MLB Hot Stove: Why the LA Angels Signing of Albert Pujols Was a Great Move.

The entire landscape for the MLB has shifted to the West Coast when future hall-of-famer Albert Pujols signed a 10-year, $254 million mega-deal earlier today with the LA Angels.  The move was unexpected with the MLB hot stove rumors having the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs among the teams who were involved in talks with Pujols.  Quickly, a deal was done and I think that it is a great move for the Angels

Pujols, along with newly signed left-handed pitcher C.J. Wilson, will bring new-found life to a team that was searching for a new face—a reason to come to the ballpark.  Not only will the Angels contend for the pennant for the next three to four seasons, they will make baseball relevant in an area that surely needs some optimism. 

The length of the Pujols contract is a bit much for any player even for one of the greatest players of all-time.  The contract is one that Angels owner Arte' Moreno will look back on and either relish the success or be disappointed by the failures of a team with lofty expectations.  Either way, the LA Angels will be a huge box office draw.

The race for 763 will be the primary focus during the later years of Albert Pujols' 10 year deal.  That is the home run record broken by the the much maligned Barry Bonds.  In the eyes of many that record is tainted due to alleged steroid usage.  I think it will be refreshing to see a player from MLB's post steroid era to be chasing the record.  As long as Albert Pujols can remain healthy, the deal keeps the Angels in playoff contention for the short-term while putting butts in seats in the long-term. 

The biggest domino of the MLB hot stove pieces has fallen.  

Fans of the LA Angels can rejoice.