World Series 2011: Albert Pujols Won't Leave Cardinals After Second Title

After winning his second World Series ring in a Cardinals uniform, Albert Pujols can't possibly leave now.

To say that Pujols is a god in St. Louis would be a drastic understatement. 

For over a decade now, Pujols—the headliner of this year's free agent class—has brought fans to their feet with his devastating power and remarkable consistency.

Since his rookie season in 2001, Pujols has registered at least 173 hits, 32 home runs and 99 RBI every year.

Over that time, his batting average has dipped under .300 just once. That was this season, when he still hit a ridiculous .299.

Pujols has also been baseball's most fearsome hitter during his career, and his trophy case shows it. He has been selected to nine All-Star games, won three NL MVP awards and two Gold Gloves.

His presence alone makes the Cardinals a legitimate title contender every year, and his teammates clearly understand how important he is to their success.

Relief pitcher Octavio Dotel was adamant in stating that St. Louis needs to re-sign him.

"The Cardinals have to do something," Dotel said. "They cannot let Albert go. Nothing against the Cardinals, but if they let Albert go, it's not going to be the same thing."

First base coach Dave McKay echoed these sentiments.

"It would break my heart if he went someplace else," McKay said.

Pujols will likely walk the free agent red carpet that every team will roll out for him, and he deserves to. He's been relatively underpaid during his career, and other teams can dwarf whatever offer the Cardinals make him.

But at this point in his career, Pujols can't leave. It would be a travesty to see him in anything other than a Cardinals uniform, especially considering that the 31-year-old still has a few great years left in him.

Pujols has two options this offseason. He can stay in St. Louis, where he is an icon and a legend. Or he can chase the money and stomp on the hearts of a fanbase and organization that has been loyal to him for 11 years.

By the beginning of next season, we'll know what's more important to Albert Pujols: winning and loyalty, or money.

The kid in me wants to believe that he will retire in a Cardinals uniform. The realist in me knows that professional sports is an unforgiving business.

It's going to be a nerve-wracking offseason for Cardinals fans.