Joe Strauss notes the harsh reality of the Albert Pujols negotiations:
A club source indicated last summer that Lozano had proposed a 10-year, $300 million framework. Such a deal would eclipse New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez‘s 10-year, $275 million contract signed three years ago as the game’s richest.
The Cardinals previously have characterized Pujols’ situation as “independent” of recent contracts that have redefined the game’s financial landscape. General manager John Mozeliak noted in May that the club was committed to paying for future, rather than past, production.
I still believe the solution is a five-year, $200 million contract. That seems to be the amount of money the Cardinals are willing to spend on Albert. They should still get very good production from him over that time, and the extra money above whatever he does makes up somewhat for his low earnings during his peak. On top of that the Cardinals won’t be stuck with an aging first baseman with a big contract, and Albert blows out the record for average value on a contract.
There is no way that Pujols would take a five year deal. He won’t want to enter the free agent market again at 37 years old.
But won’t Cardinal fans still come to the park to see the aging Pujols set a new all time home run record & do it as a lifelong Cardinal?
Eight years, $242 million. Long enough for Albert, but not too long for the Cards; high enough to set a new per year record. Cards should redo 2011 as year one of my proposal, that would put some real pressure on Albert to accept. On the open market, with no NYY and Bosox, who could afford to pay what he’s “worth”.
@Aaron: It’s possible that with a bounce back in the economy, salaries get driven higher. Albert could still be productive at 37, and end up with quite a bit of money.
@David Pinto: If I’m Pujols, that’s a lot of ifs. He’s going to be beyond wealthy no matter what happens, so maybe you’re right. I just think he’s going to want more certainty in the twilight of his career.
3 years @ 100 million-then someone else will pay for the decline phase