The Angels are the bridesmaid no more. Albert Pujols signed a ten-year deal with the Angels, reports Yahoo's Tim Brown. He receives a full no-trade clause. Pujols decided this morning, writes Brown. The Angels have since announced the monumental signing, which ESPN's Buster Olney says is for $254MM. It's the second-largest contract in baseball history in terms of overall and average annual value, behind Alex Rodriguez's ten-year, $275MM deal with the Yankees four years ago. Pujols is represented by Dan Lozano of Icon Sports Group.
Pujols, 32 in January, was drafted by the Cardinals in 1999 in the 13th round and began his career with a staggering 11-year stretch. The first baseman is the active career leader in batting average (.328) and slugging percentage (.617). He's second among active players in career on-base percentage at .421, so Pujols certainly fits new Angels GM Jerry Dipoto's plan to improve the team's OBP. Pujols owns a Rookie of the Year award and three MVP awards, and has ranked no worse than ninth in the MVP voting in every season of his career. He's been extremely durable, averaging 155 games per season.
Pujols anchors an Angels offense that ranked tenth in the American League in 2011 with 4.12 runs scored per game. With Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo, Dipoto now has a surplus at first base, but reportedly he won't trade either. Within an hour of the Pujols signing breaking, Dipoto completed a five-year, $77.5MM deal with free agent lefty C.J. Wilson, bringing the team's total today to $331.5MM.
The Cardinals signed Pujols to a long-term deal in 2004, which ended up being a huge bargain at $111MM over eight years. Pujols and the Cardinals failed to find common ground on an extension in February this year, but the contract didn't seem a distraction as the team ended up winning the World Series.
The suddenly free-spending Marlins made the high bid for Pujols this offseason at ten years and $275MM, but they would not bend on their policy of avoiding full no-trade clauses. They seemingly dropped out after signing Mark Buehrle. The Cubs reportedly made an offer to Pujols as well. Up until Thursday morning, the Cardinals were considered the favorite, though they reportedly topped out with a nine-year offer that was just the fourth-best he received. Pujols could have been the next Stan Musial, but even a call from the legendary Cardinals Hall of Famer couldn't convince him to take less money to stay in St. Louis. It's not much of a consolation prize, but the Cardinals will receive the Angels' #19 pick in the 2012 draft as well as a supplemental choice.
With Pujols off the market, Prince Fielder is the top prize still available for teams looking to add a big bat. However, based on recent reports, the most aggressive suitors for Pujols, the Cardinals and Marlins, won't be involved in the bidding for Fielder.
Photo courtesy of Icon SMI.
This is surprising…
Very!
Still, my condolences to all Cards fans. That’s a bad blow. : (
As much as I would have loved for him to stay in STL this very well could end up to be the WORST CONTRACT IN SPORTS HISTORY.. Hope its not for the Angels sake but in the past years he has been limping around, slowing down, swinging off balance, hitting into double plays, and striking out. Again, I hope its not for the Angels organization but you never know.
steroids explain it
The Rodriguez contract is looking pretty bad with 6 years to go and his performance already declining, injuries starting to creep in.
Wow
WOW, JUST WOW! That’s a stupid contract,…yikes!
Huge bummer for St. Louis, but as an M’s fan I love it! We basically stink right now, so while Pujols is raking we get to watch him play. And when we’re better–hopefully someday– he’ll be dragging Anaheim down.
NEW CARDINAL LINE UP?
Rollins
Jay
Berkman
Holiday
Beltran
Freese
Molina
Skip
Pitcher
so so lonely without Pujols
jon jay got traded to i think the mariners
um when was this?? I think your thinking of Brendan Ryan.
wwwwooooow just wowwww the mets 1st pick in 2012 2013 2014 2015 draft im a phils fan u guys suckkkk
So that whole silly leg breaking celebration by Morales ain’t so bad now is it…
Haha, no kidding. Welcome to the Rays, Kendrys!
WOW.
GO ANGELS!!!!!!!
Oh thank God he’s out of the division.
Please, oh please, not the AL West.
The Astros must be soiling themselves right now. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
I’d hardly call the AL West a tough division, even with Pujols in it. Think about what the NL East is becoming and what the AL East already is.
Well, with the Angels now having the best rotation in the AL and one of the best offensive players in the game and the Rangers being a powerhouse as well, they definitely have two very good teams.
But yes, Oakland and Seattle are pretty much afterthoughts at this point.
And getting crappier with the astros coming
Wow.
Good for the Cubs.
Not really. This opens up another 20-25 mil Cards can now spend this offseason. I was hoping they would re-sign him.
Who are they going to spend that on?
Rollins
great replacement for pujols.
They’re not going to replace Pujols, obviously. But they’re getting Wainwright back and now can increase Craig’s ABs, so despite losing Albert this offseason, there’s less of an overall team dropoff than it would seem.
Craig just had knee surgery and is out 6- 8 months
He’s still going to end up getting more ABs relative to last season.
4-6 months
Doubt it. Sounds like he’s going back to Philly
pass. I think they pocket the cash, unless they can sign Furcal on a reasonable deal. Nothing very inspiring out there.
Yadier Molina. Entering walk year.
Good call, extensions for the in-house guys. Stltoday mentions Mike Gonzalez and Beltran as free agent possibilities if the Cards do spend there, however.
Fielder. HR power, 1st base replacement, less years.
Not really. This opens up another 20-25 mil Cards can now spend this offseason. I was hoping they would re-sign him.
Wouldn’t you rather he stay in the division? It makes baseball much more fun.
(I’m a Cubs fan)
Why? One less excuse they have not winning?
