Albert Pujols: Ranking the Top 10 Teams That Would Love If He Left St. Louis
Is Albert Pujols the victim or the villain?
The deadline to sign an extension with the Cardinals has passed as the sports world buckles up for another big name player that is unsure about his future.
This is going to get ugly and the two sides may divorce due to irreconcilable differences. The reported contract offer by the Cardinals was for "top 10" money.
Well Pujols is the best player in the game and is deserving of more. Will this insulting offer make "King Albert" jump to greener pastures?
This would drastically swing the balance of power in not only the National League Central, but in the entire National League. If he jumps to the American League—the entire sport will be turned upside down.
Here are 10 teams that could benefit from Pujols leaving the Cardinals.
10. Baltimore Orioles
1 of 10
The Orioles have a ton of money to spend. They thought about giving Mark Teixeira an enormous contract before he signed with the Yankees.
The young O's have a lot of talent and will be much improved in 2011. Landing a face of the franchise type guy in Pujols would make baseball in Baltimore relevant again.
Tossing a check with endless zeros toward Pujols may entice him to make the move.
9. Los Angeles Dodgers
2 of 10
Could the Dodgers swipe Pujols?
James Loney is the current first baseman and becomes a free agent after this season. If the Dodgers decline arbitration he will be a free man after the 2011 campaign.
If they let Looney walk, the first base position will be wide open for a team that normally has their checkbook wide open.
We still aren't sure how the McCourt divorce factors into his spending habits with the Dodgers—but they would pounce on the chance to land Pujols.
8. Houston Astros
3 of 10
Pujols has been an Astros killer over the years and Houston would love to see him go.
Pujols destroyed them in the '04 playoffs and in every other regular season. In the '05 Championship Series the 'Stros Brad Lidge gave up a famous game winning ninth inning home run to Pujols.
He had four home runs and 14 RBI against them in '10.
The 'Stros may not be in contention for a playoff spot—but you can bet they would be thrilled to see Pujols leave the N.L. Central.
.png?w=256)
7. Detroit Tigers
4 of 10
Miguel Cabrera is a grade "A" talent, but his glove leaves a lot to be desired. Moving him to DH to make room for another first baseman wouldn't be a problem.
The Tigers aren't afraid of a big contract and Pujols could put a contending Detroit team over the top. Albert could instantly become the best player in the American League and put the Tigers in a position to win the World Series.
6. Texas Rangers
5 of 10
The Rangers lost out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes despite offering him more money than the Phillies.
Guess where that money could go?
Teaming up Josh Hamilton with Pujols would be incredible. They would instantly be the new "Bash Brothers".
If Pujols looks at winning above all else in his decision, the Rangers have a great shot to entice Albert to play in Arlington.
5. New York Mets
6 of 10
Is Donald Trump coming to the rescue?
The financially crippled Mets need help and could use Trump's money to get out of a massive hole.
If Trump had a large investment in the team; you can guarantee he would want to make an immediate splash.
There would be no louder splash than landing the best player in the game.
The Mets are looking at an uninspired and hopeless 2011...snagging Pujols for 2012 would restore order at Citi Field.
4. New York Yankees
7 of 10
Never count out the Yankees when it comes to acquiring the best players in the league.
Sure they have Mark Texiera signed through 2017. Sure they have can't miss prospect Jesus Montero that will split time between catcher and first base.
But this is the Yankees. They are one of the few teams in MLB that can actually afford the massive amounts of money Pujols is asking for.
Pujols wants A-Rod-type money and then some.We already know the Yankees were willing to dish out gobs of dough to Cliff Lee before he signed with Philadelphia.
Don't count the Yanks out of the sweepstakes 'till the fat Steinbrenner sings.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
8 of 10
Prince Fielder may be in the last year of his contract and he may also play the same position as Pujols—but Fielder is going to walk because they can't afford him.
The odds of then shelling more money out for Pujols is highly unlikely.
The Brew Crew are going to benefit in a big way if Pujols leaves the N.L. Central.
They beefed up their pitching staff with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum and are expecting a outstanding contract year out of Fielder.
Fielder may be inclined to return to the Brewers with Pujols out of his path to a N.L. Central title.
2. Cincinnati Reds
9 of 10
The reigning N.L. Central champs thoroughly dominated the rest of the division last year with one exception...the Cardinals.
The Reds would feel much more comfortable about their place in the division if Pujols is gone. A Cardinals team void of Pujols will be atrocious on offense. The Reds would still have to deal with Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright on the mound, but their pitching staff would easily dispose of Matt Holliday and a weak offensive lineup.
Joey Votto would become the best player in the division if Pujols skips town.
1. Chicago Cubs
10 of 10
My oh my.
Could the arch rivals of the Cardinals stick a stake in the hearts of St. Louis fans?
How badly would the Cubs want to drop a bomb on the rest of the league?
The Cubs are saddled with terrible contracts and have little hope to righten the ship in the next two years. If Pujols were to sign with the Cubs they would be instant contenders.
The offense would instantly be upgraded and the rest of the team would be rejuvenated with all of the media attention the team would receive.
How crazy would the first Cubs vs. Cardinals game be at Busch Stadium with Pujols in blue and white?
Cub fans are nodding in agreement.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
