After a pair of meetings between the Marlins and agent Dan Lozano on Monday, Albert Pujols reportedly has a whopping ten-year offer in hand to join Jose Reyes in Miami. The Cardinals and Cubs met with Lozano yesterday as well. Here's the latest on Pujols…
- The Cubs are "definitely in" on Pujols still, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post. If nothing else, they want to make things hard on the Cards by increasing the bidding, says Sherman.
- The Marlins' brass completed their evening meeting with Dan Lozano, but told reporters, including Ken Rosenthal, that they had nothing to report. The Fish aren't sure if a third team is involved in the bidding, tweets Jon Paul Morosi. If there's a mystery team, it's definitely not the Phillies this year, tweets Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.
- The Mystery Team has entered the mix! USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that a third team, in addition to the Marlins and Cardinals, has made an offer to Pujols. All three offers are for ten years and at least $200MM, according to Nightengale.
- The Marlins are pushing "very, very hard" to get closure on Pujols tonight, so they can move one way or the other, according to Scott Miller of CBS Sports. They don't want to be used to jack up the Cardinals' bid, and want to move on to other free agents if they don't land Pujols (all Twitter links).
- The Cardinals expect resolution "sooner rather than later" and indicated that the ball is in Pujols' court, writes Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Marlins also would like resolution soon, tweets Morosi. Meanwhile, the Marlins met with an official from the commissioner's office tonight, and a possible Pujols contract was the topic of discussion, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
- A source tells Martino (Twitter link) to be "on red alert" for a Pujols deal tonight.
- The Marlins' offer to Pujols is believed to be in the neighborhood of $220MM, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (via Twitter). Cardinals GM John Mozeliak confirmed to reporters, including B.J. Rains of FOX Sports Midwest (Twitter link), that his team made another offer to Pujols today.
- The Marlins also remain hopeful on Pujols, having offered a "creative" contract, tweets Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.
- Talking to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, Cards chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. declined to offer odds on the team re-signing Pujols: "I'm hopeful, but I don't like to use the word 'optimistic.' We're realistic about the fact that it may not happen." (all Twitter links).
- Marlins president David Samson countered Spencer, saying the team will not sign a free agent to a deal including a no-trade clause.
- In a break with team policy, the Marlins are willing to give Pujols a no-trade clause, tweets Clark Spencer. This could be a major development. The Cardinals are still alive for now, tweets Joe Strauss.
- Marlins' brass concluded the 75-minute Lozano meeting without public comment.
- The Marlins are heading up to meet with Lozano and expect a Pujols decision soon, tweets Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
- As you might expect, the Marlins' ten-year offer exceeds $200MM, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Cardinals are expected to counter today.
- There is optimism that the Marlins and Lozano will work through the no-trade clause hurdle, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney, though Ken Rosenthal says the Marlins will not relent completely on the clause.
- The Cardinals do not expect to get an opportunity to match or beat an offer from another team before Pujols accepts, hears Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals have not ruled out a ten-year offer for Pujols, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Morosi's club source says it depends on the average annual value.
- The Cubs submitted a bid for Pujols, reports Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat says a Cubs official denied the report.
- The Marlins' reported ten-year bid includes an average annual value that tests or exceeds $20MM, writes Strauss, but it does not include full no-trade protection. The Marlins will meet with Lozano again today. One club executive who spoke to Strauss pegged the team's chances of signing Pujols at 50-50.
- ESPN's Buster Olney tweets a reminder that the disconnect in last offseason's negotiations between Pujols and the Cardinals wasn't the length, but the proposed annual value of $22MM.
- Not surprisingly, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution hears that the Marlins would trade Gaby Sanchez if Pujols lands in Miami (Twitter link). Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune thinks the Cubs would try for Sanchez in that scenario.
Tim Dierkes and Luke Adams contributed to this post.
If AAV is the problem, the tenth year offered by Miami may not matter.
I think the Cardinals can up their bid from 9/198 (22 mil AAV) to 9/216 (24 mil AAV), without killing the budget. I think its an overpay, but it makes sense for them.
If the Marlins bid is only 10/230, they would be left in the dark.
This is all madness. Madness I tell you!
Agree 100%. Baseball Executives are f..k’in stupid to pay anybody this kind of money. They’re paying for what he’s already done, not what he’s going to do for them. Look at A-Rods joke of a contract. The Yankees could have at least two young top players for less than what their paying an aging Alex. Smarten up Baseball!!!!!
I wonder if those young prospects could have would have sold as much merchandise, sponsorships, and tickets as A-Rod did? Nope. In the end, big names equal big money for both the players and the team.
I wonder if those young prospects could have would have sold as much merchandise, sponsorships, and tickets as A-Rod did? Nope. In the end, big names equal big money for both the players and the team.
LIKING the Marlins.:
“That’s our offer. Make a decision. Now. We’re not here to drive up the Cardinal offer. We have other things to do.”
really, you don’t think that He would take 10/230 over 9/216? He would just leave 14 million dollars on the table? No way he scores a 14 million contract at age 41. That’s a lot of money to walk away from.
A month or two back, there was a rumor that he said it would take “alot of money” to get him to leave St. Louis, and that “$50 million is not a lot of money”. I absolutely think he’d leave $14 million on the table, particularly if Miami left out the NTC.
You’ll also note from the article above, that the length of contract wasn’t the concern, but the AAV. If the Cardinals out AAV the Marlins, and only offer one year less, he stays home.
If the Marlins won’t include a no trade clause… the offer is worthless. Cardinals offer will include a no trade… Gaurenteed money.
It really doesn’t matter if the Cards offer a NTC. They will, but he has 10/5 rights with them anyway.
Miami’s failure to offer a NTC shows that they aren’t committed to Pujols long-term. They want to win-now (laudible), but are more than willing to blow it up if things don’t work out.
St Louis won’t need to include a “no trade” clause. He’d be a 5/10 player.
You typically put it in there anyhow. It doesn’t hurt the Cardinals, and gives Pujols protection should they ever trade him anyway (with his blessing).
why would they need to put it in the contract if he already gets it anyway?
When you’ve already made $104 million and are in line for another $216 million, then no, $14 million to leave your comfort zone is pretty easy to pass up.
florida can be a very comfortable place
no state tax in florida, that extra $14 mil is a lot more
Not as much as you may think. If half his income is earned in Missouri (you know, half his home games are there), we’re talking about an extra $750k or so assuming a $25 million annual salary. Plus some of that can be offset on his federal return, so the amount is less (not sure how much less).
14 million when you are talking about 200 million dollar contracts is not that big of a difference when choosing between where he really wants to play and the highest bidder. That wouldn’t be enough to lure him away.
That $14 Mill would bring a lot of players back.
I think Pujols, IF he can stay healthy will play into his 40’s for that kind of money. You see it with Chipper Jones now. Even though his knees are totally broken, he can’t walk away from $13-$14 Mill a year.
at 20 mil the Marlins offered 200 million for nine years while the cardinals offered 198 for 9 years. So really the Marlins still don’t even have the best offer on the table.
To be fair, the Marlins offer -could- be higher than 20 mil a year. Strauss isn’t specific.
I expect the Cardinals to go over 20 mil a year, and retain Pujols. The lack of the NTC, to me, is telling of how serious Miami is. It may be club policy not to offer them, but certain players will always demand them.
yah but even if it is higher it doesn’t sound like it would be much higher. This is the samething that happened with the marlins 9 year offer, everyone started getting real excited about how the Marlins were going to snag Pujols and then it came out that the offer was like 9 years at 180 million. So now they’ve added a 10th year to me that really doesn’t mean much if the AAV hasn’t increased to 25 mil.
I agree, especially since the Cardinals saved $4 to $5 mil a year in managerial costs, which they can allocate to Pujols. If they offered $22 mil a year before, there isn’t much reason they can’t go to $24 or $25 mil a year now, which looks much better than Miami’s apparent offer.
10/$200 without NTC is a joke. Not a bad one, since it could always work (and be somewhat club friendly), but I seriously doubt it is enough to get things done.
What isn’t clear though is if Mo will go to the 9/198 number. He has always maintained that that was last years offer and would have to be reduced by a year, which could mean the cards offer is 8 at 176 million, which if that is the case is an insult to Albert.
I think/hope that when it comes time Mo will up his offer to at 9 at 200 million.
I have to wonder about how the tax system plays into things. I believe Florida doesn’t have any state tax.
10 years at 210-225 million is going to be the price range. So whats that 21-22.5 mill a year?
If the site I found is correct, Missouri has a 6% state tax. So, for 200MM of Florida to be the same value, wouldn’t it have to be 212MM in Missouri?
no because you pay tax for wherever you play, including road games.
so its only 6 % for home games and whatever percantage of the road teams home state
again no trade clause!!! Pujols will see that as a sign, and think back to the previous championship marlin teams where that off season they dumped players. marlins could be doing all this signing to try to win a championship in thier first year in their new stadium. then decide to dump him to who ever wants him and get some prospects in return and turn right back into the pathetic marlins team they have always been. I cant believe Josh Johnson and Hanley wanna stay there. but if they win it all they wont have to worry about it i guess because htey will be wearing another uniform in 2013 lol
Marlins offered Pujols 10 years at 20+ MM per year.. the Cardinals offered him 198 at 9 year starting from last year.. Now that 9 year offer is an 8 year off because the season is over.. We should see an 8 year 200MM counter offer by the Cardinals soon.. Thats all they can do.
I think the 198 from last year is still good enough if they offer it this year. Well make it 200 million for Albert’s sake with a vesting option for a 10 year if he finishes in the top 10 of MVP votes in year 9. It’s still better than the Marlin’s offer and shows him that the cardinals want him to be there for life.
I dunno.. 22.22 may not keep him in STL. Money talks… I think its going to take a 24-25 per year contract to keep him in STL. Maybe a 9year 215MM with the same vesting option.
Because he will definitely be worth over $20m a season at age 42, especially to a NL team.
Except there’s no income tax in Florida. Floridian teams always have a bit of an advantage because of taxes. Well, unless they’re up against teams from Texas, Tennessee, and other states without income tax. Not sure what Missouri’s income tax is, but it’s something to factor into the final numbers.
Except there’s no income tax in Florida. Floridian teams always have a bit of an advantage because of taxes. Well, unless they’re up against teams from Texas, Tennessee, and other states without income tax. Not sure what Missouri’s income tax is, but it’s something to factor into the final numbers.
I don’t want the Cardinals to go ten years. This may let them off the hook.
The Cardinals open the season in Miami opening their new stadium. Then, the Cardinals first home series is against the Cubs.
It’s like MLB knew the most dramatic scenarios before the off-season even began. weird
Careful buddy. Bud Selig has just dispatched a team of covert operatives tasked with assessing and neutralizing any threats to his fiefdom.
actually the yankees open the new stadium 3 days before opening day when the yankees travel to miami to play the marlins in their new stadium! dont believe me check the schedule. now reg season yeah the cards will be opening it up with the marlins, but the marlins will play the first baseball game even if it is pre season against the yankees in the new stadium
Cubs should give him 8 years and something like $280 million. I bet he’d take it.
Ya think? 35MM/yr………
You’d make a terrific GM.
Yeah he’d be right up there with big names such as Bavasi and Reagins.
haha Reagins, what a sad excuse for a GM.
What do you mean sad excuse, I loved Tony Reagins as a GM he was nice enough to take Vernon Wells away 🙂
Same Reagins whose Angels won 277 games in his 3 seasons? Same guys whose teams made playoffs twice and ALCS?
Yup, he stunk.
Same Reagins whose Angels won 277 games in his 3 seasons? Same guys whose teams made playoffs twice and ALCS?
Yup, he stunk.
Brought to you by the same line of thinking that brought Soriono to the Cubs…
So this is what Jim Hendry does with his time now.
omar minaya is that you?
As long as it goes with reports from yesterday that it will be shorter years but more money I am ok with it..Its much easier to work on your minors when your majors aren’t completely worthless.
