Cards' Pujols For Phils' Howard Lies Between Fantasy, Reality

An ESPN report over the weekend stated that the Philadelphia Phillies talked internally about the possibility of shipping first baseman Ryan Howard to the St. Louis Cardinals for first baseman Albert Pujols.

Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro told espn.com, "I don't know who you're talking to, but that's a lie."

Howard is hugely popular in Philadelphia, but Pujols is a God in St. Louis.

For baseball fans, it is a fun thing to consider. Fans in both cities, however, think the deal would be crazy. Especially in St. Louis.

The only way it makes sense is salary.

According to the ESPN report, said that some within the Phillies' organization believed that Pujols may want a larger contract than the Cardinals can afford. Pujols is eligible for free agency after the 2011 season and talks on an extension so far have not been smooth.

The feeling in Philadelphia is that Pujols will not settle for anything that doesn't exceed the record-setting 10-year, $275 million deal Alex Rodriguez signed with the Yankees in 2007.

The Phillies may be willing to offer it, especially since Pujols is both a Gold Glove-winning fielder, and as a righthander would balance a Phillies lineup seen as too lefthanded.

Howard is under contract for each of the next two seasons at $19 million and $20 million, which is more than Pujols will make, but he is expected to be less costly after that.

While Pujols may seek more than Howard, the Phillies slugger will also seek a huge contract.

But let's look at this as a fantasy baseball trade. Where it makes the most sense.

On the surface, the scales would be pointed toward Pujols, who hit .327, with 47 home runs and 135 RBI and was named league MVP in 2009.

Howard, in 2009, hit .279 with 45 home runs and 141 RBI.

If you take the three year averages, however, a case could be made for Howard.

Over the past three years, Pujols averages .337, 38.6 and 118. Howard averages .266, 46.6 and 141.

Howard loses in average, but gains about eight home runs and 23 RBI.

I imagine Pujols goes for higher dollars in fantasy than Howard, also.

Back to reality, rarely does superstar get traded for superstar, so it is not likely to happen. It could happen, however, in fantasy camps, as anybody is up for trade.

As a Phillies fan, as much as it would hurt to lose Howard, here's how the lineup would look with Pujols in pin stripes.

1. Rollins

2. Polonco/Victorino

3. Utley

4. Pujols

5. Werth

6. Ibanez

7. Victorino/Polonco

8. Ruiz

9. Pitcher

Pujols would be mighty scary in a Phillies uniform. Howard would eventually become popular in his hometown of St. Louis.

Rumor is what makes baseball fun.