2011 MLB Free Agents: Chicago Cubs Won't Hesitate to Steal Away Albert Pujols

Chicago Cubs fans are hoping Theo Epstein can help them win the World Series for the first time since 1908. Unfortunately, Epstein isn't going to step foot in the batters' box and he's not a Cy Young winner.

The Cubs need to inject some talent into their lineup. They hired the right man for the job, as Epstein is a personnel genius. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where the Cubs should set their sights first this offseason though.

Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball and a free agent after this season. He's going to come with a hefty price tag, but the Cubs seem able and willing to shell out the dough if it means they are going to take it all next year.

There's a huge problem though. Pujols is one of them. Would they really bring in a player whose terrorized the NL Central and the Cubs in particular?

Something tells me Cubs fans would be more than happy to forgive Pujols if he could bring them a championship. Pujols would give them a huge bat in the lineup and a legitimate superstar. They wouldn't have to give up anything to bring him in (other than ridiculous amount of cash), and his presence alone could add double-digit wins to the organization.

On top of what he brings to the Cubs, look at what his absence would do to the Cardinals. Losing Pujols would send the Cardinals spiraling down the division standings and their World Series hopes would become a distant memory.

To make matters worse, they would have to face Pujols in the division. Not only would they be losing games because of Pujols' absence, they would be victimized by "the Machine" both on the field and in the standings.

Bringing in Pujols would give the Cubs an elite hitter and a future Hall of Famer. Some may shy away because of the uniform he's in, but what better way to stick it to the Cardinals than to steal their best player away?