From college to professional, from baseball to basketball and everything in between, “For the Love of the Game” is an opinionated look at sports throughout the nation and in the St. Louis area. This twice-monthly column discusses topics pertaining to the phenomenon of sports and what they mean to the writer.
Tim Doty
– Copy Editor –
Feb. 16 has passed. Albert Pujols has reported to spring training. The alarm has gone off and the St. Louis Cardinals’ front office can’t continue hitting the snooze button. It’s time for them to wake up.
Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols does not want to negotiate a new contract during the season. He wants to focus on the season at hand and prepare himself for what may be the last season he wears a Cardinal uniform.
And that’s just one reason why he should be re-signed.
The dedication Pujols puts into every season, every game, and every at-bat should be the first indication that he needs to stay in St. Louis. Consistency and focus has been his forte for the first 10 seasons of his career. In my last column, I discussed his numbers through the first 10 seasons. To sum it up, they are downright historical. The Cardinals should not let this opportunity slip. It is difficult to imagine two or even three players that could fill the void if Pujols leaves.
Out of respect for the slugger, the Cardinals upper management should not try to re-sign him at this moment, but they need to make sure they do at some point. Clubs retain exclusive negotiating rights with its currently signed players until five days after the World Series. From the day the Cardinals’ 2011season ends, the front office needs to sign Pujols to a new contract. After the five days following the end of the World Series, he will become a free agent. There is still a possibility that the St. Louis ballclub could re-sign him, but they would have to theoretically compete with 29 other teams for him, which would drive the price up.
Another argument to re-sign him is to let him have the opportunity to play his entire career with the team that drafted him. Playing with one team for an athlete’s entire career is almost unheard of in any sport in this age of free agency. By re-signing him, he will undoubtedly go into Cooperstown as a Cardinal and his jersey number retired alongside Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Stan “The Man” Musial.
A third reason to keep him with the Cardinals is a financial one. Pujols has been the face of the Cardinals for the better part of 10 years. The organization earns money from Pujols jerseys, bobble heads, and even Pujols Packs of tickets fans can purchase. Don’t forget that fans sometimes come to games not only to see the Cardinals play but also to see Pujols perform on the diamond. If Pujols departs, it’s difficult to imagine earning as much revenue or as many fans coming to the games. Even mythical Ballpark Village wouldn’t be a substitute for “El Hombre.”
The front office should be careful about how much to spend on Pujols, though. If he wants 10 years, give him 10 years but negotiate on the salary. A salary of $300 million is a tad ridiculous. I couldn’t even see the New York Yankees putting out that kind of money for him. He is a once-in-a-lifetime player. Let him earn money throughout his lifetime. The Cardinals could give him about $20 million to $25 million per season while he plays, and afterward let him earn money through stock or capital in the Cardinals. The totals could amount to more than $300 million if they go with this option.
Consistent stats, a St. Louis legacy and profits are just some of the reasons the Cardinals must re-sign Pujols. I would love to see Albert Pujols play his entire career with the Cardinals and this city to arguably have the greatest player in the history of baseball. When the alarm clock buzzes, will the Cardinals wake up and re-sign Pujols or will it all have just been a dream?
