Yankees: 5 Reasons Why They Should Make a Run for Albert Pujols After This Year

Albert Pujols happens to be a free agent after the 2011 season.  So, what does this mean for all the teams around the league?  Especially the Yankees.

Pujols has given the Cardinals a deadline for them to work out a contract extension.  The deadline is before the start of spring training, otherwise he will test the free agent market after this year.  So, what does this mean for the Bronx Bombers?

I will break down a few reasons why the Yankees should make a run for the best player in baseball.

One: World Series Titles

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 24: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a single in the 9th inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

If Pujols was to come to the Yankees, just imagine that team.  There is no doubt that the Yanks would be one of the top three teams in baseball for the next several years.  My guess is the Yankees would win six out of the next seven or eight World Series. 

Two: The Dimensions of Yankee Stadium

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Albert Pujols #5 of the St Louis Cardinals rounds the bases after hitting his second home run of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on September 23, 2010 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

As we all know, Yankee Stadium has the smallest left and right field in the league.  Left field is 318 feet, and right field is 314 feet.  Pujols is the best hitter in baseball and has power to all fields.  Imagine Pujols hitting with the dimensions down the line at Yankee Stadium?

50 home run seasons consistently.

Three: His Presence in the Club House

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Brendan Ryan #13, Albert Pujols #5 and Pedro Feliz #77 all of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate a victory over the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on September 19, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Padres 4-1

Albert Pujols is a great teammate.  There's no question about it.  He can be a real good presence in the club house and can be a real leader for the team along with the captain, Derek Jeter. 

Four: His Offense and Defense

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 09: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on September 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

All baseball fans know Albert Pujols is the best hitter in baseball.  He has never hit less than 30 home runs in a season in his whole career.  He has a lifetime batting average of .331, and a slugging percentage of .624.

In his career, he has hit 408 home runs and has driven in 1,230 runs.  Remember, he's only been in the league ten years.  However, a lot of people under estimate his defense.  Pujols is a two-time gold glove award winner and would be a big help to the Yankees' defense.

Five: The Line-Up

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Mariano Rivera #42 (lower L) of the New York Yankees runs out of the bullpen onto the field to pitch against the Texas Rangers in Game Five of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 20, 2010 in the Bronx

The Yankees have a great line up today, but just imagine the line up if we add Pujols.  However, there will have to be some obvious changes.  We have a great first baseman today in Mark Teixeira, but I think he would be able to make a good transition to third base.

Alex Rodriguez moved over to third base from shortstop, so why can't we teach Tex how to be a third baseman?  A-Rod would become our designated hitter, and can maybe switch off at shortstop with Jeter if Girardi ever wants to give Jeter a day off.  All I can say is... Just imagine the line up:

Gardner

Cano

Pujols

A-Rod

Teixeira

Swisher

Jeter

Granderson

Martin

Unstoppable.

Conclusion

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NEW YORK - JULY 27: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals flies out against the New York Mets during their game on July 27, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

There would have to be major changes in the Yankees line-up in order for Pujols to join the Yankees, but I think it could work.

It is debatable whether the Yankees would have Pujols-type money, but if they do, they should definitely bid on him.  If Pujols comes to New York, look for the Yankees to win many championships over the next several years.