Because Pujols isn’t gonna be worth $25 mil/year for many more years…
WOWOWOWOWOW
Holy Balls! Out of nowhere!
Also does that mean Trumbo and Morales are available?
I lol’d.
Looks like Pujols lied.
Good move for the Cardinals. No way they could sign a deal like this and compete long term.
What did he lie about? He never said he’s going back to St. Louis. That was all just speculation right after the Marlins were out.
I could be wrong, maybe he did lie about something though lol.
Did he pull a Johnny Damon?
Hey, Johnny told the Sox he had a big offer and they chose not to believe him. It wasn’t his fault. But, to answer your question, he probably DID do that lol.
Have you read Damon’s book? In that book, he said he would NEVER play for the Yankees…2 seasons later…
Money changes everything and everyone.
i agree long term they are better off, in a baseball sense, from not making that deal, as much as hurts right now.
AA get on Trumbo or Morales…ASAP
Trumbo obp would fit right in the jays lineup
haha yup, His homerun power also fits in with the Jays.
He’s basically JP arencibia with no defensive value
He’s also getting paid league minimum like Arencibia. Honestly, I think he’d be a smart move for the Jays.
he’s in no way an upgrade over adam lind or encarnacion.
Yeah, somehow I managed to block out his horrible OBP. Nevermind that.
No matter the HR power, it’s not good baseball to get on base less than three out of ten times.
Trumbo obp would fit right in the jays lineup
Trumbo would be sideways move for TOR in terms of talent.
They made mistake with Lind and he’s got high negative trade value
So to pay Lind to go away and then trade talent to halos to get a 2year younger version of Lind would seem the opposite of the “evil genius” meme perpetuated about toronto’s gm.
Trumbo is Adam Lind, essentially.
It’s crazy and might not work, but I think the Braves should take a flier on Morales, and either stick him in LF, or move Freddie Freeman to Left as the next Ryan Klesko.
Maybe Morales+Aybar for Jurrjens?
Prado would have to be kept if this happens, but I’m perfectly fine with Prado as super-utility guy, and with chipper/morales/heyward, he’ll get his ABs in easily.
It’s crazy and might not work, but I think the Braves should take a flier on Morales, and either stick him in LF, or move Freddie Freeman to Left as the next Ryan Klesko.
Maybe Morales+Aybar for Jurrjens?
Prado would have to be kept if this happens, but I’m perfectly fine with Prado as super-utility guy, and with chipper/morales/heyward, he’ll get his ABs in easily.
What! Holy crap hahaha
Wait WHAT!!?!?!?
wow……..
Disqus is going to have a heart attack!
So are the Cardinal fans.
If this is true, as a Cubs fan, I’m sad to not be able to see Albert play about 16 games a year. :(
WHAT?!?!
Makes sense he ends up in the AL though. Probably full time DH by 40
And a day or 2 a week at DH in the meantime.
And a day or 2 a week at DH in the meantime.
agreed completely, when hes 40 he can just handle hitting, and im sure he’ll still be pretty successful at it
Wowsers. Nice one DiPoto.
Congrats Albert! and Congrats Angels! But you need to shed some of that payroll example Wells.
lol, how exactly are they gonna do that???
Trade him to whatever team Reagins ends up on.
Holy cow! I have to admit … I never really thought he’d leave St Louis. I think from a financial standpoint, AP did the Cards a favor accepting this deal. But, not seeing that bat in their lineup when they battle my Reds is going to seem strange
You gotta be kidding me.
Speechless. Really thought he was going to go back to St. Louis.
Crazy. This is a surprise to me. Think about all of the players the Cardinals can sign now. Bummer!–Cub Fan
Wow. Didn’t expect this.
If this actually happens.. I’m beyond shocked and figured he’d go back to the cardinals.
Wow. Just wow.
WHAT? Wow. I would have never thought of the Angels as a legitimate contender.
:O
They needed to make sure they have another Vernon Wells contract in a few years.
That’s really disrespectful to Albert. Do not put him in the same class as Vernon Wells.
vernon wells doesnt even wanna be in the vernon wells class
he said in a FEW YEARS it would be a CONTRACT like Vernon Wells has, not that he is a Vernon wells like player…
Justin is right, in 5 or 6 years this contract will be just as bad as Vernon Wells’ contract if not worse.
Assuming he’s the age he’s said all along that he was (which some people doubt and those people believe he could be more like 34), the Angels will be paying a 39, 40, 41 and 42 year old player over 100 Million for those 4 seasons.
He’s a great player, but the last few seasons of this deal have the potential to be even worse than Vernon Wells’ contract.
It’s not disrespectful, its realistic… The Angels have a wonderful team with Albert in the fold for the next few seasons. If they get themselves a closer and maybe trade for a starter with Trumbo/Morales they will be even better… but this is a terrible contract.
I now see a possible Trumbo/Morales trade to the Brewers for K-Rod. There’s no way Milwaukee wants to spend upwards of $13-million for a set-up guy, but the Angels would pay that for a closer. Possible reunion coming?
I could also see a package centered around Trumbo or Morales being sent the Cubs for Garza. Marmol should be available as well.
That’s really disrespectful to Albert. Do not put him in the same class as Vernon Wells.
No! Not the AL!
Kevin, A whole lot of AL pitchers agree with your sentiment.
Gee Albert, I thought the money didn’t matter to you…. Not that I ever beleive anyone when they say that….
Adam, would you take 40 to 50 million less? Remember, this is not 30, 40 50 dollars.. or 300, 400, 500 dollars…
This is 30, 40 to 50 MILLION dollars.
Any athlete that doesnt take that extra $$ is insane.
You would take it…. it’s always about the money.
