Albert Pujols Marlins: Superstar's Talks with Fish Are Simply for Bargaining

In a move that would have seemed impossible even one year ago, the Miami Marlins (formerly known as the Florida Marlins) are in contract negotiations with future Hall-of-Fame first baseman and former St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols.

The Marlins are set to move into a new ballpark and they have apparently developed a new aggressive approach as well. Miami already brought in Ozzie Guillen as its new manager, and the organization is also pursuing the biggest free-agent fish in the pond.

In addition to Pujols, the Marlins have also spoke with New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes and Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle. As much as the Marlins may like to sign such high-profile free agents, I get the feeling Pujols is simply positioning himself for a big pay day elsewhere.

As a Dominican, Miami may very well be a target destination for Pujols, but I think he would rather stay in St. Louis, or at least go to a franchise with a longer history of commitment to winning. The Marlins may be willing to shell out the cash right now, but there is no guarantee that they will keep the team together long term.

After each of the Marlins' World Series Championships, the teams were essentially dismantled immediately. While two titles during the team's existence are quite impressive, the organization passed up chances to possibly build dynasties.

While that may be in the past, I think Pujols is trying to drive up his own value by preying on Miami's new, free-spending ways. If they throw a big offer his way, then he can either accept it, or wait for other more desirable teams to match or exceed that offer.

Either way, Pujols would be a big winner in the situation. Also, even if Pujols eventually spurns the Marlins' offer, the organization will still come out looking good because they were willing to pursue the biggest free agent commodity in years.

I don't want to completely discount Pujols' desire to sign with Miami, but he fully realizes how massive of a contract he can get on the open market. Because of that, he isn't simply going to settle down with the first team that courted him.

Like any good consumer, Pujols needs to continue to shop around. There is no indication regarding what type of offer Pujols has been handed yet, but if he continues to speak with other teams, then it will only cause the Marlins to up the ante if they truly want him.

I ultimately believe that Pujols wants to remain a Cardinal, and because of that, I think he will give them every opportunity to match the best offer he receives. If that offer happens to come from Miami and St. Louis doesn't match, I think he will be able to find a better suitor elsewhere.

You have to commend the Marlins for setting their sights high, but I think they are just setting themselves up for disappointment in the end.