Did you hear that? That was the collective sigh of the city of St. Louis as negotiations for a contract extension with Cardinals’ first baseman Albert Pujols ended last Friday.
After seemingly endless talks about Pujols’ fate upon the expiration of his contract at the end of this season, an agreement could not be reached and discussion was postponed for the season.
Reports that Pujols asked for $300 million and 10 years, ending his baseball career at 41 years old, have surfaced.
Fans worry that the National League MVP winner, Gold Glove recipient and World Series champion will be taken from St. Louis to a competing city. Rumors say the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are the most likely to be interested and financially endowed for a comparable offer after the World Series.
The remedy? A big slice of humble pie served on a Cardinal-emblazoned platter for Mr. Pujols.
Offering $300 million, potentially the largest contract in Major League Baseball history, to a player who will likely not mirror his previous success in the coming decade is simply a poor choice for the Cardinals franchise that should focus on creating a stronger lineup, as a whole, particularly following the news about Wainwright’s elbow injury.
While some say that the Cardinals are not acknowledging Pujols’ worth, it’s Pujols who needs to reevaluate his demands.
Pujols should lay his pride down and stay with the Cardinals. He needs to come to terms with the fact that, while the next 10 years could be just as successful as his first 10, the odds are against him.
Rarely has Major League Baseball seen a player continue Pujols-level success into their late 30s without the help of steroids.
Charity-starting, controversy-avoiding, all-around-good-guy Pujols would be hurting his reputation and losing the greater portion of his fan following if this is what it ever came to, a fact that he may be overlooking in asking for such an inflated contract.
Statistics aside, sentimentality has to play some sort of role in Pujols’ decision. On numerous occasions, Pujols has noted his love for the city of St. Louis as well as the value of being a part of one of the most successful baseball franchises of all time.
Leaving St. Louis in favor of a city like New York or Chicago would not only uproot Pujols from a town that has become home for him but also take him away from the headquarters of his charity, the Pujols Family Foundation, which has been raising awareness for Down syndrome since his daughter was diagnosed with the condition.
In accepting a shorter or less costly contract, Pujols could also end his career in ranks with Stan Musial, Bob Gibson and Lou Brock, immortalizing him as a Cardinal great.
His already admirable statistics have lent room to predictions of Hall of Fame status, a fact that could only be enhanced by a consistent uniform.
It’s a tempting offer for a baseball legend, especially considering the fact that the Cardinal fanbase is arguably the best in all of baseball. While a change of uniform wouldn’t be a kiss of death, the most memorable players are often single-team players and end their careers just as they started.
I have long been a Pujols fan and will support him wherever he goes, even if it is a result of a selfish agenda. Except for the Cubs, of course; that would be unforgiveable.
Stephanie Mueller is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.