It’s not always about the money. It wasn’t only about the money for Cliff Lee or Joe Mauer. It’s only always about the money if you grew up poor on a Caribbean island.
what?? Joe Mauer?
dude signed 8 years 180 million and already isn’t worth it
and Cliff Lee took the deal with the highest overall value…
do people not read anymore
edit: also, what are you, racist? you have to be foreign to be greedy? are you really American?
thank you, i came back to defend myself. But you did it for me… 99% of the time, the only players that stay loyal are the ones that get the best offer from the team they played for previously.
For example: Mo Rivera was loyal a couple years back b/c he was offered 3 years 45 million from the Yankees and the Sox; in this case there was no reason to leave the team he’s played for b/c the offers were approx. the same.
However, if the Yankees offered Rivera 2 years 12 million per year and the Sox offered him 4 years 16 per he would leave… (unless he’s one of the 1% that are actually loyal regardless of $$).
Cliff Lee got the best offer from the Phillies, Joe Mauer got 22 million a year for 8 seasons.. that doesn’t make him loyal; that makes him rich…
And about your racist comment about poor hispanic players… Carl Crawford, Matt Holliday, Andruw Jones, John Lackey, Mark Texiera, AROD… these guys all took the money and left their teams… And Carlos Gonzalez is of hispanic decent and he signed long term… i’m sure there are many other examples but i’m done wasting my time shooting fish in a barrell (obviously this was directed toward niched not John)
What do you mean Cliff Lee took the deal with the highest overall value? The Yankees offered 7 years for $150 million to Lee, and then also made another offer with an option that could have pushed the deal to $161 million. The deal Lee ended up signing was for $120 million over 5 years, at least according to. i.e., he didn’t go for the most money but went to the place he wanted to go, felt more comfortable and had pitched before. Or did something change that I’m not aware of?
With Mauer, my point is that he didn’t go to free agency and play the market. He took a deal with his home team in his home town. It’s possible he could have gotten a bigger deal had he gone to the market. You’re right that in retrospect the deal looks like a mistake, but that’s not the point of this discussion.
By the way, it looks like I was wrong about Pujols in that the Marlins offered him more money than the Angels, but they wouldn’t include a no-trade clause. But I can see why a player of Pujols’ stature would take the deal that included the no-trade clause for less money. It’s about stability, status and respect as much as money.
Yes, I’m a racist. Oh wait, I’m not. It’s just that people I’ve known who grew up wanting for money were much more money status than people who grew up middle class like myself. It’s not a secret. Anyway, I should have just said “poor” instead of “poor” from a Caribbean country. But I shouldn’t have said it at all referring to Pujols. With Pujols I think it’s more about respect and pride than it is about actual dollar count.
No, I’m sure he’d turn it down. It doesn’t matter to him remember?
Lol never said it didn’t matter to me. You guys need to learn how to read. The difference between me and Pujols is that I won’t tell people it’s not about the money.
No, the difference between you and Pujols is that you will never be in that situation, and it’s a hell of a lot easier for you to judge him than to actually make that decision.
What situation? The situation of being offered more money to go somewhere else? Been there. Not all of us are unsuccessful at what we do…
No, the same situation of being a public celebrity and being offered $250 million got go else where. So no, you haven’t been there.
Did I not say that I never beleive anyone when they say that? There’s just not a need to lie about it. It makes you look a lot worse.
Did I not say that I never beleive anyone when they say that? There’s just not a need to lie about it. It makes you look a lot worse.
The problem is that if the offers were in fact 30+ million apart he would be screwing over the union by taking that much less. If the offer was $225 versus say $230 then he could take the lesser offer to stay with his team without altering the market for the rest of the players.
Loyalty is not just to your team but also to your fellow players.
holy commitment Batman
This comment section is going to blow up! Congratz Pujols.. You deserved this contract!
This comment section is going to blow up! Congratz Pujols.. You deserved this contract!
And then there was one!
And then there was one!
Wow…
Wow…
Wow, I know we have the abomination called interleague play (so, he’s been to some AL cities), but I have to think Pujols is enough of a talent to increase attendance in his first couple trips around the league. Angels immediately become favorite to win division. Texas will still fight for it, but I like Angels for now.
I don’t think the Angels are the immediate favorite to win the AL West. But it’s not good news for the Rangers.
The Angels with Pujols, and the Rangers potentially without Wilson. Looking like it will be close in the AL west.
Dumb signing!!! They have Morales and Trumbo? I would figure put the money to something else…. Hopefully Toronto can come in and swoop up Morales…
Oops I meant to hit the reply button, not the “like” button. They will probably move Trumbo to third and save $3 million and let Morales go. Good signing!
If Trumbo plays 3rd everyday this signing is worth it for the unintentional comedy value alone.
pujols can play 3B too
this isn’t MVP Baseball 2005. just cause he used to play it doesn’t mean he excels
you don’t pay a guy $250 million to switch from a position where he excels to one he barely knows and plays
Except for the part where his throwing elbow is damaged, and he might rip the whole thing to shreds with one hard throw, yes, he can play 3B.
If Morales is let go, I’d like to see the Braves take a flyer on him for LF. I thought he’d take JJ, but may just take a bag of balls given the knee issues. He’s cheaper then Beltran.
Morales x 2 + Trumbo x 3 still doesn’t = 1 Pujols
I like Trumbo better, but I’m betting the Angels will want to add a salary dump with either guy.
Why? Why is Trumbo better than Morales?
Trumbo has played in the last 2 years and he has safer celebrations.
theres no guarentee Morales will be his old self after coming back. the guy has been out of baseball for almost 2 years. so yeah in a way trumbo is better to keep around
Do the Angels need starting pitching? One of those two for Jurrjens could make sense.
