Albert Pujols: Top 5 Reasons Cardinals Should Trade Their Franchise Player

The St. Louis Cardinals seem like they are going to wait for a decision from Albert Pujols about his future with the ball club.

That is not a smart decision for the Cardinals. We've seen this happen before. 

Here are the top five reasons why the Cardinals should end the relationship with King Albert on their terms.

5. Injuries

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ST. LOUIS - APRIL 26: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals is injured during the game against the Montreal Expos at Busch Stadium on April 26, 2001 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Montreal Expos defeated the Cardinals 4-3. (Photo by: Elsa/Getty Images

Pujols moved from left field to first base in 2003 due to an injury and has seemingly had chronic back and elbow issues in the past.

He has really dodged some bullets in regards to severity with injuries.

It is only a matter of time for them to catch up to Pujols and become more serious.

4. $30-35 Million a Year

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

MINNESOTA, MN - APRIL 2: Albert Pujols #5 and Matt Holliday #7 of St. Louis Cardinals celebrate Holliday's fourth inning two-run homerun against the Minnesota Twins during an exhibition game at Target Field on April 2, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Card

The St. Louis Cardinals do not exactly have the budget of the New York Yankees and do not have all-stars at most positions.

The Cards would have $35 million to spread around to multiple positions by trading away Pujols instead of signing him to an extension.

By not paying Pujols $35 million a year, the Cardinals would be a more well-rounded team throughout their lineup, instead of just their 3-4-5 hitters.

3. Position Depth

Marc Serota/Getty Images

JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: First baseman Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals plays against the Florida Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium on March 6, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Perhaps the deepest position in all of baseball throughout Major League Baseball, first base has its share of decent options.

Signing a first baseman with good numbers for a fraction of the cost is not a bad idea. 

In 2010 there were over 12 first basemen with at least 19 home runs. Some of them didn’t even play the full year.

2. 10-Year Contract Extension

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 09: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals blows a bubble while warming up in the on-deck circle in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on September 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Get

Albert Pujols is 31 years old in 2011.

In 2012 are you going to sign him for 10 more years? That makes him 42 years old at the end of the contract.

The person with the most home runs by a 42-year-old was Barry Bonds (28). The most by someone without any extra help was Carlton Fisk (18).

1. Lebron James Factor

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GREENWICH, CT - JULY 08: LeBron James and ESPN's Jim Gray speak at the LeBron James announcement of his future NBA plans at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut. James announced during a live broadcast on ESPN that

The No. 1 reason the Cardinals should trade Albert Pujols is...

The St. Louis Cardinals do not want to end up like the Cleveland Cavaliers, watching their franchise walk away with nothing to show for it.

Albert Pujols might not take his talents to South Beach, but he could take his talents to New York, Los Angeles or even (close your eyes Cardinals fans) Chicago.

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