Albert Pujols Free Agent News: Would Red Sox Make Panic Move for Slugger?

After what was arguably one of the most disappointing seasons in MLB history, the members of the Boston Red Sox are most likely sitting at home watching the 2011 World Series and wondering what could have been.

Meanwhile, playing in that World Series is the premiere free agent of the 2012 offseason, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.

As each day passes, the general public is becoming more and more aware of the clubhouse issues that occurred in Boston last season and it is clear that some changes must be made. In fact, some have already taken place with manager Terry Francona stepping down and general manager Theo Epstein on his way to the Chicago Cubs.

Both were a part of the Red Sox 2004 and 2007 championship teams and now it appears that neither will be there the next time the Fenway faithful see the Red Sox bring home a title.

So, who do the Red Sox need to bring in to win the championship yet again? They have over $52 million coming off of the payroll and undoubtedly a drastic move will occur. Should that move be the signing of Albert Pujols?

No.

That's the simplest answer possible. Here's the long answer.

Pujols is the biggest name to hit the free agent market in years. He has a career batting average of .328, an OBPS percentage of 1.037 and has averaged a 7.9 WAR on his career. He will undoubtedly have an immediate positive impact, both on the field and in the clubhouse, on whatever team he joins—if he doesn't re-sign with St. Louis.

By signing Pujols, the Red Sox would be playing into exactly what Epstein had been doing the past few years—signing big-time free agents to even bigger contracts only to have them not produce. Just look at John Lackey, Mike Cameron and potentially Carl Crawford. They have all gotten overpaid and have under-produced so far. Mike Cameron isn't even on the team anymore.

In no way does this mean that Pujols, one of the greatest players ever, wouldn't produce in Boston. It's just that the Red Sox have tried this strategy before and it hasn't led them to a championship—or even the playoffs.

In addition to that, the Red Sox don't need hitting. Boston was first in runs, on base percentage and slugging percentage and second in batting average in 2011. They know how to put runs on the board just fine.

What the Red Sox need is pitching. Yes, Beckett, Lester and Buchholz are a great trio, but not when one is out for a good chunk of the season and there is no depth behind them. A three man rotation is fine for the playoffs but that won't cut it in the regular season, which is why the Red Sox were 22nd in ERA and 28th in quality starts.

As previously stated, the Red Sox traded for former San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez last offseason. In April, the two sides came to an agreement for a seven-year deal worth $154 million. Why does Boston need another pricey first baseman when they already have one? 

They don't.

If Boston does anything in terms of getting involved with Pujols, it should only be as far as getting in on the bidding to drive the price up for another club. What the Red Sox need to focus on is pitching this offseason, not a slugger like Pujols.

The Red Sox already have the pieces to make a long playoff run on their roster. What they're lacking is health and chemistry. If they can work on the chemistry and try to avoid big injuries, they should be in a better position to make the playoffs next season.

Without Albert Pujols.