I like Trumbo better, but I’m betting the Angels will want to add a salary dump with either guy.
Not really a dumb signing. With this signing, they now have one of the most attractive trade chips of the offseason in Morales or Trumbo. Trumbo is controlled for longer, while they’d be selling low on Morales considering how long he’s been out. Either player should get them the closing help or starting pitching they have been seeking.
Dumb signing!!! They have Morales and Trumbo? I would figure put the money to something else…. Hopefully Toronto can come in and swoop up Morales…
That is a HUGE contract but congratulations to the Angels. They did what they felt they had to do. As a Marlins fan I am glad it wasn’t us.
That is a HUGE contract but congratulations to the Angels. They did what they felt they had to do. As a Marlins fan I am glad it wasn’t us.
I’m actually very disappointed by this. Was hoping he would finish career with Cardinals. And I’m not too happy he’s in the AL now….
Me either … the Angels just got a whole lot scarier.
Still can’t believe they went to $250-260 though!
There’s also the plus side to it that you get to see this freak play more often.
Being able to watch Miguel Cabrera on a daily basis was enough.
I’d rather see the best players in the league, not the chumps. So all the power to them. Just wish they came to our team instead.
I’m actually very disappointed by this. Was hoping he would finish career with Cardinals. And I’m not too happy he’s in the AL now….
There you go, Moreno. That was not that hard !!! Now sign Wilson too. That should restore the credibility you loss, last season…
Moreno?
wow. came outta nowhere. guess they’re trading Kendry then, or does he slide over to DH?
im sure they will put trumbo at DH and trade kendry. or trade both. but thats if kendry will even be healthy.
wow. came outta nowhere. guess they’re trading Kendry then, or does he slide over to DH?
Your Pujols just got pinky(ed)
Your Pujols just got pinky(ed)
Too bad MLB doesn’t have amnesty clause. Vernon could be a prime target..
There is no cap in MLB… they’d still have to pay him his contract with no benifet
Too bad MLB doesn’t have amnesty clause. Vernon could be a prime target..
Wow. I have to admit it always made sense for Albert to sign this deal to an AL team but for whatever reason I never thought it would happen.
As a Rangers fan, this really scares me
As a Rangers fan, this really scares me
Pujols and Vernon Wells! The new 1-2 punch!
Thanks for the last 11 years. Now go to hell.
Actually, the proper name is Los Angeles, but you aren’t far from the mark.
Anaheim isn’t Los Angeles, it’s worse…
Why must you tarnish his name? You had 11 awesome years with Pujols. Wouldn’t you rather him not completely eat up your payroll for 10 years? I mean, yea, you just lost one of the best Cardinals to ever wear the uniform, but I’d be happy I didn’t have to pay him 26 million a year.
I said thanks for the last 11 years. Now he is an enemy.
Why is he an enemy, because he left the Cards?
Yeah. He’s on a different team. The opposition. Enemy.
Thanks for the last 11 years. Now go to hell.
Why does the name Gary Matthews Jr. come to mind?
You must be joking.
No comparison
Not exactly sure why its coming to your mind. I don’t recall Matthews being 31 years old and having over 2000 hits and 450+ homeruns.
Come on, that’s ridiculous. A-Rod should come to mind.
Why does the name Gary Matthews Jr. come to mind?
What a chump. The contract the Angels offered is going to be better than what the Cards offered but Albert just screwed his legacy. What a joke
To bitter St. Louis fans, maybe. The rest of the country’s baseball fans who don’t have a horse in the race will continue to respect him as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Whether or not he finishes his career with one team has no bearing on his legacy. “He played his whole career with one team!” is a touching story, but has no real bearing on anything. We’ll just have to tell our kids stories about his performance instead–shucks.
Its not like he went to the Royals.. the angels are an equally great franchise, sure it would of been great for him to stay with his original team, but the angels are a great organization
The Angels don’t even compare to St.L in the world of baseball. The Cards are one the most cherished teams in all of American sport history.
Even the KC Royals have a deeper history than the LA, California, Anaheim, or LAo’Anheim Angles.
The Angels don’t even compare to St.L in the world of baseball. The Cards are one the most cherished teams in all of American sport history.
Even the KC Royals have a deeper history than the LA, California, Anaheim, or LAo’Anheim Angles.
He is going into the HOF as one of the greatest hitters of all time. Maybe with the HR record. I think his legacy will be just fine.
What a chump. The contract the Angels offered is going to be better than what the Cards offered but Albert just screwed his legacy. What a joke
Congrats Angels. I’m shocked but no hard feelings.
Cardinals fans are always pretty classy.
Go to ESPN and look at the comments by Cardinals fans and then call them classy!
ESPN commenters are never classy— regardless of the team
Hahaha no – stl_cards16 is always pretty classy. Most Cardinal fans, not so much.
How dare you criticize baseball heaven.
hypocrite
Watch Cards sign Prince Fielder now …I can Albert at 1B and DH later in his career…Now the Angels will trade off some of their players..Anyway Albert makes them a contender every year and teams like the Mariners and A’s will never make it to the post season…The Rangers and Angels are the AL West version of the Yanks and Red Sox
No. Cards upper management is too intelligent. Fielder will not even recieve an offer.
No. Cards upper management is too intelligent. Fielder will not even recieve an offer.
The Cards already took care of plan B at 1st base by re-signing Berkman
Would you like some cheese with that whine?
well puholes now u can use ur steroids in the AL
Absolute insanity!
you mean the world champions?
