while taking on that huge financial commitment?
The Cardinals would need a 1B…
Yeah but if you’re gonna pay Tex $23 mil I think they could probably find a creative way to come up with another $5 mil per to make an honest attempt to keep AP.
AGon also went on a hispanic radio station and said they had no “gentlemens agreement” and that both sides just seemed committed and were not far apart, only no one realized St Louis would drop the ball with the best all around baseball player, can you imagine the Yankees letting Babe Ruth go to FA in 1927? and he end up in Philadelphia playing for the then A’s? this is how ludicrous this all sounds to me
Pujols deserves, and will get, A-Rod money! No way he accepts less than 275 million IMO! And to count out the Yankees and Red Sox is crazy talk! He could platoon with the incumbents and dh for 81 games each which would leave both stars fresh and healthy for a long career! The Yanks have no cap and the Sox have Ortiz 12.5, Drew 14, Papelbon 11, Cameron 8, and Scutaro 6 million for a total of 51.5 million! Factor in a raise from 7-23 million for AGonz(16) annually leaves the Sox with around 35 million to spend beneath the cap with most positions filled and only Ellsbury,Bard and Buchholz going to arbitration. Iglesias/Lowrie will take over ss and Kalish will take over rf. NY and Boston would be crazy not to go hard after Pujols regardless of cost! Pujols literally holds all “the Cards” here!
Everyone is itching to move to Anaheim. They can live in Looney Tune Island. Ride the Matterhorn to the park.
WASHINGTON
Not sure about the 10 and 5 but he does have a limited no trade clause. I bet he can protect against trades to NY, LA and Boston teams.
I want to see Pujols hit the open market next winter just for the sheer specticle and entertainment it would bring for the hotstove.
I know it was ridiculous then, and is still pretty ridiculous now, but wouldn’t it be funny if the Phillies and Cardinals swapped Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols? The Phillies seem like one of the few teams that wouldn’t be crippled by a $30 million / per year player, minus Howard’s salary, of course. Cards’ get a pretty decent replacement and middle of the order threat. Phils’ get the greatest right handed bat in the game.
Sounds ridiculous, but makes sense on a lot of different levels. Howard / prospects for Pujols / negotiating window.
As a baseball fan I hope the Cards resign him
As a Reds fan, I hope they don’t.
Toronto has the prospects, money, and position for Albert. Still, I don’t see it happening. I’m not sure AP would want to move to Canada after having just gotten his citizenship. Plus not sure how much of a handicap it would put into AA’s longterm development of aggregating young talent to be continually competitive. You have to admit that even if the Jays are not ready to compete until 2012 or 13, Pujols would probably still be mashing. Also, it would allow him to DH at the end of a long contract.
He is coming to Miami
why dont the yanks just let him play LF like he did before he moved to 1st base? Are you telling me that Lance Brekman can move back to LF at age like 38 and AP couldnt??? Puljos plays LF and him and TEX switch out at DH and 1st…
There’s a reason no AL team wanted Berkman to play anywhere but DH. And there’s a reason Pujols plays 1B and not the OF. He’s way to big for it and he is a guy who has had knee problems in the past. Not really the type of player you want to risk by having him play the OF.
The reason he was moved from the outfield had nothing to do with his knee, it had to do with his elbow. He wasn’t a liability in the outfield either, nothing great, but average.
The Cards signed Berkman to a short term deal (1 year right?). If he blows out his knee then “oh well”. Pujols hasn’t played LF in years and I’m sure has grown physically since he last played that position. No team is going to acquire him and pay $200 mil and put him out to play a position he’s not use to playing and stands a great chance of hurting himself. If AP blows out a knee from all that plodding around…..problem.
If I were the GM that acquired him I would have to insist he wears one of those “Great Gazoo” helmets Cervelli wears, along with elbow, wrist and knee pads, a shin guard on both legs and 1 inch thick bubble wrap around as many parts of his body as possible that would still allow him to run.
ok.. well could you see him and TEX switching out between 1st and DH? or IF, just saying IF the only way the yanks could have both is to trade TEX…
ok.. well could you see him and TEX switching out between 1st and DH? or IF, just saying IF the only way the yanks could have both is to trade TEX…
ok mom….
How about the Cards trade Pujols to the Sox or Yanks for Gonzo or Tex?
How about the Cards trade Pujols to the Sox or Yanks for Gonzo or Tex?
If I’m the Cardinals and I don’t want to pay this man what he’s worth, I call the Yankees and tell them you want Texeira, Montero and the Yankees 3 top pitching prospects for Pujols. If they’re willing to pay Texeira the 130 million left on his deal, they get an all star replacement at 1b and they get to rebuild their team with a young core. I’d also call the Red Sox and tell them I want Agon and Bucholtz and the Red Sox 3 top prospects. The Cardinals have a chance to rebuild while reloading or pay one player 300 million.
And the Yanks hang up before you get the whole name Montero out of your mouth. Two draft picks.
And the Red Sox hang up before you get Buch out of you mouth. Two draft picks.
While the Yankees and Red Sox are relatively set at first base for the next several years, one of the big spending franchises out there with a clear opening at the position is the rival Chicago Cubs. Losing Pujols to the Cubs would hurt more than losing him to any other franchise including the Yankees or Red Sox. For that fact alone, I believe the Cardinals will do everything in their power to keep Pujols in red for the rest of his career. As a White Sox fan, I would love to see one of the greatest hitters of our generation play in Chicago. But please, please keep him away from the north side. I’ll never hear the end of it.
If Pujols wants that sort of money over that many years, it’s time to look at trading partners and move forward.
If, and it’s a big if, but if the Cards don’t sign Pujols, I see him signing with the Mets. The Mets have over $50M coming off the books after this (2011) season. Ike Davis has said and I quote, “I’d be a (explative) middle reliever to get Albert”. The Mets could easily move Davis to RF and Pagan to CF (Beltran’s contract will be up). So there’s room to have him. The Mets are also in need of a LEGIT power bat. Again, not sure if he’ll leave St. Louis but, if he does, look for the Mets to go after him.
I bleed blue & orange, F Albert Pujols.
Don’t need a money- loving, Glenn Beck rally attending conservative 1Bman.
I’ll take Prince and his sexy hippie vegetarian wife.
You know he would live above a Jamacian nightclub in Dumbo and take the subway to CitiField. I want Prince, send Ike, FMart & Mejia out west for a bat named Justin Upton.
I still think the Sox will approach them with AGon, who isnt looking for “Pujols Money” just fair market value,so if the Cardinals want a slugging 1st baseman and fair market value is what they are needing, this could be their best case scenario, the Red Sox would ultimatly win this trade but it wouldnt be a steal as AGon would put up monster numbers in St Louis as well.