Albert Pujols Deadline Passes: Which Teams Are Favorites To Land the Slugger?

It appears that Albert Pujols will become the biggest free agent fish in the pond at the end of the season, as the Pujols-imposed deadline came and went this morning without an extension in place.

For the St. Louis Cardinals, this doesn't mean that José Alberto Pujols Alcántara won't eventually re-sign with them, but now they will have to battle other clubs for his services.

According to published reports, the Cardinals offered seven or eight years but would not go the full 10 years that Albert and Dan Lozano, his agent, had apparently requested. And who could blame them?

Pujols is listed as 31, and even if that's his true age, he would be earning upwards of $30 million per season at 41 years old. In this day of cleaner living without chemicals, that would be borderline insanity for St. Louis or any team for that matter.

Still, you can expect at least one team to be willing to pay the price for his services, as he is the best hitter in baseball right now and will be considered one of the greatest of all time if he continues down this historic road.

But even if Albert decides to take less money or fewer years to sign, how can the Cardinals afford him? Between him and teammate Matt Holliday, around 40 percent of the annual payroll would be committed to just two players. So, unless the Cards are going to drastically bump up payroll, they will not be able to win if they acquiesce to his demands.

The only thing we know for sure today is that Pujols does not want to negotiate any longer so the Cards become just one of many teams who will be bidding for his services as a free agent.

Sure, Albert would like to stay with St. Louis, but even if Tony LaRussa's paranoid claims of MLBPA pressure are wrong, there is pride and respect at stake.

So which teams might bid for his services after the season? Let's take a look at a few, along with the odds.

Chicago Cubs (2:1)

The Cubs have Carlos Silva, Kosuke Fukudome and possibly Aramis Ramirez coming off the books after this season. And they have a first baseman in Carlos Pena who is only signed for one year. They would love to stick it to their arch-rivals by signing the first baseman.

They must be considered the favorites.

St. Louis Cardinals (3:1)

Of course, the Cardinals will still be heavy players and perhaps the lead dog in this hunt even if they do have to wait until Albert becomes a free agent. The PR nightmare of losing Albert for nothing will be difficult to deal with.

Washington Nationals (5:1)

The Nats have shown that they are willing to be players in the free agent market, as the Jayson Werth deal clearly illustrated. With Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg (eventually), Bryce Harper, Werth and Pujols, the Nationals would have the foundation for a winner for years to come.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (5:1)

The Halos have taken a lot of heat for an inactive winter, but signing Pujols would make fans forget all that. Owner Arte Moreno is willing and able to make a deal, though they would have to move Kendry Morales to another position or DH.

Los Angeles Dodgers (8:1)

If the litigation surrounding this club settles, the Dodgers could be expected to make a splash and go after a guy who would solve their first base needs and satisfy offensive woes.

New York Mets (10:1)

Another case that depends on finances and legal wrangling, the Mets could be in position to sign a major free agent once the dust settles. Carlos Beltran's contract ends after this season.

Seattle Mariners (12:1)

Seattle could make a bid, but will Albert want to play with a team that isn't a major contender?

Toronto Blue Jays (15:1)

Toronto is in a tough division to compete, plus Albert would have to play in Canada. Still, you never know.

Dark Horse Candidates: Yankees and Red Sox (20:1)

Sure, both teams have first basemen but when it comes to these teams, you can never count them out. The Yanks have Mark Teixeira signed for a lot of money over a long time and the Sox have Adrian Gonzalez, though he hasn't signed a long-term extension past his current contract, which ends in 2011, just yet.

But when you're talking about a player as great as Pujols, and two teams with very deep pockets, they may find a way.

No matter what, don't expect the Cards to trade Albert. He has indicated that he won't accept a trade anyway. So the Cards will have to get in line with everyone else that's interested after the season.

It's good to be king. Maybe he should join LeBron James and take his talents to Miami. Either way, he will get paid by someone. When it's all said and done, he will be Fat Albert. Or at least his bank account will be.