I’m just glad he’s on a new team, and in the AL no less. Definitely looking forward to seeing what he can do on the dark side.
WOW
WOW
Brewers dynasty.
Pfff
Brewers dynasty.
Wow indeed. Moving to the AL makes some sense, though, in that he can DH as he gets older. Arte needs to win a WS in the first half of this contract, though, or the whole thing will look like a colossal waste.
Holy hell
Nice! Keep him as far away from the NL East as possible! Congrats LAA people! You got yourselves one of the best hitters in history…albeit at age 32 for ten years.
O M G. SHOCKER!!
I give the internet 45 minutes before blowing up.
Like a dog chasing a fire engine…or a lawyer chasing an ambulance…Albert chased the money…madness…so much for wanting to stay in St. Louis…
Still think getting rid of Mathis was their best move this offseason.
Opens up Ervin Santana trade to the Royals. They are also talking about going after CJ Wilson, so they have to free up payroll.
10 yr/$250M and a full no-trade? Albert is a cheeseburger away from making this worse than A-Rod’s contract with Texas. That’s a lot to pay for a full time DH in 4 years.
more like 6-7, but moot point
I’m glad he’s out of the NL.
Why is it when a lowish level player signs its ‘__ signs with __team’ but when it’s a big name player its “Pujols TO sign with Angels’.
probably because the lower level players aren’t getting constant updates, and sometimes nobody knows where they are signing until they actually sign the contract, whereas pujols hasn’t signed yet but it’s been leaked that he will sign with LA
I think that the Angels felt that they had to do this in order for them to compete with the Astros for the AL West crown…
LOL! No insecurity is too little for overcompensation. ;)
The Cardinals missed out on both Pujols and Buehrle. Fielder to StL?
He really screwed St. louis over…I thought he would re-up!!!how much money is too much? Ask Pooey Holes and Moreno
Hard to believe!!! American league just got a lot stronger.
Speechless.
Wait, I’m confused.. i thought they fired Reagins?
This is fun for about 3-4 years… but paying him 25 mill a season when he’s 38-39-40-41 is going to be as ugly as the vernon contract right now…
My condolenses to Card fans, I really though the was going to stay
Pujols is great, that contract will look awful in 5 years. But for the next 5 years the Angels are going to be a force
They will finish 2nd to the Rangers for years to come… just saying
Fan of neither team— the Angels with Pujols and another starter (say, Wilson), are definitely a better team than the Rangers and are easily the best team in the ALW.
Let’s not kid ourselves. Pujols is a huge bat to add to a decent offense, but that Rangers offense is solid top to bottom.
mitch moreland resents that comment
Says Vernon Wells?
Pujols doesn’t make them the best line up but if some other players rebound/develop they will certainly be a major force offensively.
*If Bourjos turns into a legit lead off hitter.
*If Trout has a good rookie season.
*If Abreu is rejuvenated by Pujols and has a bounce back year.
*If Kendrick can stay healthy.
Add all that and if Wells can go from horific to marginally bad (.280/.340/.450) then the Angels can be a great offensive team.
A lot of if’s but….
I don’t disagree with any of that. Like I said, let’s not jump the gun just yet. They still have to perform. The Rangers lineup has at least been producing so we can’t just ignore the production they have made. Once they develop a lineup around Pujols, then we’re talking.
Wow, what is wrong with the angels.. no trade claus? and 250mil? what a joke… i feel bad for angel fans!
You feel bad for them getting arguably the best hitter of all time?
Ignorance and jealousy are a horrible combination.
I have a feeling they’ll have no trouble enjoying it–at least while it lasts. ;)
No trade claus? Did you just compare Pujols to Santa?
I have been saying this would happen for the last 2 years, especially after the Angels whiffed in Free Agency after last year.
Unreal.. not we are gonna go after Rollins and Beltran?
Unreal…good for the Angles…
To be fair…the dude is 31, soon to be 32, has a family at priority. As a family man myself, can’t blame the man for going after as much cash as possible. Plus, last time I heard, SoCal wasn’t a bad place for a family to reside in either…
I agree. Feeding a family on $210 M is very challenging when they eat unicorn every day.
Hey…40-50 million is like 25% of the deal. Don’t act like it doesn’t make a difference.
Except, you know, the enormous cost of living adjustment, the incredibly higher income tax difference, and the variable drop of depreciation.
Yeah this comment of yours has ventured into Latrell Sprewell territory… I’d rather win a $450 million lottery over a $12 million lottery, but will I pretend for a second that the $12 million doesn’t set me up for life? Hell no.
More money is more money…regardless. And it just may be possible that SoCal is a better place to live than the midwest…I don’t know. Maybe a poll for that? My chips are in on LA.
So you wouldn’t quit your job and move to Cali for another job if it meant you get the 450?
The question you should ask though is how much does it take to make yourself comfortable – again?
Let me ask all the Angel fans – come 5-6 years from now, when you’re saddled with Pujols at 37-38 and his $22-$25 mill contract and he’s batting something like .275, 17 hrs, 62 rbis, will you still be cheering him and be glad you have him and all excited that he’s the centerpiece of your team? Or will you boo him, be upset that you’re paying him that much and he’s just a drag on your team’s performance and payroll, especially with that no trade clause?
It’s worth asking cause in STL, he’ll be praised and cheered til the end of his career because of what he’s built here.
Of course not, but are you going to turn down the $450 million if it presents itself to you on a silver platter?
JEZUS!
Game changer…..does Texas go after Prince now ??
Fielder wants a 6-7 years deal. Nobody offered more 5… I think Fielder is too rich for Texas’s blood. Pitching still the name of the game; even in 2011. They should pursue pitching.
