Fifteen years ago today, the Astros and Tigers swung a nine-player trade. Houston received Brad Ausmus, Jose Lima, Trever Miller, C.J. Nitkowski, and Daryle Ward while Detroit imported Doug Brocail, Brian Hunter, Todd Jones, and Orlando Miller. It's not often you see a club turnover 20% of its roster in a single deal. Here are some evening links…
- Albert Pujols' new ten-year contract with the Angels will keep him with the team for another ten years after it expires. MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports (on Twitter) that the deal will keep him on board as a consultant to owner Arte Moreno for a decade after his playing days are over.
- In a second tweet, Gonzalez heard from C.J. Wilson that not only did the Marlins offer him a sixth guaranteed year, but they also offered him an option for a seventh year as well.
- Even after signing Rafael Furcal to a two-year, $14MM contract, Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio reports (on Twitter) that the Cardinals remain in contact with free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran could step in at right field and help replace some of the offense lost when Pujols left.
- "I haven't talked to anyone," said non-tender candidate and Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, indicating that he doesn't know what will happen before Monday's deadline to tender contracts to players with less than six years of service time. "I have no idea. I don't know what the plan is. I don't know how they view me or if I fit in their plans. All I can do is prepare myself and be ready for whatever comes my way."
- Baseball America's Matt Eddy reports that the Diamondbacks have signed former Astros outfielder Jason Lane as a left-handed pitcher. The 34-year-old hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2007, but he made the move to the mound this past season. Todd Dewey of the Las Vegas Journal-Review chronicled the conversion back in August.
First damnit First!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shouldn’t you be getting ready to play the Colts tomorrow?
Peyton’s Out…So No
people don’t play the Colts, they play with them
so…. its a 20 year contract?
wow he’s totally going to go in to the hall with an angels hat on
đ yeah
I’m wondering who’s gonna be the next Cardinal to wear number 5
They just signed good old what’s his name right?
Hopefully Holiday will take his number 5 back
Dude would be dumb to go in with an Angels hat on…just because he is gonna be a consultant for 10 years after he retires doesnt mean he will go in as an Angel. You can’t take away his numbers in StL…there is no way he puts up better numbers or even gets close to it with the Angels. The legacy of Pujols will always remain in StL…because without those 11 years in StL, there would be no Pujols…Players define their Hall of Fame career by the the best and most productive years, and with StL he was a career .328 batter, with 3 MVPs, 2 World Series Championships…if he beats those stats in an Angels uniform then he should go in as an Angel, but until then, he will go in as a Cardinal.Â
he decides what cap he wears in to the hall… if he’s employed by the team he just spend a decade with, its going to be hard for him to say, nah I’ll go in as a card.
Â
Not anymore. Ever since Wade Boggs signed that deal with the Devil Rays that reportedly (whether true or not, it was reported) included a clause about Boggs going into the Hall with a Rays cap on, the HoF has changed their policy. Now, the Hall asks the player which cap they want to wear, but if the Hall determines that the player “[made] his most indelible mark” somewhere else, they will select that logo instead.
Examples of the latter policy: Gary Carter wanted to go in as a Met, and Andre Dawson wanted to go in as a Cub, but both were inducted as Expos at the Hall’s discretion.
That’s how it should be.
Randy Johnson is going to be another great example of this when he becomes eligible. Does he go in as a Mariner or a Dback? My vote is DBack.
Not anymore. Ever since Wade Boggs signed that deal with the Devil Rays that reportedly (whether true or not, it was reported) included a clause about Boggs going into the Hall with a Rays cap on, the HoF has changed their policy. Now, the Hall asks the player which cap they want to wear, but if the Hall determines that the player “[made] his most indelible mark” somewhere else, they will select that logo instead.
Examples of the latter policy: Gary Carter wanted to go in as a Met, and Andre Dawson wanted to go in as a Cub, but both were inducted as Expos at the Hall’s discretion.
It’s not the players decision. It is up to HOF.