Pujols is 2 war points better than sanchez i just dont get why they’d spend so much on a position that isnt a need.
He sells tickets… thats why.
If tehy cant sell tickets with the team they have now they should just move
Ask Cubs fans – sometimes you have an owner with more money than intelligence.
WAR points, really? Pujols is way better than Gaby Sanchez. And is also arguably the greatest right handed hitter of all time.
I think the point is that they need pitching help alot more than they need first base help. Use the money you’d pay Pujols, and sign both Wilson and Buehrle. Be a better overall ballclub, unless they can get a significant return for Sanchez (in a buyers market).
I think Pujols brings way more value than Wilson and Buehrle combined. They can probably get a decent return for Gaby. Pujols would make everyone in that lineup better. Especially those that hit in front of him.
I dont even know if pujols brought more value than wilson alone last year plus hes in a 3year decline. Ifyou want to spent 20 plus million to improve a positionthats fine go ahead but that money can go elsewhere like on the pitching class. Im not doubting pujols woba being .040 higher than sanchez is a big deal, but its not wirth that much money to correct it.
I’m sorry, but a hall of famer, even in a subpar year for him, has much more value than a #2 starter who is on the field 32 times a year.
Not if you already have a pretty good 1B and $#!+ pitching. Which would you rather do, go from a B to A+ at 1B while leaving your rotation at a D? Or stay at B at 1B and upgrade pitching from a D to a B?
Appearently they have an endless supply of money so why can’t they do both? And Gaby plus a prospect or 2 could get a good arm back for them.
Doing both wasn’t ever part of the argument, but if they can then they definitely should.
The O’s will send Jeremy Guthrie and a prospect or two for Gaby as soon as the Pujols deal is done.
Deal?
Who cares if hes a hofer his past performance wont help him now.
He’s worst year was this year. And he still hit near .300, 40 HR 100 RBI. I’ll take him “declining” over any other hitter in the game.
Ok it’s clear than that your bias
How so? And for who? I’m a Giants fan.
For pujols i mean their are 4 first baseman better than him so i dont see how he is the best hitter in game anymore. Ill take miggy over him.
Wow. He’s still the most feared hitter in the game for a reason.
Thought I would reply just to make this narower still. Pujols is amongst the top 10 hitteres in the league, but no longer the number one
Thought I would reply just to make this narower still. Pujols is amongst the top 10 hitteres in the league, but no longer the number one
Puttingonemorereplysoitallbunchesupinonecolumn.
it’s about maximizing your resources, even if the Marlins add Pujols they are still likely to be a third place team unless they fix their pitching.
He brings in money for attendance. He brings in Jersey sales, he brings in a change of the regime and franchise over all. He brings in money when he starts to break records as it will draw attendance and TV rights then.
It is a crazy contract but the fish flip gaby for pitcher and Lomo for a pitcher too and bam we have a rotation to go with him.
I wouldn’t sign Pujols. I would trade Gaby Sanchez + others for an SP like Gio then move Morrison to 1B. Move Bonifacio or Coghlan to LF and CF respectively.
SS Jose Reyes
LF Emilio Bonifacio
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Mike Stanton
1B Logan Morrison
C John Buck
2B Omar Infante
CF Chris Coghlan
With
Josh Johnson
Gio Gonzalez
Ricky Nolasco
Anibal Sanchez
Chris Volstad
And closer
Heath Bell
Pretty darn good.
3rd place line-up at best …
4 allstar caliber players, and the rest are solid
The A’s already have three first baseman. Dealing a cost-controlled young lefty for another one makes zero sense.
They have 3 1B all with an OPS under 700. Move Allen and Carter to the outfield, Ka’aihue can DH, and Gaby a proven 1B can play 1B.
wow would that OF defense be atrocious or what?
Allen played LF in Arizona. Carter should go to AAA.
You could always trade them for a more proven hitter.
gio gonzalez warrants a better return than gaby sanchez. sanchez really isn’t great or even pretty good.
Gaby + whatever prospects you want
Gaby Sanchez is pretty good. Not great, no, but still pretty good. Solid guy.
solid, yes. good, yes. but not pretty good. just simple ol good. not enough to think that he’s a good option for being sought as a long term solution at 1B. maybe for a small market team that has no option but to depend on solid pieces and hope that somehow they overperform. but that’s not the cubs’ situation.
Sanchez and Dominguez as the centerpieces.
i like dominguez
Or sign Pujols and do the Sanchez trade.
1. Reyes SS
2. Ramirez 3B
3. Pujols 1B
4. Stanton RF
5. Morrison LF
6. Buck C
7. Infante 2B
8. Coghlan CF
1. Johnson
2. Gonzalez
3. Nolasco
4. Sanchez
5. Volstad
Closer: Bell
Gio is still making the league minimum and you’d have to move Sanchez if you sign Pujols.
Why not sign Pujols and make the trade?
SS Jose Reyes
3B Hanley Ramirez
1B Albert Pujols
RF Mike Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
C John Buck
2B Omar Infante/Emilio Bonifacio
CF Chris Coghlan
With
Josh Johnson
Gio Gonzalez
Ricky Nolasco
Anibal Sanchez
Chris Volstad
Looks a whole lot better to me.
They should sign either Buehrle or Wilson as well. Then that rotation becomes JJ, Buehrle, Gio, Nolasco, and Sanchez.
Volstad has had way too many chances to prove he gets hit too easily.
Cubs are driving up price. Pena will be back as a Cub next season
Agree with the first half of that. Second half… no way.
Why would the Cubs want to drive up the price for the Marlins? Don’t they want him out of their division pretty badly?
The Cubs still can’t get over Bartman.
The Cubs are in on Pujols, meaning they want him.. it doesn’t hurt to drive the price of free agents like him up though. If the Marlins sign him it hamstrings a National League team and can help with the wild card, if the Cards get him back, they are severely hamstrung with that type of contract.
The numbers and length being talked about is pure insanity.
Compare it to A-Rod’s, and it really isn’t the insane contract of the two
Comparing Insanity to Insanity.
I think Theo is bluffing. An interesting poker game seems to be getting started.
You’d make a terrific GM.
If I’m the Cardinals I offer Pujols an 8yr/$222.5MM deal. I break it down 7 years at $27.5MM and 1 year at $30MM. The 7 years equal the AAV of A-Rods deal and the 1 year at $30MM make Pujols one year the highest paid player in MLB history. Something of a distinction quite frankly he deserves and may very well give him all he needs to OK the deal.
I think Pujols knows that A-Rod’s contract isn’t a good comp. First, it was clearly overpaid, and second, A-Rod used to play a premium position.
Offer him 8/$208. 8 years would be the longest contract ever given to a 1st baseman, and $26 mil AAV is the largest annual value to a first baseman. He is then the highest paid first baseman in history, in both areas.
That said, I think that would be a clear overpay, and would harm the team’s ability to compete.
Third base is still a preminum position, or at least more valuable then a first baseman.
No question A-Rod was/is overpaid. But this is now 3 plus years later than A-Rod’s renegotiated contract. And we are talking 8 years versus the 10 years A-Rod got. That in itself negates most of the argument that A-Rod was overpaid as it relates to Pujols. Plus since we are obviously talking hypotheticals would you be willing if my proposal was acceptable to lose Pujols for about $14MM over 8 years the difference between our proposals.
Heck the Cardinals already saved most of that difference by LaRussa retiring.
All free agents are over paid, it just depends how badly a team wants the player.
except arod made more than $30 million in 2009, 2010 and 2011…so that doesnt even work…some ‘ultimateyankeefan’ you are
However signs this guy will regret it after year 3 or 4.
For 10 years the Cards should let him walk…that’s just insanity. And I like that he wouldn’t have no trade protection. Marlins would win it all next year and then unload EVERYONE like they did a couple of years ago…
Exactly right with the NTCs. They pulled it off with Reyes. They would almost certainly start unloading players following two or three years.
lol shows they wanna win just this year only. classic marlins right there. anyone whoh thinks they will win more then one WS is in need of some psychiatric help. whats going to be funny is how they will be stuck with his contract when he starts to faulter by 34. thats why he asked for such a big contract, he knows it and he knows teams are dumb enough to sign him to thata long and big of a contract. now if it were fielder id say bravo job well done lol. and their signing of reyes, everyone thinks hes one of the best SS in the league but the guy cant even stay healthy. hamstring issues the guy is only as good as his legs. his career wont last.
Even more evidence – Miami left out the no-trade clause. They want to win in the next few years, then trade Pujols to get out from under the contract.
If that is the plan then offering a 10 year deal is moronic. Who’s going to want a guy that has 8 years at $23M per year in 2014?
If they really wanted to dump him they would go for a shorter duration contract. Offer him 2/$60M or even 4/$110. Higher AAV but it would work out to be less than what they would need to eat if they tried to move him with 8 years left on a deal.
Then why not offer the NTC?
because the marlins are not thinking. they are thinking about who it is their signing and the big name he holds and not the issue of his age or how this past season although was pretty good was not his best numbers and could be ready to hit a decline in his career. steroids will do that to you, just ask us yankee fans about arod lol
The Marlins don’t deserve to win. They win 2 world series and have a fire sale each time and now they want to spend money like the Yankees. Pathetic. All of a sudden they have money, if that’s the case take Soriano, Zambrano, Soto and don’t bother returning anything they aren’t worth more then a Rookie A Ball player that’s for all 3 not for each.
pujols asked for such a big contract b/c he’s been arguably the best player in baseball since he came into the league and wants to be paid as such
If Cards offer 8yrs/200MM I’m pretty sure that gets the deal done.
Well they offered 9yrs/198MM and that didnt get it done.
if pujols goes to the cubs then i definitely think fielder may end up as an oriole
Or why not Fielder ending up as a Marlin then?
Well Its official..the Cubs really do have an offer out their..Carrie has said otherwise, which means it has to be true..
Albert will NOT sign without a NTC why the hell would he??
Would you want to be stuck with the Marlins when they trade away everything that isn’t nailed to the floor?
That being said, I agree – no way Pujols goes without no-trade protection. He may not require a full NTC, but he’ll certainly want to decide which three or four teams are allowed to trade for him, and get protection from the rest.
Silly question here, but when a player has 10-5 rights and hits free agency and signs with a new team, does he have to restart the clock? or does he get some sort of protection carried over?
He has to restart the 5, but not the 10 (obviously).
The Cardinals have no need to offer him No-Trade, but would anyhow, since it doesn’t matter.
If he signs with the Marlins, he has no protection for five years.
10 is the number of active years, 5 is the number of active years a player has to be with the same team.
You raise an interesting point though, as this would appear to be yet another unintended consequence of the free agency system that actually encourages clubs to let their star players walk and sign another team’s star players (to go along with the soon-to-be eliminated FA ratings and compensation system).
If the Cards resign Pujols, they have no flexibility in trading him. If the Marlins sign Pujols, they can choose the degree of flexibility they desire in the contract. Seeing as how clubs always want more flexibility as far as their roster is concerned, this would afford the Marlins the opportunity offer more guaranteed $ because they can be flexible in trading him in the future.
This might be something to revisit in a collective bargaining agreement. Maybe next time around, once a player opts for free agency the 5 of his 10/5 rights restarts, as he is no longer a part of the team from that point on. This might provide a little encouragement for players and teams to stick together a bit more.
I’m sure someone has thought of this little bit before, but it just now dawned on me. Thanks Mikey.
You could also look at it the other way and say that it provides an incentive to the player to stay with his original team.
If Albert lands in Miami, Gaby Sanchez to the Cubs for Garza, makes perfect sense…
Gaby Sanchez and which three top prospects?
Gaby and Dominguez makes sense.
ew no thanks
Garza is only under team control this year and next year with rising cost. Gaby and Dominguez are under team control for 5 years at an insanely low cost. So them and maybe a low prospect or two is all your getting…and you should be happy with that.