Agreed! Fielder would only represent a marginal gain since they are already so stacked with sluggers. (Unless they figured to lose Hamilton or something at the end of the season…) Texas needs pitching… That’s why they’ve lost 2 WS in a row.
I’ve been vehemently anti-Fielder in Texas for months.
… until now. Now I want them to get him and let the Rangers pound CJ and Pujols into the sand.
No. Their back up plan was to move Berkman to first. My bet is they go after Beltran to take over in right.
Well at least he can DH when he reaches his 40’s
Wow, thats just… Goes to show that he really didn’t want to retire a Card…
Smart by Pujols though, he can DH later on in the contract
I’m torn whether Cards fans should boo him or not…..
Any Cardinals fan that boos him is being stupid beyond belief. Think about what the guy did for you guys for the first half of his career, not how the Angels (probably) broke the AAV and total value on one contract record.
Yes, but he promised so much to them only to leave for more money. He said he wanted to retire as a Card and now this. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t boo the guy but I’m saying I wouldn’t blame them if they did.
Should the one statement override the years he’s dedicated himself to the one team, though?
I guess if you put it like that 11 years is quite alot at the production he was giving
Or maybe he did want to retire as a Card and they didn’t offer him a better deal.
Now that I think about it we cant put all the blame on the player.
40 mil is a huge hometown discount. he has said he wanted to retire a card but has always made it clear that a competitive team is most important. the angels have always been willing to invest in the team.
As a Cubs fan, I’ll just say this is a terrible day for baseball. I don’t even want to consider this real. Albert Pujols should always be a Cardinal, though I guess it’s on St. Louis for not ponying up the money.
He gave the cards a discount of 111 million for 8 years and average 40 hrs and an average of .328. Logically they should have pony up the money..but Business wise, it was the right move to move on and especially they have Berkman to replace him.
They have Berkman to replace him….
come on dude
Replacing Albert Pujols with Allen Craig is not a winning formula, haha, though I guess since they just won, they don’t have to go for a ring for a while.
That’s been the Cubs’ philosophy for decades.
The Cardinals obviously assumed he’d want to stay and would take a little less money to do so. I wonder if he would have stayed had LaRussa stayed?
I wish STL felt the same way with their contract offer.
At least he is out of the NL central
Cards fan..How does it feel to be Lebroned? Atleast he gave you guys two world series titles!
”
That awkward moment where LeBron is the best man at a wedding and the Pastor asks him if he has the ring…”
When we see Pujols on national TV with his own broadcast to announce this, we can compare it to Lebron. Until then, there’s nothing wrong with the guy taking the deal he got.
Not good for A’s fans :-/now if tey go for Wilson that’s another 100m. So then are they gonna start dumping all their other players??!!
Even at 42 years old, I have little doubt Pujols will be struggling to pick up a bat as a DH, completely worth it for the Angels.
Hurray! This is good for the NL Central! (unless your a Cards fan). BTW Sorry Cards fans….. at least you got some WS out of him.
I still think the Cardinals are the best team in the Central, though. LOL… But yes I’ll be glad to not be responsible (Pirate fan) for 15 of Pujols’ home runs each year.
Ok, after the initial shock:
-While this is a blow to the Cards it doesn’t necessarily kill their chances in their division. Remember the Brewers are also losing a power hitter and the Cards won it all last year without Wainright.
-Good move by the Angels, they’ve needed a solid RBI man. Though they may be less happy about this deal come year 5. But they can keep him a little fresh by rotating him to the DH spot every now and then.
-Rangers are in a bit of trouble if they can’t get a pitcher or if Feliz fails as a big league starter. But I wouldn’t crown the Angels division champs yet.
-Really sucks for the Astros. They just Pujols out of their division… only to join him in the same division.
“Good move by the Angels, they’ve needed a solid RBI man”
I’d say he’s more than a solid rbi man haha
“-Really sucks for the Astros. They just Pujols out of their division… only to join him in the same division.”
That’s pretty funny
LOL poor Astros
LOVE your Astros comment! LOL
They basically bought a ~5-year window to win the World Series. If they do win one, the deal is a huge success. If not, the deal is a failure. Nonetheless, it should still bring a lot of excitement to the franchise. I’ll be interested to see what they do with Morales and Trumbo.
Plus Hunter and Abreu are coming off the books soon, and they have the best prospect in baseball waiting to take over for the league minimum.
when did you guys trade for bryce harper?
I literally cannot believe it. Holy balls.
Come on guys, let’s get 700+ comments!
It’s going to happen in less than an hour.
And just what are you going to do with 250-260 million dollars that you can’t do with approximately 210-220 million dollars, Albert?
So much for loyalty and doing the right thing.
Just heard the news on MLB tv. A Fathead commercial immediately followed. Appropriate.
The Cardinals had the perfect opportunity to lock him up, and passed on it.
Worst non-decision in their existence.
No, it was a good decision. They could sign Fielder and Darvish for the amount they would have had to pay Pujols.
Oh, is that what they’re going to do?
Haha.
I didn’t say they would. I said they could. Either way, Pujols isn’t worth $250M+ over 10 years — no one is. So it was a good non-decision by the Cardinals not to overpay.
Hard to blame a guy for moving from St. Louis to L.A. AND getting paid more to do it. 40-50 million is a huge gap for a contract, and there is always pressure from the players union to take as much as one can get.
Peoplewho don’t make that much money, always try and say “there’s no difference”. Trust me, there is always a difference
There is no such thing as loyalty in sports.
Bitter much? Couldn’t you just appreciate the 11 years he played for your team and gave his all, with great production? For me, it makes no sense to flame him the minute he signs somewhere else.
