Cardinals vs. Phillies: Will Albert Pujols Stay If Cardinals Lose Series?

The St. Louis Cardinals might have more on the line in the NLDS than a chance to win the World Series.

They might be playing for a chance to keep their best player, Albert Pujols.

Pujols likes playing in St. Louis, and he likes being a Cardinal. However, why would he stick around if he wants to win another World Series?

The Cards haven't been too competitive in the last few years, and this might be the final straw for Pujols. The Philadelphia Phillies are going to be good for a few years. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants will be good for a while.

If Pujols doesn't think the Cardinals have enough to beat these teams, why stay?

That's why this NLDS is huge.

If the Cardinals can beat the Phillies—or if they can at least put up a fight—they stand a good chance of persuading Pujols to stay. They can give him the money he wants and they can add another piece or two to complete the team.

If the Phillies crush the Cardinals, however, this winter could be especially cold in St. Louis. If the Phillies sweep the Cardinals and none of the games are close, Pujols would have no reason to believe the future is bright in St. Louis.

After all, they barely snuck into the playoffs this year. They got lucky when the Braves collapsed. They shouldn't even be here.

Cardinals fans don't want those thoughts entering Pujols' mind.

That's exactly why St. Louis needs to win this series. Otherwise, the face of their franchise could be on the move.