Not to mention they’re already either MLB established or MLB ready.
Sanchez with his sub 800 ops at age 28 playing 1B.
I don’t really get the hype.
A long term, cost controlled player who produces a climbing WAR, already at 3, should get hype.
You’d almost have to beat the package that Chicago sent to Tampa. If Albert signs in Miami, the Marlins lose a lot of leverage in any Gaby Sanchez trade because teams know they have to get rid of him. Most clubs already have a starting 1B as well.
Kick in Michael Dunn and I think the deal is set.
The Rays seriosly need a 1st baseman and they have a surplus of SPs. They’d be the perfect partner for this deal.
I agree. If it is one of the SP’s not named Shields. I would guess a younger more affordable SP for him as the Fish have already taken on so much $ if they sign all three Pujols, Bell, Reyes.
The Rays would be a good fit for Sanchez for Neiman.
True, but Sanchez is the type of player alot of teams are looking for, young and cheap player who can play. I think the Marlins will have no trouble trading him for a good pitcher.
I don’t necessarily see GArza as a good fit for Sanchez. W/ the Fish taking on so much salary in Pujols, Reyes, and Bell, I could see the Fish trading GAby for a SP that is younger and with a lower price tag attached to him. Garza has a relatively high price tag attached to him. Don’t see the Fish taking that on too.
Gaby, Dominguez, and Brad Hand, maybe, or another young, cost-controlled Marlins pitcher.
That would probably happen. Also, the Rays may trade one of the plethora of their starting pitching for him as well.
Cubs had no intention of signing Pujols and was only going to give him a offer just to drive up his price for the Cards. With what tge Marlins are doing, I don’t think even that is necessary any linger.
Given what this guy brings any team in merchandising, ticket sales, pr, and national recognition, I’m a little shocked that every team isn’t exploring how they can fit him into their club. Meanwhile, clubs salivate over mediocre yet “durable” fifth starters.
I think he’d be getting a lot more suitors if he would settle for a 6-7 year deal.
But I do agree with your point. Proven big bats like Fielder and Pujols almost never hit the market. On top of that, the usual big hands in New York, Boston, Chicago, and LA are not in the mix. If you think about it, this really might be a once-in-a-blue-moon chance for teams who want to make something happen.
merchandise is split evenly between all 30 teams…i dont understand why people dont get this concept…
Yes MLB Merchandise is split between all 30 teams..we all get it, but what about all the stuff that’s sold outside of the stadiums, the stuff that isn’t MLB but everyone still owns..
The Marlins are out of their bloody minds. How in the heck do you make a ten-year offer to a guy in his thirties? And not including a no-trade clause is what’s going to kill their chances. I’m still pretty confident he returns to St. Louie.
That may be the point. They can make a serious offer, the Cardinals come just short of it and keep him. Miami doesn’t have to pay him, but was serious in their attempt. They can explain to the fans that they didn’t want to handcuff themselves long-term with the NTC.
Clearly, they have already shown themselves as serious with the acquisitions of Bell and Reyes. I think Pujols is an icing on the cake kind of deal. If they can get him on a club friendly offer, they want him, but they aren’t going to go insane.
Of course, its Loria, so I could be wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time that an owner goes nuts and overpays (see Soriano).
you don’t call 10 years to a guy in his thirties insane?
Without NTC? We have no idea of the AAV. If it is a 10/$200 deal, then no, its not insane, especially without the No-Trade clause. They’ll be able to dump at least a portion of that salary later on.
If it is significantly more than that, then see the last sentence. Loria will have gone nuts and overpay, and the Marlins (rightfully) will go the way of the Cubs.
The marlins as a team never give no trade clauses. If they did most likely would of signed Buehrle already.
I love how things get taken out of context. Mozeliak said that they are not ASSUMING that they will get the last chance to match or beat any offer. Which is obviously the smart thing to do. It’s also funny how everyone is still assuming last years offer is still the offer from the Cardinals.
Here is a quote from Mozeliak when asked if the offer in February is still the offer.
“I think when things happened last February, we looked at this as a new assessment, a new opportunity,” Mozeliak said. “I’m not going to get into specifics on what we did or how we did it, but we certainly looked at this as a new time.”
Does that sound like the old offer is still standing? Doesn’t to me…..
I think that the assumption that the last offer was still in place is more fairly looked at as a floor for the Cards. They have stated that they reevaluated, and that they want to keep him. I don’t think they’ll offer LESS than previously offered.
Note, the article also states that they don’t expect the right of first refusal, but it reads more like they aren’t depending on it. I think they still would get a chance to match any offer, given Pujols’s stated desire to remain in St. Louis.
“a source with knowledge of Pujols’ thinking on the subject said that he does not feel obligated to give the Cardinals a last crack at signing him before he selects another team”…Strauss
Then he can walk. He’s always said that he would do anything possible to stay with the Cardinals. So I guess all that would be a lie
If he did sign without giving the Cards a last chance, it would be a gift for the Cards front office to avoid a PR nightmare.
And a nightmare for Pujols, if he cares about his image. I’d bet that bronze statue of himself that he built in St. Louis wouldn’t look too good if he left without saying goodbye.
I’ll be on my way to hang my Cardinal flag over his head (On the statue)if he pulls something like that. haha
Last years offer [St Louis] was a “lets see if he takes it” offer. Meaning exactly what the Malrins are doing.. low ball him so there is at least an offer then set up for a much better offer. Its like an auction, you dont start with your highest bid. I think the offer St Louis gave him last year was just that. If he takes it great but you have to assume that they have plans to offer him much more.. they knew as soon as that “deadline” was up they would have to open their wallets during FA.. no way the original offer stands, they will spice it up. I think St Louis is prepared to offer him 8 years at 200MM (25 per year) no trade with incentives. That will keep him in the Lou and not crush the team for years to come.. they can defer the last 3-4 years of his contract and/or frontload the first 4 years at 27 Million or so.
Side notes:
-I hear the new Miami ballpark is petco part 2 which means anyones power will drop
-Who is to say their owner wont cut payroll in the next few years.. Its been done before and although that ballpark will sell out for 1-3 years it could go back to having 3000 people per game, whereas St. Louis is very consistent with the fans, Pujols will know that St Louis will, every year try and build a team ready to compete.
-Im not doggin the city of Miami and if Pujols goes I wish his the best down there but I just see this as an “all in” type of deal with Miami.. as if the owner is trying to bank off the next few years and cut cost and start trading players out..
I’m looking at the context and concluding that he’s gone.
The Pirates should go after Gaby Sanchez or Logan Morrison. Either would be a food fit at first for the Bucs.
The Cardinals are not under the impression that they will get
an opportunity to match or beat an offer before Pujols’ accepts it, and a
source with knowledge of Pujols’ thinking on the subject said that he
does not feel obligated to give the Cardinals a last crack at signing
him before he selects another team.
per st.louis paper 🙂
Also the fish are working out something with the no trade clause now for the deal per twitter.
This is getting crazy
As a Braves fan I really hope that the Marlins do not sign Pujols. That would make the NL East a 4 team race.
A tweet from Ken Rosenthal a moment ago:
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Confirmed: #Marlins have made 10-year offer to Pujols. Source says two sides trying to work through no-trade issue. MORE #MLB
Looks like if both sides can find agreement in that no trade issue, then Pujols will take his talents to the South Beach.
Marlins are really doing their best to contend this year in a tough division. Who knows how it will affect them long term and even whether they’re considering that. We could see some moves in a few years where we see these big free agents traded to the likes of NY or Boston who will have some openings specifically at 1B and SS around that time.
Which is why the NTC is so important. Doesn’t help him to sign a deal with a team, and not know what team he’ll play for three years from now.
Of course, given that they don’t hand out NTC’s to anyone else either, he may well be stuck in Miami with no teammates.
Another tweet just in, this one from Morosi:
Source says #STLCards remain in contact with Pujols’ agent and are considering whether to make 10-year offer, as #Marlins have. @MLBONFOX
This is getting crazier by the minute. I like this 🙂
Keep in mind their is no taxes in Miami.. A chance for the Marlins to capitalize.
And if he maintains his home in St. Louis, where his special needs daughter goes to school, then he pays income tax in Missouri anyway.
He’s a family man, and cares deeply for his children. I think it’ll take quite a bit to get him to move his family, especially with the significant harm that can do.
Players pay the taxes for wherever the game is played.
He would still pay taxes for every game that is played out of the state of Florida. Not that big of a savings.
A tweet from Buster Olney:
Source: there is optimism that marlins and pujols’s agent will work through hurdle regarding no-trade clause. If so, all bets off.
The Fish are inching closer and closer to landing Pujols it seems.
Really appreciate you posting these 5 minutes after MLBTR aleady has.
You’re very welcome 🙂
u mad bro?
Lol I’m sure Lozano would love to push through the hurdle, but Pujols has the final say. I don’t think he’s going to accept a deal without no-trade protection. The whole reason he wants a long term deal is so that he can stay in one place and not have to move his family around.
How does a team go from a “no trade policy” to, “ok we will waive the no trade clause”?? I find it hard to believe they are willing to waive it that quickly on a 10 year contract for someone in his 30s..
Keep In Mind, If Pujols is driven by Money, Florida does not have a State Tax to pay and even if the Cardinals overbid for Pujols in price ahead of Miami, Miami could ultimately be the better deal on the table for him.
Assuming he moves his family from their home in St. Louis. If not, he continues to pay Missouri income tax anyway.
Hello
Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t players have to pay income tax in the state in which they generated the income. For instance, if he traveled to Illinois to play the Cubs, doesn’t he have to pay income tax on the money he earned while in Illinois?
I thought this was case, if not, I apologize.
In the business world, it doesn’t work that way, but baseball world may be different. I’ve seen that comment before.
I know that in the business world, I can work for a week elsewhere (I’ll be in Florida next week), but my paycheck is based in Illinois, so I pay Illinois income taxes on the money I earn. I live in Wisconsin, however, so I also pay Wisconsin income taxes, though I get to deduct what I paid to Illinois.
At a bare minimum, if Pujols kept his family in St. Louis, he’d pay no less than Missouri taxes.
Seriously, can someone update this title by now?
Well
The Cards are my second favorite team. I love Pujols, he’s my second favorite active player. I really really really hate to see him leave STL. But coming to MIA will be good for me. I will get to see him play a lot more. And I’ll have way more chances to see him play in person. It will suck to have him play against us. But it will be fun at the same time to see him play against us.
I really hate to say this. But I almost hope he goes to MIA.
How can a Braves fan like the Cards?
Why would I hate the Cards? It’s not their fault they played good baseball and won the WC while the Braves were sucking.
Pujols is signed to a 10 year contract without a NTC, Miami trades him to the Cardinals next season after the Fish win the World Series…
I have been a Marlins fan since 1996 and attend as many games a year as I can. So I am not a bandwagon fan that’s all of a sudden on board now that the marlins are spending money. Now, regarding Pujols, even I as a fan admit 10 years is dumb for a guy that’s 31 years old. I wouldn’t give a contract like that to a player in his twenties. Now is it exciting if the marlins get Pujols, yes! But from a business point of view, I think the front office is making a mistake. However, based on the marlins history and the way they have operated in the past, I honestly don’t think fans care to much what Pujols does in 6-10 years from now. You figure Pujols has at least 4-5 solid years left. I think most marlins fans will take that solid 4-5 years and whatever happens after that happens.
I think a 10 year deal on Pujols is perfect tbh.
He isn’t injured much, and every year he is a contender for a MVP. He’s basically Barry Bonds minus steroids. I think even when he is 41 he will still be having great seasons. And at the rate he is going, he could play until he was 45, if no major injuries happen.
All in all. I would be very very very happy for my team to lock him up for 10 years. Because the pros out weigh the cons by a lot in this situation.
Pros outweigh cons in the first few years, but not long term. Bonds without steroids wasn’t worth $20+ million a year.