 True, but it should not be about who is employing him, that should not matter at all, the numbers should. From the business sense, that makes sense, but after baseball that doesnt matter, it is what you do on the field and where you had your best career numbers that are things that matter. How could anyone in the Angels organization argue against the idea of going into the Hall as a Cardinal…I mean good lord, it was the 11 years in the Cards uniform that got him that deal with the Angels after all. Their is no way he can produce the numbers he did for the Cardinals with the Angels, his Cardinals numbers are crazy good, and I dont see him putting up numbers like that in the last 10 years of career. Had he only been with the Cardinals for lets say 7 years, I could understand it, but spending more time on the Cardinals and having those numbers he did, I would be highly disappointed if he went in as an Angel and I believe I am in the high majority of baseball fans everywhere, not just Cardinals fans.
A lot depends on his career with the Angels. He could be another Hank Aaron and be productive until the day he retires, with little drop-off. Breaking Barry “Inflatable Head” Bonds lifetime home run mark with the Angels would be another reason he could go in with a halo.Â
They signed Holliday largely because Pujols wanted to see a commitment to winning. They won a WS and he takes off. They wiped his nose for a decade. Hand now he’s a consultant to the Angels after he retires. He likely wears an Angels cap in his plaque.
Albert = the whore of Anaheim.
They signed Holliday largely because Pujols wanted to see a commitment to winning. They won a WS and he takes off. They wiped his nose for a decade. Hand now he’s a consultant to the Angels after he retires. He likely wears an Angels cap in his plaque.
Albert = the whore of Anaheim.
cool story about Jason Lane
He could really be a useful piece as a reliever who could pinch-hit and then come into the game. That’s beyond “utility” right there.
Wasn’t there a pitcher for the Cubs a few years ago who basically did the same thing? Can’t recall his name.
[Wasn’t the Cubs, it was the Brewers (though the Cubs drafted him out of college). Brooks Kieschnick was the guy’s name.]
You have to think that this is Pujols giving the middle finger to the Cardinals management and front office.
In 9 years we should draft his son and stick him in A-ball for 15 seasons. Just to make a statement.
he can refuse to sign?
Draft him again.
GET OVER IT.
GET OVER IT.
The Card’s should go hard after Cespedes for RF…and sign Aaron Miles for nostalgia purposes
We already signed Aaron Miles for nostalgia purposes before, it didn’t work out.
Brad Bergeson > Dana Eveland (or whatever that bums name is)
If you are going to trade 2 players and waste a 40-man for Eveland why wouldn’t you tender Bergy a contract? Can’t be too expensive.
After he’s done as a player, he can then be a hitting coach for the Angels. BYE HATCHER.
why wait?
i figured Pujols would go back to the cards in some way after he is done with that contract. Hmmm, he really has left St. Louis far behind him.
Good for him. Playing for a team that values him and doesn’t just expect an under market contract. I have even more respect for Pujols than I did before the Off Season.
Yes, the Cardinals absolutely undervalued Pujols, that’s the reason, it’s not that they’ve a small market team with a limited payroll, and that devoting over 1/4th of your payroll to one person is ludicrous.
The Cardinals undervalued him so much that they gave him a statue….
At the end he came over because he is guaranteed a job for 20 years..If i was guaranteed 20 years of having a job in which ever part of this country and it’s going to pay me very good money. Heck i’m moving..Like he said it’s what’s best for his family he loves STL but he loves his family a lot more than anyone else..and i’d feel the same. You can give the man as many statue’s as STL want’s but if they don’t guarantee him a job then bye bye Stl..
Yeah, just like when the team threw Musial, Gibson, Dean, Brock, and every other legend under the bus. Oh wait, those guys are still brought out 50+ years later to participate anytime they’re willing.
