How To Determine Pujol's Future

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/02/albert-pujols-d.html

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml

http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/feed/2011-01/albert-pujols/story/chris-carpenters-fate-could-depend-on-albert-pujol

In my last post concerning the trade of Pujols I stated that the Cardinal’s should do what it takes to keep him around.  As steep as his offer is and it could put the Cardinal’s in a penny pinching situation the economic effects of losing Albert Pujols could be worse. 

Albert will become a free agent after this upcoming 2011 season.  Pujol’s wants to play out this season and not be bothered by trade rumors until after the World Series, fair enough.  It is safe to say that Albert Pujol’s wants to stay a Cardinal.  He was quoted  in his latest interview saying that a few things need to happen in order to keep him around. 

If you ask my opinion of the few things that need to happen I’ll tell you….

They need to pay him what he deserves.  Pujol’s was paid 14.5 million in the 2010 season.  Arguably the best player in baseball right now didn’t even make the top 25 highest paid players in the league.  Alex Rodriguez was paid 33 million for the 2010 season.  See the problem here?  As much as I feel that it should not be all about the money imagine if you worked at the same company and compared yourself to a co-worker.  You work much harder, and you are clearly better.  At the end of the day they are getting paid more than you, wouldn’t that make you feel a little taken advantage of? I do not think Pujols is all about the money, but there comes a time where you need to stand up for yourself and get a little bit of what you deserve.

The Cardinals need to meet Pujols more than halfway on his demands.  Instead of paying him a guaranteed 30 million for 10 years, why not guarantee 8 years as the highest paid player with an option of the final two years based on performance when it comes that time.  That way Pujols is kept happy and the Cardinals have an out and are not bound to a 10 year contract. 

  In order to free up some money for Pujols new pay check the Cardinals are gonna have to let go of a few players that are costing them more money than they are worth.  Lance Berkman, former NYY, is getting paid more than he should.  He could easily be replaced for a more inexpensive player.  Other players that would free up some money would be Ryan Franklin and Skip Schumaker.  Letting go of some of these unproductive players will free up some money to keep our key players around. 

Another major thing the Cardinals need to be sure to do is keep a winning team around.  Pujols has said it is not all about the money.  If the Cardinals can put together a winning  team he would love to stay.  Keeping players like Matt Holliday, Chris Carpenter, and Pujols happy will ensure a winning combination.  Through some mediocre players in the mix at a low cost and that will at least keep the Cardinals organization out of some serious debt.  Win some games, build up revenue, and keep Albert Pujols!!!  Although paying him will put the Cardinals in a tough position money wise however, the economic ramifications of letting him get away could be even worse.