2011 MLB Free Agency: 5 Possible Destinations for Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols might have one of the most important decisions in baseball history when he ventures into free agency later this month. Pujols has played his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals. In a different era, it probably isn't a discussion of whether he plays his entire career in St. Louis.

However, this is 2011. This is the era where the best players in any sport get ridiculous amounts of money to hone their skills. Since money talks, it opens up the discussion as to where Pujols might land.

After going through a list of every team in baseball, I've determined that there are just five teams that have a legitimate opportunity to land Pujols in MLB free agency.

St. Louis Cardinals

Why It Could Happen: Albert Pujols is the face of the St. Louis Cardinals. He almost has to go back there from a baseball nostalgia standpoint. If the Cardinals fail to keep Pujols, they could suffer a severe backlash from the fans. Not to mention they would let Pujols walk away for absolutely nothing.

Why It Won't Happen: The only reason Albert Pujols wouldn't sign with St. Louis is pure greed. Pujols is probably pointing towards the 10 year, $275 million contract Alex Rodriguez received in 2007 and saying "I want that and then some." If the Cardinals aren't willing to give Pujols what he wants financially, Pujols could take his talents elsewhere.

Chicago Cubs

Why It Could Happen: The Chicago Cubs are a desperate franchise. They haven't won a World Series in over 100 years, and will try anything to break "The Curse of the Billy Goat." Adding Pujols would be a simple example of "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"

The Cubs added Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to the front office and they will make some sort of splash this off-season. What bigger splash could they make other than prying the best player from their rival and putting him on their own team?

Pujols would also reach legend status with the Cubs if he ended the curse. If Pujols has an ego, it would definitely be satisfied in Chicago.

Why It Won't Happen: I think Albert Pujols likes being a St. Louis Cardinal to the point where he wouldn't stab the organization in the back.

A move to Chicago would be the LeBron James situation on steroids. The Cardinals have done everything in their power to help Pujols out, and it even netted them a couple rings in the process. For Pujols to leave would be a huge stain on his reputation.

New York Yankees

Why It Could Happen: This may be one of the craziest teams on the list, but it's never a wise idea to count the Yankees out of anything when it comes to free agency.

The Yankees are coming off a postseason disappointment by dropping a five game series to the Detroit Tigers. When the Yankees lose, they spend money...lots of it.

The Yankee offense is hardly the problem in the Bronx, but it would go with history of acquiring expensive, big-name, sluggers if the Yankees threw 300 million at Pujols.

Why It Won't Happen: The Yankees have Mark Teixeira at first base already, so Pujols would have to become a designated hitter.

I don't think that Pujols is in the stage of his career where he needs to be a DH, so he probably won't bite. Even if the Yankees do come calling with a swimming pool full of coins that would make Scrooge McDuck blush.

Miami Marlins

Why It Could Happen: The Marlins are looking to make a big splash to have people come out to their new stadium opening next year. Adding one of the greatest players in the history of baseball might be enough to get that done.

The Marlins have already added manager Ozzie Guillen and with the retirement of Tony LaRussa, maybe Pujols wants to play for a manager outside of the Cardinal organization.

Pujols and Ozzie would seem like a dream scenario for the Marlins.

Why It Won't Happen: The money issue rears it's ugly head in this scenario. Owner Jeffery Loria is one of the biggest cheapskate owners in all of sports.

If he won't spend money to keep a talented nucleus together (TWICE!), what makes you think he would spend over 300 million dollars to get one player? It just doesn't add up.

Milwaukee Brewers

Why It Could Happen: The Brewers could be looking to make up for the expected loss of Prince Fielder. With a solid core already in place, the Brewers could just decide to go all-in again and pair Pujols with Ryan Braun to keep their wall-banging offense intact.

Why It Won't Happen: They're not willing to pay Fielder what he wants, but maybe Prince is just sick of being in Milwaukee. However, if it's a financial issue, the Brewers won't have enough cash to pay Albert Pujols.

Even if they could, the bridge has been burned. Over last season, Brewers players have insulted Pujols to the point of calling him "Alberta." It wouldn't make sense for Pujols just to drop his pride and go, "OK, you guys are right." Especially when Pujols undoubtedly got some satisfaction by not only knocking Milwaukee out of the playoffs, but winning the World Series as well.

Prediction

I think that Albert Pujols remains a St. Louis Cardinal.

Pujols has nothing to gain by jumping ship to another team, and coming off a second World Series championship, why not stay in St. Louis?

It's been a long time since we could associate one player with one team, and Pujols is one of the closest examples to that in modern day sports.

To see Pujols leave St. Louis would be a travesty to baseball, but like AC/DC once said, "Money Talks."