The inability of the St. Louis Cardinals to sign Albert Pujols to a future contract dominated headlines even before the first spring training games. Pujols asserts that neither he nor his agent will discuss the situation during the season to avoid possible distractions. However, the multitude of potential scenarios will extend dialogue surrounding his future even though Prince Albert isn’t chiming in.
Pujols has a10-5 player status, bestowed with full no-trade rights. Pujols intends to reject any proposed trade midseason. However, the injury to Adam Wainwright, requiring Tommy John surgery, drastically hinders the Cardinals chances to compete in the NL Central. The top two contenders must be the Brewers, with a revamped pitching staff, and reigning division champions, the Reds, who return their core players. The Cardinals rotation, consisting of aging Chris Carpenter, Jake Westbrook, Jaime Garcia and Kyle Lohse, is bound to struggle. Pujols is already unhappy with the organization based upon the undesirable offer during the offseason and could become even unhappier should the team begin to lose. Pujols may reconsider rejecting a trade offer midseason if it’s clear the Cardinals aren’t able to compete for a playoff position. The Cardinals may seek prospect talent or want to create payroll space to pick up options on Carpenter, Wainwright and La Russa for 2012. If this happens, speculation will be rampant on who will be willing and able to meet Pujols’ demands.
The proposed answer coming out of spring training is the Chicago Cubs. This will only be expounded on as the Cubs struggle in the NL Central throughout the season. Pujols will continue to be mentioned as the cure to all Cubs curses, the savior who can bring a Championship to Wrigley faithful. Furthermore, the impact of the potential acquisition would be horrific for St. Louis, since the Cubs would be using the most dominant Cardinals player in recent history to do some serious damage to his former team.
Nothing will provoke more debate about Pujols’ future than the impending collective bargaining agreement, which expires in December. White Sox general manager, Kenny Williams has highlighted the competitive inequity between large and small market baseball teams. He hinted a salary cap could be proposed during CBA negotiations. A salary cap will cause teams to hesitate fulfilling Pujols’ requested $30 million a year contract. Additionally, history is not on Pujols’ side in guaranteeing a successful future. Previous 10-year deals to Jeter, A-Rod and Manny Ramirez proved successful, until the age of 32 was reached. These Superstars stats diminished after age 32, which will be Pujols’ age the first year of his deal. Sure, it’s likely 2011 will be another MVP worthy season, but MVP at 41? Not likely. Is 3-4 years of greatness worth accepting 5-6 lackluster seasons? Williams votes no. Former New York Mets GM, Steve Phillips says yes and believes Pujols’ should become the first $30 million a year player.
The stage is set. The line ready to be drawn. Sides will be taken. The debating has begun.
I think you pretty much nailed it excelpt I am also hearing the Angels as a possible new home for Albert. This makes a lot of sense to me for a couple of reasons. 1. Albert would be a God in LA. They have been waiting for someone like him since Valenzeala retired. 2. An American league city makes sense for Pujols reported desire for a 10 year contract. I could see him being a DH the last couple of years of his contract, and as a big market team they have the money. I, of course, hope he retires a Cardinal but I don't think I'd bet on it right now.
ReplyDeleteMike