Years ago, Pujols claimed his idol was Julio Franco, who played well into his 40s. Pujols may well play until he’s 45, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be worth it.
Players who don’t take steroids typically don’t get better as they age. I expect Pujols to start declining. We may not know how rapidly, but I can guarantee he’ll be overpaid in the second half of his contract. The question is how much.
I don’t expect him to decline until he’s about in his very late 30’s.
Pujols is one of those players that come once in a generation. I don’t think his play will decline until he is at least 40. People can disagree with that, but Pujols is a monster, and I think he will be for atleast 10 more years.
And The Marlins might pay him all this money. But #1, they are getting somebody as big as Lebron James coming into Miami, the Marlin fan base will explode like the Heats did, and the revenue will fly in #2 Their getting a massively good clubhouse guy that can come in and straighten everyone out. #3 Their getting someone who is the best MLB player alive and will continue to be in the MVP votes for awhile.
I really think this is a great move by them and they aren’t over paying at all.
“He’s basically Barry Bonds minus steroids”
That’s exactly the problem. Bonds played like a beast into his forties because he was on roids. Without such help, Pujols won’t be able to maintain his level of play like Bonds did.
You forgot how the DH will already be implemented in the NL by the time he’s in late 30’s.
I wish there were more details of the contract offer, but I assume they’ll come along eventually.
“In excess of $200 million” doesn’t say much. The Cardinals old offer was 9/$198. Quite frankly, 10/$205 isn’t an improvement, and we don’t really know what the Marlins offer is.
Also, is a portion of this money deferred? Old offer reportedly had a significant portion deferred. No telling what, if any, interest is tacked on to deferred money. 10 years of work for 210 million of pay doesn’t make much sense if its paid over the next 50 years, with no interest.
“Work through the no-trade clause hurdle” – what, you can’t trade him to Baltimore, but everyone else is fair game? Or are the Marlins going to increase their offer to the point where Pujols doesn’t care? Or add an opt-out clause or three?
Details…
Seems like alot of people are reacting as though Pujols to Miami is a done deal. The Cardinals already expressed a willingness to go $22 mil per year for 9 (now 8) years. They may be willing to extend to 10 years at the same AAV, which may well be higher than the Marlins offer on the table. We just don’t know.
Probably will take 10/240…will the Marlins go that high?
I’m not gonna laugh or anything cruel like that when the Marlins continue to get no fans and continue to have no money and then they are SOL when it comes time to trade Pujols away because they can’t. I know this just sounds hateful and bitter but come on, it’s just not a smart move for the Marlins organization.
Kinda what I keep say. If you look at the Marlins attendance they tend to have one of the lowest attendance in the league consistently. Even in years when they won the Series and in the years after. I have no problem with them buying up players but I think if they really believe in the “if you build it they will come” scenario in Miami then they’re going to be in for a surprise. Even with Pujols and Reyes I doubt there will be a huge increase in home attendance.
kevin millar stated yesterday that most of their fanbase is in Ft. Lauderdale, which they are moving further away from. The organization is a gigantic joke headed by people that have the same maturity with money that a 13 year does
That first sentence makes this entire situation no longer strange but rather tragic.
How ironic if the NTC kills the deal. A NTC for that contract would be extremely redundant, because the fact is, within a few years, that will probably be one of the most untreadeable contracts in baseball history…….lol NTC….hilarious.
If Soriano is tradeable, anyone is. Look at the deal AA got for Vernon Wells.
Trades can always happen.
Its called “eating a contract”. Like jred said anyone is tradeable. It all weighs on how much of the deal a GM wants to eat.
This Expos fan thinks Loria should rot in hell.
I thought Pujols would rather be known as a great player, not a typical money hungry person. I agree you deserve a lot of money but you’re mad that St. Louis, who gave you 2 World Series rings and always been there for you, is only offering you 9y close to 200m!? You’re a chump A.P. You already make bank in endorsements. Go down as a great player who loved the game. Baseball contracts are becoming way too ridiculous.
Eh. I’d love him to stay in St. Louis but I doubt his reputation will take a hit. It’s not like he’s going off to play for the yanks or Red Sox.
Which is exactly why his reputation will take a hit. If he was going to the Yanks or BoSox he could actually say that it was about winning and thinks they are set up to win more championships throughout his contract than St Louis and could still add more pieces thru the years due to financial reasons unlike the Cards but the Marlins, the freakin Marlins??? Give me a break, going down as one of the greatest and winning multiple championships obviously doesn’t mean much to him. I could understand if the Marlins were offering 40mil more but they’re not. The Cards should have just gave him 8/200 last yr so they only have themselves to blame but I will lose a ton of respect for Pujols if he goes to the freakin Miami Marlins and I live in Miami
Why? This should be the dream for those who scream about parity for baseball. A big market star might be leaving not for a larger market but for a smaller market.
On top of it all, his reputation wouldn’t take a hit if he was known as the player that took the Miami Marlins from last place to first place world series winners.
He would not have accepted an 8/200 offer last year.
For anyone to sign Pujols to a huge contract is a big mistake, unless your the Cardinals! He has greater value there(he still isn’t worth 10 years though)
Sayonara, Albert! Or is hasta la vista more fitting?
Cubs fans everywhere will rejoice if Pujols signs with anyone not named the Cardinals.
Funny thing is, it will be the same fans that were claiming the Cardinals were screwed if they signed Pujols to a big contract. They’ll find a reason to mouth no matter what.
I’m a Cubs fan, but that’s dumb. Albert Pujols makes your team better in every way possible.
Up to a certain point, that’s true.
Cubs are better off with Soriano in left than Colvin, but the difference in salaries more than negates the advantage. Pujols at $25 million a year for 10 years hurts more than helps, at least after the first few years.
Obviously for at lest the next 3-4 years that is true. But, long-term it’s debatable. The Cardinals already have some good young talent on the team and a rising farm system. If Pujols walks the Cardinals would have 6 picks in the first 2 rounds. I don’t think it would take too long to get the Cardinals back on top.
I could see it extending to 5 years of high level, Pujols esque ball and 2-3 years of All-Star baseball. The rest would probably be where you take the hit money wise.
You’re sying 5 years at Pujols espue ball and 2-3 years of All Star baseball? Whatever team signs him would be thrilled with that.
That being said, I’m an optimist.
Cardinal fans are the same way. I see half of them saying the Cardinals are a lock to sign him. But if they don’t, I guarantee you that those same people will change their tune and make fun of the team that does for a “crippling contract”.
Doubt it, most Cardinal fans are sheep. They will blame the front office to no end for not getting Albert back regaurdless of what he signs with a new team for.
Depends on how it would happen. If the Cardinals aren’t given the opportunity to at least match the offer, then Pujols will make Dekinger look like a teddy bear to St. Louis.
I agree to a point. I bet you’d still hear a lot of “This should of been done last off-season”
I though they were something like 100M apart last year.
I, for one, have always felt that the Cardinals would sign him to a “crippling contract”.
He’s going to get overpaid in Miami, or overpaid in St. Louis. No way he lives up to whatever deal he signs.
That being said, it makes more sense for the Cardinals to pay him anyway (up to a point), to avoid the PR issues. Simply a question of how much you’re willing to harm your ballclub long term to save face.
A 10 year deal? Jeez the Marlins are desperate
Didn’t Gaby Sanchez put up comparable numbers to Pujols in the first half last season?
Caedinals need to offer 7 years at 26 million and tell him take it or leave it. If Albert isnt iok with that deal its time to move on.
wow where are the marlins getting all of this cash hahaha, has loria saved up all these years just for this offseason?
Pujols is going to be an M&M.
If Pujols goes to Miami get ready for this:
” Cardinals interested in Carlos Beltran”
ehhh…..I hope not. I don’t get the obsession over him this year. Sure, he can be a good player. I just don’t feel he will be worth anything close to what is being speculated.
Ya i wouldnt be too happy with that headline but with the noise STL will make if the Cards let Pujols walk I wouldnt be suprise to see them try and “ice the wound”
So if Pujols signs with the Fish, does that mean the Mets will get a fourth round pick for Reyes? If so, pity them.
I believe the Cardinals would get their 2nd, the Padres would pick one spot ahead of their 3rd, and yes the Mets would get their 4th. Of course, if they sign a SP too, this could all change again.
Remember all those Card fans on here saying “We’ll be OK with out him” and “I hope they let him walk if it takes $250MM”. Looks like we may see how well that works out for them.
There was baseball before Albert and there will be baseball after Albert. Not changing my plans for next season if he walks.
3.3 Million fans regardless…
We’ll see. The Cardinals have not yet countered, and I haven’t seen anything indicating they won’t be given the opportunity to do so. Quite frankly, Pujols would be crazy to sign without seeing what the Cards are willing to offer this year.
Also, we don’t exactly know what Miami’s offer is. More than $200M. Ok. $205, $225, $250 or $295? We don’t know. If it is only around $205 or $210, Cards may well match or beat it.
If its at $295 Ill help Pujols pack.
Im tellin you if St Louis drops an 8 year 200MM with incentives and or options for a 9-10 year it will get it done
Depending on the Marlins offer, I agree. I doubt he passes up 10/250, but he’d certainly give up 10-20 million guarantee, if he gets the money faster.
I think people are overreacting here, for the most part. We don’t know the details of the Marlins offer, and no word of what the Cardinals are planning has leaked yet.
For all we know (given last offseason’s negotiations), he could well have accepted an offer from the Cards by now, and neither side said a word. Last offseason was played close to the vest. The Berkman signing came out of left field (or right, as the case may be), and Carpenter’s extension was an even bigger surprise. The Cards are pretty good at not leaking info. We’ll have to wait and see.
I agree but for the fans sake if STL is going to lose Pujols at least slowly start to leak info.. because if he walks and the next post is “Marlins and Pujols agree on a 10 year contract” all he11 will break loose. Everyone will want to know every detail like an awkward “cheating” conversation between a man and a women.
If the Marlins do in fact sign Pujols they have to trade Gabby. Gabby for Billingsley, who hangs up first?
Not Gabby, he never shuts up.
The fact that this made me laugh is a good indication that I need a vacation.
The Dodgers may not need Gabby because they have loney at 1st…But im sure lots of teams will be lined up to take Gabby off of the fish hands if they do get Pujols
Like the Cardinals
Who hangs up first? First of all none of the teams would hang up they would just have to work around a deal by adding more pieces to it. Secondly, would you rather have an average first basemen or an above-average #3 starter with a fairly high-ceiling? The Marlins would do that deal in an instance can’t say the same for the Dodgers.
You heard it here first people. PUJOLS AGREES TO 10 YEAR DEAL WITH THE FISH. ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SHORTLY!
lay off the Miller.. its only 1:45 in the afternoon
its 5 o’clock somewhere…
Ya in Japan.. who wants to party over there haha
truest comment on this website ^
I’m a Cardinal fan that couldn’t be more pleased on how the STL FO has handled this. They made a fair offer up front and sat back to see how the market developed. If Albert leaves for an insane 10 yr deal in Miami, then I won’t blame the FO I’ll blame Albert. Albert has always said he’s wanted to stay in St. Louis and that it wasn’t about money but about winning. St. Louis is making a more than fair offer as World Series Champions. At the end of the day this is a business. If Albert is in awe of a new ballpark, new uniforms, a new closer with dropping velocity, a new SS with a recent history of injuries, and a market without a history of supporting the team then go for it. Baseball will survive in St. Louis without Albert Pujols if that is what happens.
who knows if it will survive in miami even with Pujols past the first season
Why can’t he win in Miami and take the money?
He can, but too bad no one will show up to see him win…
heath bell’s velocity is fine, it was up .3mph last year over his career average and exactly in line with 2010. or are you just doing a bad job of covering up your butthurt?
Just heard that Allen Craig had his knee surgery and is expected to miss up to six months. I wonder if this will have some sort of impact on the Cards’ decision making.
Related to Albert Pujols it won’t.