Lost a little respect for The Machine. Thought he was about more than just money. Raised the Angels a notch in my book though for getting out there and making it happen.
VEry few people are not about the money. It’s easy to say that when you are playing with $50k vs $60k. but $30M more?!??! only a fool would pass that up
As an Astros fan I hate that we’re stuck with Pujols for ANOTHER 10 years… Thanks Bud Selig.
On another note, what a stupid contract… Hopefully Morales will be non-tendered and my team can grab him…seeing as our 1B is a mess right now.
no way that Morales gets non-tendered.
LOL at the holier-than-thou Cards fans turning on him at the drop of a dime.
Best fans in baseball? Not even close, hahaha
I’d be mad too, if my team had made him a legit, fair offer like the Cards did and he rejected it to run after more cash like a kid running after the ice cream truck.
I’m surprised so few people saw this coming. I would’ve laid best odds on Cardinals, but Angels make a ton of sense. Large market, deep pockets, DH position for down the line and only a bat away from being a contender again.
Nobody was a better fit for Pujols, the only reason the Cardinals seemed more likely was because they were his home town team. People have been saying for a couple of years now that the Holiday deal may spell the end of the Pujols era in St. Louis and it looks like it may in fact have been a difference maker. I have a lot of trouble believing the Cardinals wouldn’t have matched this had Holiday not been there.
ya, but the Angels seemed to be less of a factor because of the number of players they had to slot into the 1B, DH positions, because of the Wells contract, and because they didn’t have enough/want to spend the money to land Beltre.
Maybe I should be, but I’m still not all that afraid of the Angels offense. When you take into consideration the quality of their pitching staff the team as a whole looks very scary, but the offense is still probably only borderline top 10.
I’m with you honestly, their offense is honestly no great shakes overall still. Their offense was awful last year and Pujols makes it much better, but it’s still far from top of the game.
That said, with that pitching, if they can make the playoffs, they’ll be a very tough opponent.
This is shocking.
I wish I had something more insightful or clever to say but I’m just stunned.
Angels are idiots. The back end of this contract is going to work out as good as Torii Hunters. They overpay all the time and they will end up in the cellar eventually due to this overspending.
If the back end of this contract works out as well as Torii Hunter’s they’ll be lucky.
the back end of this is going to be much much worse than hunter’s
From a yankee fan to an angel fan! Good luck with that outragous contract. in 3 or 4 years you guys are going to be saying maybe it wasnt such a great idea lol.
as a Halos fan…..I’m torn…the present looks great….the future looks like the Yankees w/ A-Rod….
Arte is attempting to buy his World Series ring
Because Pujols isn’t the best hitter ever, right?
Odds are his three- or four-years-older self won’t be.
if you really believe pujols is going to be the ” best hitter ever ” until the last day of his contract your on crack. the guy is going to start wearing down. i wouldnt be surprised if last years season was the start of it. although his Hr’s were still up there at 37 he only had 99 RBI’s and batted .297. maybe a fluke but i doubt it.
You doubt it’s a fluke because his career averages of .328/42/126 have shown nothing but decline. Suuuuure.
Don’t forget he missed 15 games last year. I have a feeling he would’ve made it to 100 RBI.
new angry birds enemy will be replaced by albert pujols head instead of the outdated pigs…
classy…
albert sees green faces. will the astros have a winning record in one of his 10 years?
Losing Pujols and Larussa, rough offseason for the champs.
still waiting to see if the addition of HGH testing this year leads to him having a decline in production and/or durability
Him or everyone?
well definitely him, others around the league as well
Oooh, that is a tantalizing prospect.
that i deff. agree. the guy has to be juiced and his tantrum when he said he will take a test every day was his way of keeping mlb from testing him. they still prob wont test him,because hes a fan favorite and they dont want to diminish
Do you think CJ is pissed at Albert for stealing his thunder?
CJ Wilson is not impressed…
Wow…
I dont’ have much else to say other than that. The Angels did this a few years ago with Vladdy. Swooped in and took the best FA on the market. They’ve done it again.
Where are the Angels getting an addition 40 million a year from? 26 Million a year on Pujols and on the verge of signing C.J. Wilson too?
Arte’s worth $900 billion + and w/ Pujols and possibly Wilson the new TV deal should increase
I’m assuming you meant million?
Umm, I seriously doubt the offer to Wilson is still on the table.
They said last night that they have the budget to sign both Pujols and Wilson and spending over $300 million in commitments.
I think its safe to say that the Halos are going to get more production out of jersey number 5.
Not by much b/c Mathis was pretty solid defensively…..lol
But a lot less sacrifice bunts.
Wow…
at our expense. seriously, think about your team first.
What are the chances that Albert plays 3rd? Just spitballing.
More chance he DH’s
I agree. No one has talked about that….he has over 100 games at 3rd in his career.
I don’t know who i feel for more, the city of St. Louis or A.J. Burnett when he has to pitch to the Angels.
did NOT see that one coming. the Rangers might want to reconsider going after Fielder now…
What an atrocious contract. 26 million for a 42 year old? I guess the dh factor will benefit the angels.
they are more screwed because Pujols’ age is FAKE
Are Cardinals fans going to start crying like the big babies they are
Ok. Everyone gets it. You hate the Cards and their fans.
As a life-long Cardinals fan, I am sad to see him go, but happy the team didn’t try to match that offer. No way the Cardinals could compete long term with that big of a contract. I’d rather see the money lock up Wainwright and improve the middle infield.
As a Marlins fan, I also am very happy that we didn’t get him for 10 years. I love Pujols. But not for the price. Congratulations for Pujols. He deserves everything he has received. He’s worked hard for it. I hope Card fans, as difficult as this may be for them, understand and wish him nothing but the best.
