The Angels reportedly swooped in Wednesday with sacks and sacks of cash. ESPN reported that the Cards were planning to speak with Pujols' agent today, but this isn't happening anymore. The Cards' deal didn't increase from nine years and less than $200 million.
Kansas City Royals fans likely aren't weeping. But Cardinals fans probably shouldn't either. Ten years? $250 million? A full no-trade clause? Did you really want to be saddled with that contract?
And it didn't take long for Cards fans to express their hatred.
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jjskck -
give them time.
one of the wonderful things about life is you remember so little of it; 10 years from now he'll be their auld, sweet lad.
Nick-
Of course criminal/PED/general moral bankruptcy could keep him (and anyone else) out.
I agree that his "legacy" doesn't much matter to him; in fact, taking this deal means he explicity chose the extra money over being king of StL. His decision, and I don't fault him for it.
But none of my friends who are Cards fans (yes, I have a few in spite of their loyalties) are congratulating Pujols right now. "Dead to me" is the prevailing sentiment.
The only thing worse than St. Louis sports teams is having to hear about St. Louis sports teams from Kansas City "journalists".
Pujols may seem to be a lock for the Hall of Fame, but stuff could happen down the road; allegations of thrown games, steroid use, betting, an unhealthy appetitie for Fruit Loops.
That said, I also think he goes in.
I disagree that it matters to him whether he's remembered as a declining rich mercenary or a one-team icon; world class atheletes tend to value the opinions oftheir peers - not so much those of the hoi polloi.
Besides, STL will always claim him as their own.
As a Cardinals fan, I'm sad to see him go. I would have liked to have seen him retire a Cardinal, it would have been a great baseball story, even if he gets old and busted under contract. But as they say, its not personal, its business.
He's already a HOFer. The question is whether he's remembered as a declining rich mercenary like A-Rod or a one-team icon like Jeter. Not saying Jeter is the player Pujols is, but he is the only current example of a city's reverence now and forever for a baseball player.
If the money is the only issue, you're right - the Angels obviously made the best offer. If the thought of being a one-team franchise legend isn't as important, that's his decision. I think I would decide differently, but I'll also never be in that position.
No brainer: $250 mil is $250 mil. 10 years is 10 years. Also? Add a more constant, moist heat to keep those hammies loose even deep into October, beaches, thongs...thongs...
Fan base? Extra contract year? Neither of those vote for Hall of Fame; sportwrites do.
I don't think this ends well for either side.
Pujols will regret leaving that fan base--not just now, but for the rest of his life. When he's 50 (whether that's 15 years from now or 18 years from now), he'll look back and realize that the extra contract year cost him permanent icon status.
And the Angels are staring at tons of dead money on the last half of this contract. Even if he can maintain for 5 more years, the end of his career is going to be ugly.
The only team for whom it made sense to overpay was St. Louis, and they chose not to.
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