I’ve never heard anything about Craig having surgery….What?Why?When?
it happened two weeks ago so they have obviously been keeping that in mind.
No wonder they quickly shot down all the questions about Craig as a possibility in Center and at second base
Really? Damn that’s a pretty big blow. I wonder if this would put the Cardinals in the market for an outfielder if Albert walks.
Four to six months puts him back in June or so, and the Cardinals may use Adron Chambers or Nick Stavinhoa until then. THat, or keep Skippy for a while.
Stavinoha signed with Houston…
Then insert name of right handed outfield prospect here. Cardinals seem to have hundreds of them.
not in that category
Beltran… wah wah wahhhhhhh
Tell us Steve: Did they all look happy or distraught?
I read elsewhere that Loria “snapped his fingers”. No word on the type of snap.
Like one snap, or snapping fingers as he walked like the leader of a viscious New York street gang?? Inquiring minds have gotta know!
Who knows.
Just drove by Alberts house.. “for sale” sign in the yard.. I stole it though! It will be on Ebay shortly.
place a 5$ bid for me
Starting bid at 5 dollars do I hear 10?
like the marlins i see there are many other offers coming..put me down for 20g’s
10 dollars to 20,000.. you must be the GM of the Nationals
he is going to get paid even when he is dead if that contract goes through
pujols is easily the best hitter in baseball right now..but 10 years? sheesh ill be 30 then! thats crazy to think
We’re all hanging on every word… Anybody really expect a public comment from the Marlins?
Let’s get real folks – if Pujols was telling the truth, and wants to stay in St. Louis, he’ll listen to the Cardinals offer before signing with the Marlins. The Cardinals haven’t made an offer yet, so they’ll have until at least the end of the day to do so. Pujols would likely bring them the Marlins offer, and see if they can come close.
If Pujols wasn’t telling the truth, and is all about the money, then he’ll STILL listen to the Cardinals offer before signing. Only difference is that the Cards would have to match or beat.
Until the Cardinals make a counter-offer, there isn’t likely going to be a conclusion, unless the Marlins made an offer the Cardinals couldn’t possibly match.
Hello?!?! The Marlins are INSANE this offseason! I hope if they do get pujols its a 295 MM contract.. pull a Nationals
They may already have. Heyman is hearing that they may have boosted the offer to 13 years.
Not sure of the accuracy of that tweet, though.
Edit: THis appears to be from his old twitter account with SI. Not sure if it is accurate, as someone says he moved accounts (I don’t follow closely enough)
Bahaha….what? This is insane.
Ok, looks like its someone squatting his account.
HAHAH oh that would make my day if the fish give him 13 years! Sign him till he is 65! HAHAHA
Marlins just went for the knockout punch with that no-trade clause!
If the AAV is good enough, yes. We still don’t know contract details, and the Cardinals are likely going to be given a chance to at least match it.
I’m sure the Marlins want this resolved immediately, and may even give Pujols a deadline to accept. They need him to make a snap decision, because if it draws out, he’s going back to St. Louis.
Agree completely. All I can say is if the Marlins get him, it’s a good time to be a Mets fan in the NL East. LOL
Looks like he didnt land the punch.. they wont give him a No Trade Clause
Rosenthal says the Fish are fading on their offer to Wilson. Maybe because they will sign Pujols?
IF they sign Pujols… Look for the Marlins to trade either Gabby Sanchez to Oakland for Gio Gonzalez.
Agree. I’m sure the Marlins have already spoken to other teams about Gaby and probably have something already lined up if Pujols accepts.
Can anyone take a guess what the Marlins payroll is at? I’m too lazy to add numbers.
85MM i think
$58 million
It was $58 million before the Reyes signing. Now they are at about $75 million after the Reyes signing.
Well it’s crazy to think that if Pujols does sign then payroll will essentially be tied up into two players. Assuming that people do come I have hard time to believing how the Miami Marlins can sustain a revenue stream to go beyond what they spend this season. Miami has always been this…
1. Football
2. Basketball
3. Beach
4. Partying
5. Women
6. Retirement Homes
7. Baseball
If Heyman’s tweet is accurate and the Marlins offered 13 years, it’s probably time to move on.
See below. I was following his old account, and hadn’t updated yet.
That can’t be right… I’d sooner believe the Fish made a 10y/$300mil offer. 13 years for a player who’s at least 31 years old… Thats beyond insane.
Doesnt it seem like if the Marlins or Cardinals dont get Pujols they can just go for Fielder? Because if they can both afford Pujols than they can afford Fielder.
Now we’re hearing no no-trade clause will be signed. Does that mean “we’ll sign Pujols without a no-trade clause” or “we weren’t offering him enough to sign him, but we offered a no-trade clause”?
I’m done waiting for updates, its all turned into hear say and he said she said BS.
If Albert gets 10 years 225+, good for him. If he comes back to cards I’ll be ok with that too. This drama is getting to be too much though
Who gives a shi!
Welcome to baseball offseason and the hot stove. Here is your complimentary bucket and smoke screen. The bucket can be used to store all the shi! you find and the smoke screen…well…you can guess what that’s for.
Interesting stuff from Heyman’s “real” ? Twitter account:
Jon_Heyman:
Pujols
acquaintance guesses — just a guess — marlins need to be $40M over to beat #stlcards. That’s $240M. [via
Twitter]
Jon_Heyman: Pujols has
home, restaurants, charity in st. louis. Hard to see him leaving for extra $20M.
1 agent guesses $250M gives miami hope. [via Twitter]
Of course, given that I was following his old one accidentally before, it may need to be independantly verified that I’m following the right one now.
They said may at the very latest. Stavi is gone and Chambers will not get significant time IMO.
They don’t need to get into a bidding war for Beltran or Rollins or this offseason will go down as one of the worst in Cards history
They said may at the very latest. Stavi is gone and Chambers will not get significant time IMO.
They don’t need to get into a bidding war for Beltran or Rollins or this offseason will go down as one of the worst in Cards history
Whats wrong with 10 years? If you wanna win now who cares about 2020? Offer 20 years 300 million, with inflation thats not more money and he would have to stay with the organisation in some capacity to collect his paycheck.
The Yankees would love to be out from under A-Rod’s contract. They could get similar production from Ramirez, at half the price, freeing up money to spend elsewhere (ok- Yankees have the money, but still).
Sure, you can win this year, or maybe two in the next four or five, but you’ll hamper your ability to sign free agents in future years. The key to winning World Series championships is to be competitive every year. The best team doesn’t always win in any given year. You are much more likely to win if you are in the top five or six for each of the next ten years, than to be the top team in each of the next three before falling off dramatically.
Also, as much as inflation matters, it doesn’t always seem to apply to payrolls.
Clark Spencer Scoop ……DENIED!
It must be tough being a beat reporter. You always want to be the one to “break the story”, but end up spreading a wildfire of rumors every time you get it wrong.
I would like to see some type of a tracking system, listing all of these reporters. That way we can see who are the ones who are spreading the BS and those who are getting it right.
So we’ve learned that Clark Spencer doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
As a Cardinals fan I love Pujols but he is not worth crippling your organization for…if the Marlins want to do that then so be it. All I have to say is that if Pujols goes to Miami, even without a no trade clause, the Marlins wont be able to get out of that contract a few years down the road because nobody will want to pay the rest of the contract for an aging Pujols. The Marlins are banking on attendance which is a risky move because what if they never make the Playoffs, will fans still go to games? I am having a hard time understanding the whole process of the Marlins, you have a good 1st baseman in Gabby, so what is the need for Pujols. If I was them I would use Pujols money on pitching, because after all, pitching wins Championships, not hitting, we saw that with the Yankees and Red Sox this year.
I’m down here in Miami. And I’m listening to a LOT of sports talk radio. Based on what is being said, the Marlins are not ONLY banking on attendance. The thought process here is making selling the “Albert Pujols” brand to Latin American businesses.
What they are saying is that the Marlins have large International Businesses lining up to purchase advertising around the Marlins/Pujols identity. It is much larger than just attendance. It is a branding idea.
The Marlins are still looking to sell advertising space in the Ballpark. In addition, the Marlins do extremely well with their television ratings. So selling those advertisements, in theory, would help recoup the costs and justify such a contract.
Again that is what I’m hearing.
Pujols is NOT latin.. he is from Mars
Tell that to the Phillies.
And the Cardinals and Rangers, for that matter, neither of whom made the WS on the backs of their pitchers.
See Phillies and World Series 2011.
THIS JUST IN**
No NTC No Albert Pujols! If there is one thing that Albert has said that we can actually believe its that Pujols refuses to be moved around. If the fish have a problem with a NTC then its pretty obvious they plan to trade him at first signs of decline. Ok, Cardinals offer a bit more than your original and highlite the No Trade Clauses and lets get this thing done!
As a Marlins fan, I have to agree w/ you. I don’t see the Marlins prying Pujols away from St. Louis.
It’s been in for a while.
But I think the whole no trade clause is very telling of the Marlins intent. Win now and then sell off the team, it’s not like they haven’t done it before.
Agree. As much as I LOVE the effort on the Marlin’s part, Pujols has to keep in mind who he is dealing with. The Marlins will trade his Azz in a heartbeat. That is why I believe he’ll stay in St. Louis.
He can trust that St. Louis will honor what he means to that city. To the Marlins, he’s just a piece of property.
Again, I would love for him to come down here, but I think it’s best he stay there and we focus our attentions on bolstering our rotation. 10 years is just too much.
I hope he understands that he is a 5 year brand down there and if all fails for the fish he will; either be shipped out or they will trade everyone else on the team and they will have to change their name again to the Miami Pujols
what?
I’m guessing your were responding to Jred.
Yeah sorry I had to change it
I disagree a little. I don’t think the intent is to win now and then trade everyone. I think the intent is to build Miami into a baseball market and if that doesn’t work, everyone will be traded. Obviously, winning is a huge part of making Miami into a baseball market but I don’t think the plan is to win and sell everyone off. If they win, I think they’ll try to keep upgrading as opposed to before.
I think Pujols could sign without the NTC, if the offer were right. Have a $100 million vesting option, or something ridiculous of that nature, and he signs anyway. Basically, make it nearly impossible for him to be traded, without calling it a NTC.
Of course, I’d like to see a limitted NTC – Pujols can only be traded to the Cardinals, with an opt-out clause if the Marlins refuse a trade demand.
Ya and good luck trying to trade Albert to St. Louis.. He wont be welcome if he walks now.. not even for 5million per year
I think you’re right. I’m wondering if the Marlins weren’t being used all along(as long as the Cards throw a decent offer).
Now Lozano takes the Marlins offer to the Cardinals. Dewitt raises the Cardinals offer, but not as high as the Marlins offer. Albert accepts.
The fans are grateful for Dewitt for forking up the money and upping the offer, Albert is the hero for taking less money to stay. Everyone wins.
It’s amazing how quiet the Pujols story has suddenly become.
Lots of action, now lots of waiting.
You know who would offer Pujols a NTC? The Cardinals without a second guess. I would find it hard to believe that Albert has forgotten all the admiration given to Stan Musial over the last few years. If Albert resigns he doesn’t become a franshise player, he will become an institution inside the city of St. Louis for long after he is gone (as in dead). If Albert walks now you can forget about that. He’d be welcomed back by the team for celebrations, but without anything close to the fanfare paid to Musial. Not only is Albert’s career legacy hanging on this decision, but so is his Cardinal legacy. The fans in St. Louis will always appreciate what he has done so far, but if he leaves now they will not forget being spurrned at a pivitol moment.
Of course the Cards offer him a NTC. He’s got 10/5 vesting rights, so the NTC has no impact.
True on the 10/5 rights, but the Cardinals would never consider trading him anyway. The Cardinals are essentially offering a guartanteed lifetime contract.
Offer him an Ozzie Smith type deal – perpetual mutual option, with vesting rights based on plate appearances.
My rebuttal to that would be: why be coupled with Musial for the rest of his days when he can be the Musial to the Marlins? Just an interesting idea.