As a fellow Mets fan, please shut up Jay. Our fan base is hardly in a position to taunt fans of another team, least of all Cardinals fans.
Wow, I’m really shocked that he’s gonna beat A-Rod’s contract. I’d like to know what any Cards fans feel about this.
I am happy for AP and his family, and I am also happy the Cards did not try to match this. Albert is a great ballplayer and a no doubt future HOFer but there is no way we could put that much of our payroll into one player.
Thanks. It’s good to see that there are some “classy” Cards fans left, like you and stl_cards16. Check out Albert’s Facebook page. A bunch of “classy” Cards fans have been flaming it, so it’s good to see that there are still fans who recognize reality.
A-Rod’s 1st Contract you mean … the second one is so ridiculous nobody is beating that one (once adjusted for inflation)
WOW…Congrats Big Al on finally getting your payday..As a cubs fan, I couldn’t be happier
That’s what the difference is between the Cards & the Cubs. We get happy winning the World Series and this is all that makes you happy. I do understand where you’re coming from, Pujols used to kill you guys.
No loyalty in baseball. What a shame.
Yeah, he only brought the city two championships and countless memories.
It’s a two way street. Cardinals showed a lack of loyalty with their low-ball offer.
I didn’t know 200 million was a low-ball offer?
It is compared to $250 million
Nothing in the hundreds of millions is ever low ball so understand. I don’t think anyone is worth that much and that includes Alex Rodriguez, Albert Puljos, and obviously Joe Mauer. It always ends up as a bad deal. Debate me if you like. My personal opinion.
Oh I’m not debating that this isn’t a bad deal. But I’m sorry, Pujols owes St. Louis nothing.
That’s the point though. It doesn’t matter what you think he’s worth if someone’s willing to pay that much for him. They did, the cards weren’t. End of story. I’m sure plenty of teams would’ve offered him $150mill. That’s not “low ball” either because that’s a ton of money. It’s just low ball for what it takes to sign him.
It’s lower than $250 million, but not “low-ball”. Cardinals would be stupid to offer $250 million. They don’t have that kind of payroll capabilities.
Let’s see….. $50 million difference is a lowball offer to me. If it were $10 or $20, I’d agree. But $50 million is not even in the ballpark. Sorry.
says the Yankee fan?
haha so true!
Haha I know. Its as unusual as the black clansman on the Chappelle Show.
Pujols portrays himself like a religious guy but in the end, he’s just like the rest of the greedy people in the world. I’m from STL and hate to see him go but, hey, the Cards tried and failed. I was worried about giving him 10 years because he’s not going to be good for that long. He’ll DH in about 5 years because his body will be shot.
I don’t see how you can conclude that he’s greedy. Maybe he would rather live in LA than STL? I know I would. If anything, STL fans are the greedy ones for expecting Pujols to take a massive pay cut to stay and play for them.
Exactly. He was full of it from the beginning. I guess that’s just how it is. Not too many genuine players in baseball.
He must’ve been full of it when he signed the 8 year deal with them for the massive discount before. I guess that must’ve entitled the cards to another deal like that. I know, what a jerk.
i read a story on deadspin where the cardinals knew lozano was having major money problems and needed to sign pujols quickly last time and thats the main reason why his last deal was so team friendly. whether or not this is true i dont know, but im pretty sure albert wasnt trying to give them a “massive discount.”
So what? That’s still just speculation and the facts remain that they had him for all those years at a ridiculous discount. I can’t believe anyone is going to complain about having Pujols at that kind of contract.
I’m glad you said it Homer. Cards fans weren’t complaining when he gave them the discount. Now RD is accusing him of not being “religious” because he went for his family’s security over giving the Cards ANOTHER $50 million discount. Ludicrous.
The security part really has nothing to do with it at that much money, but the point remains the same. You can just be happy for the guy. It’s not like he hasn’t earned it. Everyone who wasn’t blind knew that when he hit FA, it would be a frenzy and you would just need to come out on top. Cards just didn’t pull it together. Can’t be bitter at him for that.
hes not full of it, this contract fits into everything hes said in the past. playing for a competitive team and getting paid the money hes due. im sure he would have liked to stay a cardinal but not at a 40 million dollar discount. that would just be stupid.
Speculation. Cool story.
He’s a freak of nature and keeps himself in impeccable shape. You could be right, but there’s just as good of a chance that you’re wrong.
Jealous much?
Good, I look forward to Miggy vs Pujols for the dominant hitter in the AL. I’m a little Bias towards Miggy because I honestly believe he is the best pure hitter in the game.
Did you forget about Bautista? He’s been the best for the past 2 years.
You’re thinking slugger, I’m thinking best pure hitter.
Arte is a Vatican Assassin
this is a great day to be a cardinals fan. you won 2 world series with the guy, grossly underpaid him on his 1st big contract and are now going to let someone else pay an insane amount of money for his decline years based on everything he did for you in his prime. this is the perfect way to lose a free agent.
it still sucks to lose the face of your franchise and the best player in the history of the franchise coming off a world series win. hard to sugar coat that even if it is a good thing in the long run.
Best player in the history of the franchise? Stan Musial resents that.
They’re almost dead even. I’ll give the nod to Musial for being a lifer.
It’s bittersweet. If he had signed with the cards, I could have hoped that he would continue to produce at a high level beyond age 35-36 and enjoyed the next few seasons. Now, I really don’t care if he hits another home run in his career. Best of luck to him.
What will happen with Kendrys Morales? I wonder if the Pirates could swing a deal for him?