Pujols Signed by Angels - Go get Morales

[ChaosLex]

For all the talk of DiPoto being a genius, this was a really idiotic move.

[erb8472]

I understand that part, but only if it's really just a dump-type trade a la Hardy like others have suggested.

Morales' health concerns me, so I wouldn't want to give up too much of value for him in a trade.

Well if they are considering NT him I doubt you have to give up much to get him. This is exactly the type risk we should be taking.

[srock]

Absolutely, and rightfully so. They offered him more money than he'll be able to spend only for him to jump ship at a few more million. Disgusting but typical of today's stars.

Did St. Louis offer 10 years and full no-trade? That seems to be the key to Pujols. He could have gotten more money if he stretched this thing out and wasn't so strict about years and no-trade.

[tilgaham]

You can disagree all you want, Pujols is nothing more than a money grubbing mercenary who was offered $250 million to stay. If that's not enough money for his filthy hands then he'll deserve all the boos that rain down on him once he starts to suck, which will be way before the end of that contract. Like Mu$$ina, he gave up a chance to put down a legacy for a few extra bucks.

Either way, who gives a rats butt about another greedy player, I'd rather focus on what that means for the Orioles. Hopefully they can get involved with Morales because I think he's got a nice bat to add to the order, especially if he can be had fairly cheaply. He can go to 1st base or split 1B with Reynolds and DH the other times.

I wonder if it's less about money and more about being able to cement that legacy at DH in the American league when he's unable to play the field. The all time HR record is still within reach (although unlikely) for Pujols, and extending his career 2-3 years might hold a ton of value for him.

[SammyBirdland]

How can he turn down 250 million?

How much money does one need? For a guy with that much money, $30 million is just a year or two in a few good investments.

[bOhs01]

I didn't think that Pujols was such a big ego guy until now. His team just won the world series without their best pitcher and he jumps ship for a few million dollars. I bet his contract is for a dollar more than A-Rods just so he can claim that his is the biggest ever.

It wasn't for a few million dollars. It was for what looks to be up to 40 million extra. The Cards were offering 10 year 220 by most accounts. He signed for 10 year 250-260 million. That's a lot of cake to leave sitting on the table. The MLBPA i'm sure was putting pressure on him as well to take the biggest deal.

[Frobby]

For all the talk of DiPoto being a genius, this was a really idiotic move.

He overpaid, but he will probably look like a genius for the first five years or so.

[OrioleMagic]

They have got to be looking to dump Abreu! Maybe to the point of including a really good prospect with him...

[erb8472]

Did St. Louis offer 10 years and full no-trade? That seems to be the key to Pujols. He could have gotten more money if he stretched this thing out and wasn't so strict about years and no-trade.

St. Louis really wouldn't have to because of the 10/5 rule.

[Lucky Jim]

I'm not a Pujols fan, but if a guy wants to move on, I don't see the point of condemning him for it - he didn't owe them anything beyond the contract that expired. I may move on from my job soon, and if I do it will be simply because it feels like it's time to move on. Also, the deal was for a lot more money (roughly $50m more, w/ only one added year contract-wise) than the Cards offered. For someone as philanthropically-minded as Pujols that's no small thing.

But sources told Olney that the Cardinals' latest offer was for nine years and a little less than $200 million. That would have made him the fourth-highest paid first baseman.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/7330066/sources-albert-pujols-takes-10-year-deal-los-angeles-angels

I get the nostalgia thing, but neither the Cards nor their fans own Pujols.

[erb8472]

How much money does one need? For a guy with that much money, $30 million is just a year or two in a few good investments.

[srock]

Isn't it funny how things work out? Had Morales not jumped on the plate and landed awkwardly, he is probably still tearing it up and the Angels don't even remotely think about Pujols.

Now, they have handed out one of the dumbest contracts in ML history.

Isn't this how ARod ended up a MFY? Remember what's his name they had at 3B who blew up his knee playing basketball?

What was his name...Wally something

[chess]

Source: Pujols will sign with Angels for 10 years for between $250 and $260 million. Full no-trade. Pujols decided Thursday morning.

Get to work my friend... no excuses....

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

Pujols just had more value to an AL team, plain and simple. Unless the NL is going to implement a DH 5yrs from now, matching, or even coming close to this deal made no sense.

[sangar]

It was reported that Wilson was ready to accept a 5y offer from the Angels this mornign over the 6Y from the Marlins. I'm sure that's gone so they would probably be interested in trading for Guthrie. They still need a good number 4, but getting Bourjos for Guthrie isn't going to happen.