Albert Pujols: Why the Mets Should Give Him a Blank Check, Let Jose Reyes Walk

There will be many stories in free agency after the World Series concludes in a few days. Among the potential free-agent headlines, two athletes will dominate in the next few months. One is Albert Pujols, and the other is Jose Reyes. These are two players everyone wants, but only few can afford.

As far as the Mets are concerned, Reyes is a priority this offseason. Whether he will re-sign or not is yet to be determined. The biggest factor, of course, is money. If the Mets open up their checkbook for Reyes and he gets injured, it will be another Jason Bay scenario.

Reyes brings a lot to the table. His speed and energy are undeniable. He is a table-setter. But if he leaves, they do have options. While many fans act like it would be the end of the world if he does not come back, the fact is life goes on, and the team will simply go in another direction. The Mets are not the only ones who will be interested in Reyes; therefore, they will most likely have to overspend for him.

If they are willing to overspend for him, why not take that money and use it more wisely on a player who is an even bigger game-changer than Reyes: Albert Pujols? They can get cheaper options to replace Reyes at shortstop or turn to internal options as well.

They can get a good leadoff hitter, like a Rafael Furcal or a Orlando Cabrera . Even a Marco Scutaro would suffice at the top of the order. Within the organization, Ruben Tejada has proven he can hit at the MLB level and can wield a solid glove, too.

As far as Pujols goes, there are a few intangibles he possesses that Reyes does not. He brings an instant credibility to the lineup that players like Ike Davis and even David Wright don't. He is an intimidating force in the middle of the order that can provide much needed protection for the heart of the order. That's something Bay was supposed to do but failed miserably in trying to this point.

There is one roadblock. They already have a first baseman in Davis. He's solid, but he's also coming off an injury that took more than half of his season. The question would be what to do with him? If he is healthy, there is one interesting option. The aforementioned Bay has said that he is open to moving to center field.

That would leave left field open. That position, by the way, is one that Pujols has played well in his illustrious career. He has 14 outfield assists from that spot. While he may not be exactly open to the idea of playing outfield in the canyon that is Citi Field, it is a possibility.

Also, Davis could move there. After all, Pujols is a two-time Gold Glove winner at first base. Davis has never played any other position than first at the MLB level, so it remains to be seen how he would do in the outfield, but with patience and proper instruction, he is the type of player that could adapt. Whether it would affect his hitting like it did to players in the past also remains to be seen.

There are players in the league that are so rare that when they come along and hit free agency, a team has to explore every option possible and seriously consider signing them. Pujols is one of those rare players. Such players are the type that the team has to adjust to. It is up to the team to change things around to make that player feel comfortable.

Pujols is the type of player a team should be willing to move things around for. He's worth the money and the risk of losing Reyes. He would be the next Mike Piazza in Mets history. Since Piazza left, the Mets have lacked the superstar power that leaves opponents and fans alike in awe. Pujols is awe-inspiring. They need this type of bat and this type of person in their lineup and the community.

If they are willing to open the wallet for Reyes, who has often been injured in his career and may not be worth the big contract, why wouldn't they at least consider the option of Pujols? He is a proven winner. He is a three-time MVP. He is an eight-time All-Star.

There is no bigger stage in baseball than the World Series. He has won it before and may do so within the next week. That's more than Reyes can say. He knows how to win. He knows how to be selfless. He makes everyone around him better. That's a superstar. Such a player deserves the ultimate spotlight of New York.

Whether the Mets open their funds up to him to make that a reality is the bigger question. Some may no, but again, if they are willing to spend on Reyes, why not be willing to spend on Pujols? He's far more worth it.