Key words “Participate” “Willing”… It’s like a Vet that comes back from war..He does everything he can in his ability to save people and to survive.. And all the man gets is a purple heart.. Some say it’s for loyalty and respect other’s say it’s BS and that they want more then just a freakn medal that in reality it’s not going to make you survive life after war. Purple heart is Pujols statue represents the fan’s loyalty and respect to him.. And what he wanted from Cards is what Angels offered him..A guarantee that he won’t have to do anything after his life in baseball for himself and his family.. The man is set for life as well as his family..Money is important and 200M from Cards is a lot of money but he only had those 200M for 9 years..The way economy is hitting people these days.. 1M isn’t even enough..Guy played it smart..1) He has more than enough money 2) He has a job for 20 years..he is SET
To all you dumb Angel fans, Just know Pujols would rather be playing for the Cardinals, but we don’t have as much money as you guys do. That’s the bottom line. He will always be a Cardinal at heart, he knows it, we know it, and we hate his tamale smellin asssssssss.
Mad much? I bet he does want to play with the Cards more than anyone in baseball..But the front office is what made him back away..SO blame your team not the player..Be mad at your team not the player..Be mad at yourself for being mad not the player..Get it?
He also said he’d give them a discount if they signed Holliday because it was a commitment to winning, and that’s what he wanted.
He also said he’d give them a discount if they signed Holliday because it was a commitment to winning, and that’s what he wanted.
I would hope that Matt Holliday switches his number from 7 to his usual number, 5.
Yeah, $210 million is such a travesty of an offer.
“Starting at first base for your Los Angeles Angels…number 5, Albert Pujols!!!!” Meh, doesn’t have the same ring to it…
it will in a few years.
“starting at first base for your los angeles angels of anaheim…number 5, albert pujols!!!!” cant forget “of anaheim”
Sounds great to me, and it will sound better in 2013 when they add “Your World Champion” to the introduction.
Keep dreaming you wont even beat the Rangers.
Wow i change my mind about Cards fans.. After seeing that Video on YouTube of some fans burning Pujols jersey..Wow cruel people in STL.. So Cards fans are on top of my list of fans i just don’t like and that are a shame to baseball..So congrats Card fans for joining my list of 2 along with Ranger fans..Card fans are on it because there sore losers and can’t understand a decision a player made and they just can’t even handle it lil B’s.. CongratsÂ
I remember when I thought C.J. Nowitzki’s rookie card was going to be the key to my retirement…Â
i still got a manny ramirexz card… now nobody wants him or the card
Jason Lane still hit decently well last year, he really could pinch hit for the pitcher, then take over pitching. Has any player ever done that in the last 30 years?
I couldn’t remember his name so I had to look it up, but Brooks Kieschnick did it at the ML level for the Brewers in ’03 and ’04. He was better with the bat in ’03 (.970 OPS in 76 PA with 7 HR) and better on the hill in ’04 (3.77 ERA in 43 IP) though he wasn’t terrible with the bat that year (.270/.324/.365).
Basically gave the Brewers a 26-man roster, which can definitely be helpful in the National League.
so jason lane went from being a power hitting outfielder to a pitcher? way to pull a reverse-rick ankiel lol
Albert must have really been offended by something from the Cardinals. It as to be more than the low ball offer a year ago. What could truly make him so angry at St. Louis? Anyone know?Â
maybe him and colby rasmus we’re secretly best friends
Probably the fact that they skipped over Oquendo for Matheny? I remember reports that Pujols wanted them to give it to him.
doubtful.. extremely doubtful
It wanted to be the highest paid player in the game… and he fell short by 21 million $$$$$.
Im thinking is was the fact that they did not start the offers.. they just left their original offer on the table and waited.. STL had a week after the world series to negoiciate without any other team getting involved and Im sure Pujols’ plan was to recieve another offer from the Cardinal, take that offer to other teams to drive up the price, and see if the Crads could match. Instead the Cardinals waiting for another team (Marlins) to get invovled.
Albert is the one who called off the negotiations at the beginning of the season. From a business management standpoint, never bet against yourself.
Im talking about the exclusive right the cards had AFTER the world series…. I also heard the Cards did offer him a 5 year 150MM contract and it “offended him” that it was only for 5 year..Â
Exactly. I do blame that cheapskate DeWitt though too, with weak offers and not budging on a  10 year… he would have given us a discount but not for that crap. DeWitt needs to go next.