Because he won’t be. He will be lucky to achieve half of what he did in St. Louis over the next 10 years.
Who said he had to achieve identical things in Miami in order to become the Stan the Man of the Marlins? All he has to do is be Albert and he has a chance.
“I’m not a machine, I’m just Albert”
“Why didn’t you eliminate them, Albert?”
Lol. Nicely done!!
You don’t become a Musial over the course of 1 10yr contract. Even if Albert leaves STL now, the Marlins will NEVER be able to claim Albert as their own. His HOF plaque will have a STL cap.
I’m just playing devil’s advocate here. Never said any of this will happen, just playing the other side.
Brilliant statement! You have said everything i have been saying for a long time. He leaves there wont be a Pujols Statue forever outside of Busch if he stays he will always be the king of Stl Baseball. I hope he doesnt disappoint the Cardinals Nation who gave him the life he enjoys today
I really want the Marlins to get Albert, whether it works out or not. I love the excitement that they Marlins execs are creating right now. I’m like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning right now. The waiting and suspense is KILLING me!!
On a Marlins note, I just read that Hanley is VERY unhappy about moving to 3B. If this is true, how do you feel about it?
It makes me sad because Hanley was one of the main reasons I became a full-fledged Marlins fan. He has been my favorite player for his entire duration of his Marlins career. However, I don’t understand why he isn’t up for the move to 3B. I understand that he feels like it’s his territory but it’s not like he’s an all-world defender at SS. The move to 3rd could be a good decision for his career and for the Marlins as an organization. I really hope he decides to make the move and stay with the team because he was the reason I became the die-hard Marlins fan I am today and not a Phillies fan like everyone else in my family (I lived near Philly my whole life)(I hated being a Phillies fan haha).
I don’t understand it. If I were Hanley and the team is building around me to Win it, I imagine I would be excited. Imagine, bringing in Bell, Reyes, and possibly Pujols. It would seem to be an honor to be surrounded by such names.
I really hope that there is little truth to these rumors. B/c that is what they are right now.
Yeah, I agree. I like how Ozzie keeps saying that the team is going to be built around him. I think that’s a good start to putting Hanley’s mind in the right place. I think Hanley should call Michael Young and hear what he has to say about being moved around but having that allow his FO to make moves and get the team to the WS back-to-back years. Stay Hanley, stay!!
So you’re a Marlins fan just because Hanley is there?
No. He was just the reason I became a Marlins fan. It’s a long story but for short, he became my favorite player and I started to root for the Fish. I like players on previous teams too like Juan Pierre and the D-Train. Now, I’m a die-hard Fish fan.
I am a braves fan. but i have some gut feeling that albert will sign with the marlins. that being said. Cardinal Nation…why would you ever be mad at albert. We’ll let me rephrase that because i would understand why. but this isnt lebron james people. albert has won TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS. and its not like he is leaving you guys in the dust. You guys still have the players and have even said that you have a competing line-up already in place if he walks. My advice. if he leaves. just be happy for the memories and be thankful for a decade of albert because all 30 teams would love to have that player on their team for a decade. 2 championships, 3 pennants,7 postseasons,5 central crowns,9 time all star, 3 time nl mvp. and so much more. im not saying i wouldnt be upset but dont pull a cleveland(to a ceratin degree)
Great question. Anybody gonna take a stab at this one?
I don’t think it’ll be the same because Albert isn’t from St. Louis, like Lebron was from Cleveland. If I were a Cards fan and Albert were to sign elsewhere, I wouldn’t be angry, I’d be upset but would eventually get over it. Not like the Cleveland fans with Lebron who felt he was traitor, which was insane lol.
People will be upset because we’ve been hearing for the last few years from the mouth of Albert that he never wanted to leave St. Louis, and that it has never been about the money only about winning. If he leaves now it would seem to be about the money considering he’d be leaving the defending champs. If someone says one thing and does another it usually doesn’t go over well.
Lebron is from Cleveland, but he didn’t build a statue of himself there. And Pujols went to High School in Missouri, so its not like he’s from somewhere else entirely.
Let’s take a poll: Where will Albert sign? A: St. Louis B: Miami
He gon’ Miami, mang.
You’re gonna have to wait for “The Decision: Part II” On ESPN. “I’m taking my talents to South Beach.”
So all we would get is a second rounder and a supp pick? Not cool
No chance Pujols goes to Florida, he actually wants to win.. Reyes won’t get them their. Ramirez is lazy, Mike Staton is gonna be great but he will probably leave once he hits the FA market in 3-4 yrs. Pujols is actually a respectable guy, he would never pull a LameBrain James. Not to mention James is not and never has been the best in the NBA Pujols is the best in baseball should have at least 8 MVPs including this year and last year. He was screwed over by Bonds 3 times and Votto who again wasn’t in the top 3 in all major stats Carlos Gonzalez had better number but Votto made the playoffs and Pujols did not.
You’re probably going to keep saying that even after Marlins get him xD
I just don’t see Pujols ruining his career to go to the Marlins, like I said he wants to win Aside from the playoff the Marlins have never sold out a single home game. They averaged 200-500 fans a game 60% of those people went because it was something to do and tix were cheap.
Not true. Marlins sold out during the Playoffs. And it was a 67,000 seat stadium. I was there.
I agree I don’t see Pujols going to the Marlins, but you need to stop throwing lies. Besides, they played in a Football field. Yea, a football field. How many major league teams can consistently sell out a game w/ 67,000 seats?
I just said aside from the playoffs the Marlins never sold out. Being in a football stadium should make no difference. Twins formally in the Metrodome sold out all the time. The Futute San Jose A’s who are a horrible team sold more seat then the marlins
NO CHANCE PUJOLS GOES TO MIAMI
Almost everything about this is wrong and incorrect.
How is any of that wrong. You know damn well Pujols and CarGo led in the 5 major catogories in 2010 yet they somehow didn’t win the MVP but Vitters, who was third in most of those won the MVP the only reason because the Reds made the playoffs.
Wow. Reading this almost makes me feel sad for you. Reyes and Ramirez batting in front of Pujols with Stanton batting behind him? And this won’t get him Wins? Your really are delusional.
Injury Prone Reyes and Lazy Ramirez, Sure they will get wins but aside from getting Papolbon Philly will be the favorite.
I respect your opinion. But keep in mind, it is only an opinion. The games still have to be played. And the Marlins still need to land Pujols.
Pujols is not in his prime anymore I would take Fielder over him, he’s only 28 a 5 yr contract leaves him at only 33 which could land him another 5 yr contract. I just don’t think Pujols or anyone is worth the kind of money teams are paying them. It should be the Andre Dawson way. Blank contract. $$ amount is determained by each players numbers. All people care about these days is money.
What idiots make the winter meetings during my finals week?
Agreed. Twitter mobile is by far my best friend this week, except I can’t use my phone DURING an exam. WHAT KIND OF WORLD IS THIS?!?! Also, I’m a diehard STL fan, so when I walk out of my last final tomorrow Pujols better still be a FA
Ha Ozzie says on ESPN that he plans to hit Albert cleanup if he signs with Miami… ha thats funny
He’s probably banking on Hanley returning to form…Ozzie is licking his chops if he can get three of the fastest players in the game hitting before Pujols and then protecting him with Stanton.
Yea studying isnt going so good for me…
I remember seeing so many comments on this site about how if pujols hit free agency he would easily get 10/300. Now he is only getting offers for 10/200-220.
If the Marlins were smart they would worry more about starting pitching to go with Reyes and Bell instead of trying to get Pujols…
Ya 22MM a year for 10 years is unreal for the Malins at this point.. Especially with the option of Gabby at 1st
I’m also saying this as a bitter Cards fan who doesn’t want to see AP leave lol
The Cardinals have upped their offer and now Albert can accept. He got more and he still takes a little less to stay in the Lou. Now he’ll be a hero forever.
Unless the offer is 200 for 9 years as opposed to the 198/9 year offer.
The craziest thing about all this is that the maths mills trade has more comments than this!
Red Alert?! OH SNAP!
Pretty sure Berts gonna sleep on this one tonight.. thats a pretty big decision..
Side note: RED Alert eh? Good to hear that… lately its been “going to make a big Splash”… I like the RED Alert though
That’s what I was thinking. No reason to make a decision tonight when he still has 2 days.
RED ALERT! THIS IS NOT A DRILL PEOPLE!
Okay, its almost official. Pujols is a Marlin within the next 24 hours.
Brand new Marlins fan. I predict seeing a lot more of you guys soon!
I’ve lived in Miami my entire life and my dad took me to the first Marlins game ever in 1993 when a guy by the name of Dave Magadan was playing first base. Nice try though Mr. Red Sock.
You can look up anything on the internet. Tell us something only a true Marlins fan would know. 🙂
He was the only one there…..
he’s got all the balls from the end of all 9 innings to prove it!
There is an enormous tractor tire in the Marlins dugout…
…Rich and Tommy look out for “sweater vest weather”.
Ok, but we’ll have to look out for “D-bag with a sunset avatar” weather too.
I must be really tired b/c that made zero sense me…i think it was an attempt to be an insult.
says the guy with the sweatervest
Believe it or not, although the Marlins have few hardcore fans, they do have fans. So stop being so dramatic and say they have none. It’s a ridiculous statement.
Can’t remember which game it was but in the 03 World Series my favorite moment was sitting third base side watching the flash wave that would randomly sweep across the seats because everyone thought it would be Roger Clemens’ last start. Almost 70,000 at the stadium that night I think.
I’m just messing with you. I myself am going to be enjoy watching the Marlins this year. They have 3 of the most exciting players in baseball in Hanley, Stanton and Reyes. Going to be fun to watch.
Seriously next CBA we need contract length maximums according to age. I feel real bad for the position the Cards fans and front office is in. its different with younger guys where there is risk on both sides and prime years left. With Albert and A-Rod Its sign him knowing he is likely to hurt the teams for years down the road, or don’t sign him and disappoint all the fans. I mean 10 years (Potentially) to keep a guy who is gonna be good for like four to six more of them. If they had maximums the Card would have met them with premium dollar amounts by now.
oh please. Its a free market, maybe if the cards didnt overpay for holliday…
I doubt Holliday’s deal has much bearing on what they offer Pujols.
It has a lot to do, actually.
Absolutely ridiculous. They could sign 4-5 good players for that kind of money.
Being a Braves fan I don’t want to face Pujols, 14 or so times a season. The Braves will be sitting third I think anyway.
Wow, the Marlins CONTINUE to shock me.
Just thinking… If Pujols leaves STL, the Cards will need to fill that void with a guy who can somewhat fill those shoes. What if the Cards offer Shelby Miller and Oscar Tavares to the Mets for Wright and move Frese to first? This way STL gets a clubhouse guy and a popular guy, while the Mets get young talent. Pujols is older than Wright, and one cannot call David fragile when both of his injuries were flukes. Thoughts?
Wright is a fine player, but I don’t think he is worth anywhere near that package. Freese value lies with him being a 3B. Berkman will play first. It’s much more likely the Cardinals look for OF help than a 3B.
Freese to 1B = no way.
Craig = RF
Berkman = 1B
Need a good 4th OF to start the season while Craig’s knee heals.
Trade Miller for positions the Cards already have covered (and a possible rental in Wright) = no way.
BTW, Freese is actually pretty fragile. His 2010 injury was an ankle injury. Both of his ankles are surgically repaired. 2011 injury was freak, I will give you that. But I don’t see him as a 150 game/year 3B. Molina will play more games at catcher than Freese at third.
Yeah, Freese is fragile, i said David wasn’t. Maybe movin Freese to first could allow him to play 150 games as it isn’t such a demanding positon. Trade for Wright and extend him. He wants to play for a winner and the Cards have cash if they let Pujols go. But, alas, these talks are useless as Pujols is gonnna resign most likely.
sorry, realized I said ‘David’ had fluke injuries. Meant Wright, not Freese.
