http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=stl
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/albert_pujols/
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how Albert Pujols was asking for three hundred million dollars for ten years. I gave reasons why he should be given this amount and why parts of this contract should be changed.
Opening day was just last Thursday against the San Diego Padres. The Cardinals lost 3-5, where Pujols had five at bats and zero hits. Saturday the Cardinals lost 3-11 once again against the San Diego Padres. In this game Pujols had four at bats, two hits, one home run, and one RBI. That is the last time we have seen a hit from Pujols since. On Sunday the Cardinals finally brought home a win where Albert Pujols went 0-4 hitting. Last night the Cardinals lost again, this time to the Pitsburg Pirates 3-4. Once again Albert Pujols went 0-3. Did all this contract talk go to his head?
I am still an avid Pujols and St. Louis Cardinal fan, but I have always said that it is sad to see players get caught up in the money aspect of professional sports. I fully agreed they should get paid well, and if you are a huge part of any team there is no reason why you should not get paid the most. What I do not agree with is getting paid outrageous amounts of money or simply not attending training camps until someone gives you the ridiculous amounts of money that you are asking for.
Even though Albert Pujols has gone 2-16 in their first four games that should not take away from any of his other accomplishments that he has made since he has been in St. Louis. All players go through rough patches.
On the other hand, if you are going to claim that you deserve three hundred million dollars for ten years you better be able to back that up. Back it up with hits, homeruns, or at least RBIs. Right now Pujols is averaging .125. His career high is .331.
This is very early in the season and he could quickly come out of this slump. This year Albert is playing with a lot of pressure. He has pressure from the fans of St. Louis constantly questioning his future with the Cardinals. Pujols is feeling the heat from the franchise. They are going to be watching him extremely hard this year. His performance will determine their ultimate decision on whether to grant his proposal or not. Along with those pressures, Pujols is placing a lot of pressure on himself. He has to perform well in order to even have a chance for the franchise to accept his offer. He also has to prove to the fans of St. Louis that he wants to be here and will do what it takes to stay.
It is only four games into regular season play, and a lot can change. Cleary Pujols has not started out on the right foot, and definitely his play has not proven that he desires three hundred million. Once he relaxes a bit I know he will be right back into the old outstanding Pujols that brings millions of fans to Busch Stadium every day!
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