They insulted him by offering him a measly 210 million dollar contract, I mean come on who wouldn’t be offended by that?
 Pujols can advise Arte Moreno to make sure he doesnt make massive financial mistakes that can compromise the future…..like the Pujols deal
The Angels are about to sign a $# billion dollar TV contract; I don’t think money is going to handcuff the Angels like many people say.
3 billionÂ
I miss Jose Lima. RIP Lima Time
In that article about Jason Lane, it mentions Chad Gaudin and that he’s 28. That blew my mind, I could have sworn he would be in his 30s by now.
Im not a cards fan, but if I was I would be deeply saddened by these events with Pujols. I dont think the players, him esp, realize how many people their decision to leave a team effects. It really sucks….
You’re just mad cos he signed with an AL team and now you’re gonna have to face him more often đ
That’s easy to say when you just signed a million dollar contract extension with your drafting team Lefty.
This just goes to show that some players (CJ Wilson) will take slightly less money to not have to wear hideous uniforms.
In the case of C.J. Wilson, he is from southern California, and the lure of going home was just too great when all things were essentially equal.
20 year commitment to the Angels. Wow.
What the hell happened in St. Louis????
He did not feel loved!!!! LMAO
But in his speech yesterday, he said he felt the love and support in St. Louis made him the man that he is today.
What Albert says & what he does have never matched. All talk. He can smash a baseball though.
So this is the real reason why he joined Halos..not money
the consultant job is a made up job, its just a way that the angels are able to continue to pay him a deferred salaryÂ
He can be Angels Hitting Coach and Salmon could be Assistant.. đ
If Fielder also goes to AL, that will three of the best first basemen in AG, AP, and PF from NL gone. That’s just sad.
True, but NL got Halladay, Lee & Grienke.. 3 of the better pitchers from the AL
BRING BELTRAN IN ASAP!! Now that Braun is either serving a 50 game suspension and/or will be completely distracted next year with the PED thing now is STL chance to really seal up the NL Central. Obvisouly last year proved you just have to get into the playoffs to have a good chance. With Wainwrights return, our pitching is much stronger and a Beltran addition should actually make the Cardinals a more competitive team.
We need to aquire a 2B too like Brian Roberts.
Is Roberts a FA?
Here is a list of remaining FA 2B:
Andres Blanco
Orlando Cabrera
Alex Cora
Craig Consell
Bill Hall
Felipe Lopez
Jose Lopez
Aaron Miles
Nick Punto
I like Cabrera or Hall at 2B for the Cardinals.
yeah get beltran and trade for roberts, that would be jawsome!
No. Roberts has concussion symptoms don’t give him a chance. I like Cabera too.
It was your idea to get Roberts! haha.. I think Daniel Descalso is will be the 2B next year
As a long-time Angel fan, I’m really torn about this Pujols deal, not because of the money because of the pain that Cards fans are probably feeling. The Cards have always been my second favorite team, and I have the utmost respect for them. They win with class, home-grown talent, the players are usually class acts, and the fans are the most gracious. Also I don’t have to remind Card fans of the many, class-act, players we share that helped us win championships, like Eckstein, Edmonds, Spezio, and to a lesser extent even Yadier Molina. I’ve always felt the Angels and Cardinals operate their business like a family and the Angels are just AL versions of the Cards, and vice versa.Â
So I would like to thank the Cardinals on behalf of the Angels organization fro developing such a great player, and apologize for being the cause of your pain.
And for anyone who think the Angels bankrupted themselves by signing Pujols, here are some facts. The 3 billion dollar contract combined with Arte’s money gives us excess money to even get someone else, though that is of course highly doubtful. Plus Pujols also generates enough revenue that even in his final years, he is beneficial for the Angels. The money that his jerseys, merchandise, etc produce, plus Arte’s payroll, plus the 150 million a year they get from the TV deal, gives them a ton of salary. That is why Pujol’s contract, although similar in terms of salary, is incomparable to Vernon Well’s because Wells does not even come close to generating the amount of revenue Pujols does.Â