Comments on: Distraction? Now That’s A Distraction.

By: Shanky

Shanky — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:11:12 +0000

On one hand I can see cario’s point, on the other hand it would be a pr nightmare of epic proportions to basically announce they’re turning the page on the Pujols era. My guess is the deadline will come and go without a deal, and the Cards will make a public pronouncement saying they have every intention of trying to sigh Albert, but it’s up to him and his handlers to get back to the table. Once Holliday hit the open market I think we all thought he was gone, but the suitors just weren’t there and St. L just made too much sense for him. Pujols won’t lack for suitors, but the Cardinals marriage has just worked too well, and ultimately I think he remains a Cardinal.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:45:53 +0000

A Gonzalez in the hand is worth a Pujols in the bush?

I’m not sure why that sounded so dirty.

By: awpierce

awpierce — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:37:29 +0000

I’d be a bit surprised if they bowed out of FA negotiations at the outset, for the PR aspect of it. They can simply stay in the game at the level they already plan to offer and see what happens. It’s a bit more palatable, I’d think, from the public acceptance view, to let Albert choose another higher offer than to have (even knowing full well the offer won’t be accepted) sworn off publicly.

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:14:38 +0000

I think it is equally likely that Cards are miffed with AP as much or more than he is with them. I wont be surprised if after their exclusive negotiating phase is over (5 days after the end of the world series) if there is no deal that they will announce they are moving on.

By: Lou Schuler

Lou Schuler — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:33:00 +0000

It’s an interesting thought, Andrew, but I don’t see how could they go to $30 million this year, unless the additional $14 million is deferred. They’re already over $100 million in payroll for ’11, a bump of ~$10 million w. no guaranteed additional revenue that I’m aware of. (Unless MLB Properties is projecting that level of growth, or plans to distribute more of its existing revenue to the teams.)

By: Gruntosaurus

Gruntosaurus — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:35:33 +0000

I agree. This isn’t the first year when AP has expressed an unwillingness to talk contracts during spring training. He’s been consistent about it, and I think we owe it to the man to take him at his word; his word seems a lot better than most people’s.

I’d like to see him extended, of course, but let’s let the system work. If he isn’t extended, it isn’t the end of the world; I will remain a fan of both the Cardinals and Albert Pujols.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:55:31 +0000

Strauss stated that in his chat today that the numberpeople are talking about 10 yearse 300 mil is what Loranzo floated last year but there is no proof or indication that it is the same amount acted for thsi year. Are the two sides likely to agree if its a 8 year deal with the first year of the deal starting this year.

By: easy

easy — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:20:09 +0000

I have to kind of disagree with the general consensus here and take Albert at his word that “distraction” really is the issue. I think we’d probably agree that Albert’s concentration on the game is a big part of his superior performance and he has been consistent in compartmentalizing contract and money talks. He may, indeed, be annoyed by the team’s lack luster efforts to dicker in the off seasons and may be motivated to perform well to get the best offer possible from any team. Money may be a big part of the motivation but I think he’s probably sincere about wanting to avoid distraction that can affect his performance.
In fact I can relate to that. Issues regarding contract negotiations and money have always distracted me from my appreciation of the game and are, at best, hot stove league topics to consider in the absence of real baseball. Once the game is actually being played I don’t want to hear about it. Were I in Albert’s position I’d take the same tack he has.

By: chuckb

chuckb — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:12:06 +0000

Plus, a guaranteed Gonzalez is better than a chance of getting Pujols.

By: sportsman

sportsman — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:44:55 +0000

as long as we’re reading the tea leaves
my guess is that apu negotiations went nowhere last year because he said ” if we talk now, it’s got to be a 10 yr deal”, and bdw said no

now this year, as the deadline looms, apu’s stance is the same. he had another great year, so they have not backed off the 10 yr deal. and clearly have not found a happy median

i suspect this won’t get done because the real exclusive negotiating window is next fall
and it won’t get done then if apu has another big year

facts is facts
apu’s best year are behind him to a large degree and the cards should not sign him to 25+ 7 yr+ contract. it is really economics