Im pretty sure the Cardinals new offered is legit… Even the original 198 for 9 years is almost enough to keep him in STL over starting fresh and going to Miami. I would bet the Cardinals offered either 9 years at 210 or 10 years at 200MM.. somewhere in that ballpark. I hope he would take 1-2MM per year less to stay in STL.
The El Cheapo Cardinals strike again
They love to win championships but when it comes time to pay the best player in baseball, they balk and act like they’re the San Diego Padres.
Exactly what was cheap by the cardinals. They offered him 9 years 198 million last winter which is exactly what the Marlins are offering this year plus an extra year. Pujols cares about AAV. The marlins contract doesn’t even make him the highest paid 1b so if it’s AAV and not years (as was rumored last year to have been the case) expect the Cards to offer a high AAV (28 million) at less years.
“They love to win championships”
Don’t you just hate teams like that?
How great will that championship dvd be when you realize on opening day that the Cardinals balked at resigning the best player in baseball while raising prices yet again?
The fact that St. Louis let it get this far is laughable.
Perhaps Jack Clark took Albert aside and said don’t expect any loyalty from the Cardinals.
again, cards offered EXACT SAME AAV to Pujols for one less year. I fully expect them to match/beat the Marlins offer this year
I think that championship DVD will be pretty sweet no matter what.
I’m sure Cardinals fans will still enjoy that championship DVD. Nothing like watching your team with the World Series.
i hope the riot police in STL are getting ready
Yeah….Probably the same way we tear everything up when we win the World Series right? not happening
canucks fans taught me that people do really stupid stuff because of sports
I don’t think anything will happen here. Heck the worst thing I’ve seen people do in 2 times being downtown after the World Series was leave beer bottles in the streets. There could be a few idiots do something, but I doubt it.
Speaking as someone from Vancouver, I can tell you that Canucks fans are not typical sports fans.
You’re the only cards fan on this website and from your cocky comments I hope that’s not how they all are cause you’re a major loser
You reply to someone about their “cocky comments” with that? I’m just on here for fun and news. Not cocky at all, I like a lot of people on here.
Edit: and maybe you should spend a minute here, plenty of Cards fans.
Stop being such a pr1ck. The Marlins have the same amount of Championships in the last 15 years than the Cards do. And w/ half the fan support.
What does it have to do with the Marlins winning championships? Or their fan support? I’m saying Cardinal fans won’t riot. They didn’t after a World Series and they won’t if Albert goes to Miami.
My point is your sarcasm with which you wave your championships around.
Nevertheless, Pujols will stay w/ St. Louis. He appears to be a man who is more moved by his values than by money. I truly believe this. I want him to come to Miami, but I don’t see it happening. I’ve said that from the start.
Sorry if I offended you, it’s all fun.
I agree with your assessment, but I’m always guarded. I want to believe everything he has said for years, but I would have never thought it would get to this point. We will see soon it appears.
I’m not the kind that’s going to throw Pujols under the bus either. He has put in his time and has the right to go where he desires now.
Um Cardinals have 2 Championships in 5 years, Marlins havnt made the playoffs in close to 10.
… 03… world championship
I’m a cards fan but come on. They have just as many world series titles in the past 15 years as the cards.
just absolutely no division titles
What? Who cares.. I can say the Cardinals have 9 more titles than the Marlins.. or the Cardinals were in more championships in the past 15 year.. what are you trying to prove?
With fairness to the Marlins, they played in the same division as the Braves.
Am i the only one who hates the reverse-update style article where the latest thing is at the top and the comments from the original post are still here… but the article is updated and re-pumped onto RSS and Facebook as if it’s new?
It bugs me, and probably a lot. Cause I read it for the first time and I see things and it doesn’t make a lot of sense read in reverse…
“Sort by newest first.”
I was planing on kicking back, drinking a few, and watching the Wings-Blues game tonight. Now I have to look over and hit F5 every 30 seconds.
Go wings
They are hot and the Blues need a win. I’m expecting it to get a little rough.
My F5 button can barely be read anymore. I’ve practically worn it out.
Good thing I picked the Marlins for every player in the top 50 sweepstakes!
Love how everyone is assuming Pujols is a Marlin now.. We should find out soon and I have an idea where he will land.
Ya I hate it. Sadly, I am one of them.
Yeah, I bet you counted the Cardinals out of the playoffs too huh?
Lol, like a told a friend who was a Philly fan mid-September when she was bragging how Phils would make it to the World Series and lose…”Never turn your back or underestimate the St. Louis Cardinals, they make the playoffs they will win the World Series.”
Dang team has been a thorn in my side since the day I was born…This situation screams for the same reply “NEVER turn your back on the St. Louis Cardinals!”
—-A Cub Fan
Sounds like the Marlins are scared that Wilson and Buerhle will be gone if they wait out Pujols
Marlins and Albert are meeting as we speak, they will finish this deal by the end of the night.
If Marlins are at 10/220, and the Cards are also over 200, Marlins are out of luck.
One of the two reports must be false if your statement is true.
Cards will match Marlins offer and give him a no-trade clause and Pujols will finish his career in St. Louis. Cubs are out.
He doesn’t need a NTC with the Cardinals, he has one by default.
Good point. It still creates the added incentive.
a third team is offering 10 year contract according to Nightengale
Just saw that. Was wondering when the “mystery team” would rear its ugly head
If Cardinals, Marlins, and 3rd team offering 10 years $200+ million. You don’t need a rocket scientist to know which team he will pick.
really? how nice .. don’t need no rocket scientist .. he needs to sign with anyone else except the Cardinals
I wonder if the Cardinals offer wasn’t quite high enough, and mystery team is there to drive them another 5-10 million higher.
The Pirates, duh!
St. Louis had the chance to re-sign him during spring training and didn’t. If he bolts
it’s the Cards fault
Wow! Not only does this complicate things for everyone, but it also means I have to go to the computer store and purchase another F5 button.
The Mystery team is the Astros.
They are offering 10 years and $11
that made me laugh
Chipper_is_GOD is God!
Hahahahahahhaha. This made me almost spit out some beer. It’s good you like the Cards too, cuz I’m the exact opposite Im a die hard cards fan, but The braves would be my second along with the Rockies. Good post though. You might be right.
hahahaha. This made me almost spit my beer all over my laptop. Im die hard Cards but I like to Braves too man, i wish it wasn’t them that had the collapse. But we filled in nicely for you guys. At least we took out the Phils for ya!! Ap needs to take his tamale and shove it up his Azzhole, as long as he doesnt go to the cubs or marlins, he can bounce if he wants to play these games. I doubt there is a mystery team btw, Lozano is more scummy that Boras is. At least Boras is kinda respectable. Lozano is a chump, a dirty roach.
I assume the mystery team is a team that is/was also interested in Fielder. Cubs or Mariners maybe.
i bet its the blue jays
Mystery team is not the Cubs, per the Bob Nightengale article. Who’s left? Washington?
Mystery team = Cubs or Toronto I’d bet
Doubt AA is interested in a 10-year contract.
Mystery team = Cubs or Toronto I’d bet
trust me toronto isnt it lol the rumors are brutal , its either the cubs or someone else , but no way in hell is AA going after a 10 year 200mm dollar free agent.
nationals have been so pissed about the marlins stealing their thunder. rizzo wants to prove he’s still the most ridiculous free agent signer in baseball
Ah yes. The Mystery Team. My favorite team strikes again.
This latest news on the Marlins push for Pujols must be related to the Cards trying to shed the contracts of Lohse and Westbrook
Mystery TEAM probably Phils. Sign him to play 3rd Base then when howard contract is up in 5yrs move him back to 1st base.
No no no, mystery team Cubs, they are gonna sign Pujols to play 3rd, then sign Fielder to play 1st. We all have our dream.
That would probably be one of the worst corner infield defenses.
Pujols to Phillies, Howard to Ange— Reagins doesn’t work there any more, shoot, guess we’re stuck with him.
Budget? What budget. RAJ is already on the phone.
call me crazy
Angels
If the Angels were too cheap for Crawford and Beltre last year, then I doubt they’re anywhere close to touching this. I could see them bidding on Pujols’ jock strap.
what now bro?
what now bro?
alternatively, it’s the phillies again and every player on the 40 man roster has sold a kidney to cover the cost
on the open market in Iran kidneys have been valued at about 20,000k per…so that would probably cover about 2 weeks of his contract
on the open market in Iran kidneys have been valued at about 20,000k per…so that would probably cover about 2 weeks of his contract
then trade him to the marlins. perfect
then trade him to the marlins. perfect
This is why I never support owners during a labor dispute. You made your bed now sleep.
Mystery Team!
*palm to face*
Is nothing ever simple?
This is bad for baseball. These owners and GMs only think short term without regard for the long term. As Keith Law said it is a moral hazard
I think when it involves arguably the best position player in this generation, that line of thinking can go out the window.
Mr. Ball’s balls must have exploded by now.
Mystery team= LA Dodgers
No money there. Not gonna happen.
No money there. Not gonna happen.
They actually might’ve had the money(for next year at least) if they hadn’t signed about 6 AAA players.
Trade Andre Ethier to free up money, sign Pujols. As far fetched as it seems the dodgers are my guess if there really is a third team.
For one year maybe but the franchise is not in a position to offer such a massive contract.
For one year maybe but the franchise is not in a position to offer such a massive contract.
MYSTERY TEAM! WOOOOO!!!!
Actually I want him to stay w/ the Cards, but still.
MYSTERY!!
The Mystery Team is going to be quite good. They signed Cliff Lee last year.
Who are the secretive organizations. The Phillies always keep a tight lip, but of course its not them. I can’t recall the organizations that really don’t like to talk
Well there is the Blue Jays who make it a point not to leak info on pending trades and signings. But I doubt it’s them.
I’m guessing it’s not that secretive. Somebody is telling somebody about the “mystery team” over drinks, they are texting somebody the info when they get up and go to the bathroom, the next person is in the shower, when he gets out he will call his lawyer, who will then call his other client , which is probably this Nightengale guy, who will then repost his article saying that the 3rd team is in fact the Cubs after all.
It takes time for these things to fully expose themselves. I’m not sayin’ I’m just sayin’.
So the Cardinals bumped up the offer to 10, huh…
Mystery team seems to be in on more players than the Marlins!
NATIONALS! 10 years 253. boom.
NATIONALS! 10 years 253. boom.
Phils = Mystery Team. Nobody keeps their business quiet more than RAJ! Sign Pujols to play 3rd Base! Let Rollins go!
lol
Funny.
Sadly, if this is a game Lazano is playing (EXTREMELY possible), then the Phillies may well be the mystery team. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. Phillies get the Cards to up their offer, Lazano has a chat with Rollins about his demand for 5 years.
Sadly, if this is a game Lazano is playing (EXTREMELY possible), then the Phillies may well be the mystery team. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. Phillies get the Cards to up their offer, Lazano has a chat with Rollins about his demand for 5 years.
This story continues to get better and better.
It’s the Angels, then they can trade Trumbo and Callaspo fro a pithcer
You might not be to far off base here.
You might not be to far off base here.
The Mystery Team is the Washington Redskins
The 3rd team is most likely a rumor spread by the agent to jack up the price. But if there is a 3rd team, I am 90 percent certain that it isn’t the Pirates.
LOL. More like 99%.
Its probably the Mets though
LOL. More like 99%.
The DRAMA!
The DRAMA!
how about the obvious cubs?
Another mystery team? Seems more like a ploy to get the Marlins to up there offer even more, and the Cardinals for that matter. Mystery teams always seem to just “pop” up…hmm if true this does make things truly interesting. The Mariners, Cubs, and Orioles seem more towards Fielder, but the Rangers could be a mystery teams given a need for a strong 1B player and have the financial flexibility to do it, but odds are the Rangers are not in play in the least bit. I keep refreshing for Puljos info and my team is not even in play for him haha
Mystery team has no impact on Marlins offer. Pujols can play the Cardinals offer against the Marlins to get them to increase – more money to make up for NTC, more money to leave home, etc. Unless mystery team truly exists, its only purposes is to increase the Cardinals offer.
Mystery team has no impact on Marlins offer. Pujols can play the Cardinals offer against the Marlins to get them to increase – more money to make up for NTC, more money to leave home, etc. Unless mystery team truly exists, its only purposes is to increase the Cardinals offer.
Another mystery team? Seems more like a ploy to get the Marlins to up there offer even more, and the Cardinals for that matter. Mystery teams always seem to just “pop” up…hmm if true this does make things truly interesting. The Mariners, Cubs, and Orioles seem more towards Fielder, but the Rangers could be a mystery teams given a need for a strong 1B player and have the financial flexibility to do it, but odds are the Rangers are not in play in the least bit. I keep refreshing for Puljos info and my team is not even in play for him haha
wow this is exciting
Rays? Rangers? Red Sox’s? Giants?
Yeah. the Rays offered him 10 years and over 200 million.
Friedman how did you do it?!
Yeah. the Rays offered him 10 years and over 200 million.
Friedman how did you do it?!
Rays and Giants are too cheap, Red Sox don’t need him, maybe Rangers? Speculate?
Rays and Giants are too cheap, Red Sox don’t need him, maybe Rangers? Speculate?
Rays? Rangers? Red Sox’s? Giants?
Pujols will be wasted in Chicago. It will be like taking the engine of a Lamborghini and putting it in a station wagon.
But that station wagon would be the most insane sleeper on the road!
he’s already won a World Series, so it doesn’t have to be about that.
Pujols doesn’t need to show any loyalty towards the Cardinals, just because that’s the only team he’s played for. it could be where he wants to live. St.Louis or Miami Florida?
the Cardinals don’t NEED Pujols. they’ve been a winning organization for a long time. they (and the fans) will get over losing even someone like Albert Pujols.
Miami can afford the 10 year risk because right now it’s not just about putting a winning team on the field, but putting fans in the stands. fans will show up and support the Cardinals regardless of whether Pujols is there or not.
People around here are saying Marlins met with MLB about possible SEC corruption charges, not Pujols contract.
There is a third team in on Pujols, so its not a foregone conclusion that he goes to either Cards or Marlins.
And like last year with Lee negotiations, we simply don’t know who may step in at last minute.
Pujols has no other ties to any team besides the Cardinals, while Lee loved being in Philly. This supposed mystery team has to bring the money.
Pujols has no other ties to any team besides the Cardinals, while Lee loved being in Philly. This supposed mystery team has to bring the money.
Maybe MLB will fork up the money for the Dodgers to get him!
MYSTERY TEAM!!!!
MYSTERY TEAM!!!!
MYSTERY TEAM!!!!
Phillies did have two meetings with Pujols’s agent…
also Jimmy Rollins agent….
I’m aware of that, I’m surprised somebody took that seriously, let alone two people.
Sadly, if this is a fake mystery team, it could well be the Phillies. They help Lazano get the Cards to up their offer, he tries to talk Rollins out of his unreasonable demand for five years.
its not the phillies buddy..
… sarcasm.
The Mystery Team is also showing significant interest in Fielder and Wilson.
If “mystery team” could ever land all the free agents it bid on, they’d win the WS every year for sure
The Mystery Team is also showing significant interest in Fielder and Wilson.
If they don’t resign Ortiz or Trade Kevin Youklis and Millbrooks needs more seasoning.
If they don’t resign Ortiz or Trade Kevin Youklis and Millbrooks needs more seasoning.
Dear Baseball,
You’re insane.
P.S. Why am I a Dodgers fan? They make me sad…
Dear Baseball,
You’re insane.
P.S. Why am I a Dodgers fan? They make me sad…
As a yankee fan I cringe at the mention of a “mystery team”
He should come to Miami. The girls are unreal.
Not that it stops most people, but he is married.
maybe Albert is a swinger, who knows.
other reason to go to Miami other than to play baseball.
Given the quality of Marlins baseball and the number of fans who show up to watch it, I’d say the hot girls are the ONLY reason to go to Miami.
Albert Woods?
That was Dan Lozano’s #1 selling point.
I always love it when Mystery Team enters the mix.
Do you imagine if the Red Sox come in and swoop him up?
What if the mystery team is also the Miami Marlins? They’re being THAT aggressive!
The Mystery Team is the Pirates!
in my perfect world it would be the angels to offer 10/200+,trade abreu,morales,izturis,callaspo,and wells for pitching, and convert trumbo to 3rd.but we hane a penny pinching owner. i guess i can dream.
Don’t say that, he’ll pay premium for guys that’ll bring good clubhouse presence and 0.248 OBP
Penny pinching owner?
Check out the Angels’ payroll brah.
just saying cuz last year, crawford was a bust,beltre “pleaded” to be an angel,but instead we traded a power bat cather for a lack luster outfielder with no cash relief
Penny pinching owner…I am sure the Royals fans would love to trade you David Glass for Arte Moreno. You will start thinking that Moreno was George Steinbrenner.
haha thats probably true but im saying for being a large market team the angels tend to pinch on free agent than give them a respectable contract
Let’s speculate! Teams that wanna make a splash or need a 1st Baseman:
Baltimore- Too Cheap?
Chicago Sox? Konerko to DH, Pujols to 1st? Eat Dunn’s contract and trade him?
Cleveland- Laporta not working out? Afraid of big contracts?
Houston- Dumped TONS of salary, maybe just one big salary? Lee trade or move back to OF.
Kansas City- Lol, Kansas City….
Angels-Can afford it and not afraid to make changes. But, they are not getting any younger.
Brewers-Not paying for Fielder, they aren’t bitin’ on this.
Twins- Morneau to Dh Pujols 1st? No, too cheap…
Mets- Trade Davis, or keep him for depth…hmmm…
Oakland- For God’s sake, this team needs something! Too cheap…
Pirates- Too cheap
Padres- Too cheap? Badly in need of something…
Giants- Maybe, but they claim to be too cheap…Surprise?
M’s- Keep him fresh while giving him days off at DH?
Ray’s- Who’s on 1st?
Ranger’s- They really don’t need him..They can afford him though.
BJ’s- too cheap…Still crying over Vernon Wells long contract
Nat’s- Already eating Werth’s big contract
Cubs-Maybe a decoy to drive up price by putting the rumor out there?
I’m guessing M’s, Cubs, or my long shot, Mets.
Just speculating guys, don’t take this too serious.
Why or why not?
I’m pretty sure you named every team that you could think of off the top of your head.
And I found it amusing you said the BlueJays were too cheap because of Vernon Wells (who isnt a BlueJay) and about six other teams, but considered the Rays to make a push.
“Teams that wanna make a splash or need a 1st Baseman:”
You took it too serious Sherlock.
Let me clarify for you: The Jays are too cheap to sign him. Add that to the fact that they got burned and ridiculed on the Vernon Well’s deal, I don’t see them making that same mistake so soon as far as long contracts go.
“Teams that wanna make a splash or need a 1st Baseman:”
Not teams that I think are gonna make a push.
I simply wrote “who’s on 1st?” next to the Rays. With them being contenders the last few years, they would have more money, in theory, than say, the BJ’s.
Here you go, if it makes you happy:
Rays- Who’s on 1st? Too cheap
It’s hard to do things for fun when they dont even make sense. Why add teams that need a first baseman but cant sign Pujols to begin with?
but yes, it does pacify me because now I think you know who they are instead of just seeing them in the playoffs.
If you want theory, the Rays will have about 45-50m payroll, and the Jays north of 100m.
The first two years of Puljol’s contract will equal the Rays current payroll status.
I’d say maybe the Yankees, just because they’re the yankees and can afford it.
Yeah that’s some great analysis
That’s fine guys just sit around and wait to be told what to think by Espn and all the other sports writers, heaven forbid you try to form your own opinions. It’s better “analysis” than you provided jerk.
That’s fine guys just sit around and wait to be told what to think by Espn and all the other sports writers, heaven forbid you try to form your own opinions. It’s better “analysis” than you provided jerk.
Hahahaha, “Cubs are definitely still in”. Yea, because Albert would want to go to a rebuilding team with new owners and not even sniff the playoffs for years…..
Cubs.. I hope they offer him a 10 year in hopes to make it harder on the Cardinals and Pujols excepts it.. then what?
Theo: Shlt, that worked against the Yankees.. I didnt think he would actually go for it
Cubs.. I hope they offer him a 10 year in hopes to make it harder on the Cardinals and Pujols excepts it.. then what?
Theo: Shlt, that worked against the Yankees.. I didnt think he would actually go for it
Yeah, the mystery is definitely Philly. Amaro is so often the guy behind the mystery team it’s basically become a nickname for the Phillies
I hope he decides soon. I’m tired and want to go to bed.
I hope he decides soon. I’m tired and want to go to bed.
40HR’s, 120 RBI’s, .300BA is worth $200 mil? Absolute stupidity.
In Pujols’ “down year,” he was still worth $22.8MM according to FanGraphs. A couple years ago he was worth over $40MM.
To answer your question: yes.
And if he gets 700+ HRs/3000+ hits, should pile extra revenue for his team as well.
In Pujols’ “down year,” he was still worth $22.8MM according to FanGraphs. A couple years ago he was worth over $40MM.
To answer your question: yes.
They just said on ESPN that Marlin’s offer is actually 10/250 with it heavily backloaded
With all the crap flying around, I just don’t know what to believe anymore.
Oh I hear ya I just thought I’d share. That’s basically what’s reported on this site (other insider’s info) so just thought people might want to know. Whether it’s true, who knows?
If this is true, as a Cub fan, I think it is time for my team to take a step back, their work here is through.
With all the crap flying around, I just don’t know what to believe anymore.
ITS ESPN, the worst coverage for baseball.
They just said on ESPN that Marlin’s offer is actually 10/250 with it heavily backloaded
I don’t care if the offer is 10 years / 400 million. Please stay with your ‘hometown’ team.
DOES MIAMI NEED TO PUT A NO TRADE IN? I meen really… the contract is backloaded, so who the heck would even trade for him in 3-4 years??? his contract IS his no trade clause!
DOES MIAMI NEED TO PUT A NO TRADE IN? I meen really… the contract is backloaded, so who the heck would even trade for him in 3-4 years??? his contract IS his no trade clause!
Wouldn’t be surprised if the Blue Jays are the mystery team, they have the money
Without a no-trade, the Fish won’t get Albert. And the Cubs offer, while the highest per-year dollar offer, is too short. So that leaves the Cardinals and this “mystery” team. I still expect him to re-sign with St. Louis.
I took it that the Cubs were the mystery team.
No. They said the mystery team offered a 10-year deal. The Cubs offered 5 years and $150M.
DOES MIAMI NEED TO PUT A NO TRADE IN? I meen really… the contract is
backloaded, so who the heck would even trade for him in 3-4 years???
his contract IS his no trade clause!
Vernon Wells got traded, and that deal was as bad or worse. Teams have expressed interest in Soriano. Silva and Bradley, two nutcases on terrible contracts, were traded (albeit, for each other).
No contract is untradeable, unless a no-trade clause is included.
But Reagins was a borderline short bus GM. No one in their right mind would trade for Wells like that other than him.
DOES MIAMI NEED TO PUT A NO TRADE IN? I meen really… the contract is
backloaded, so who the heck would even trade for him in 3-4 years???
his contract IS his no trade clause!
Rosenthal says the Angels are after Pujols
lol same time about
lol same time about
Rosenthal just said the Angels are in the mix
He said it could be the Angels…….or Nationals or Texas.. obviously a few people saw Rosenthal
yeah i totally called the angels on page 6 🙂
yeah i totally called the angels on page 6 🙂
If the Angles signed Pujols their payroll would surpass roughly $160 million next year.