Albert Pujols: Breaking Down the Narrowing Field

Albert Pujols is certainly the most talked-about man in baseball right now.

In fact, he may be one of the most talked-about men in the world right now.

Just in case you forgot, within the next few days he will probably receive one of the largest contracts ever seen by a professional baseball player. Four teams are currently bidding for his services.

Of course, it has been reported multiple times that the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals are in the running for his services, but according to Joel Sherman, the Chicago Cubs are also in the race, and according to Ken Rosenthal, the Anaheim Angels are in pursuit.

Therefore, let's take a look at how Pujols would fit into each of these pictures.

Chicago Cubs

With the arrival of general manager Theo Epstein, Chicago Cubs fans expect the same type of success that Epstein brought to the Boston Red Sox. Of course, the best player in baseball would help this mission quite a bit.

Last season, Carlos Pena played first base for the Cubs, and although he had a decent year (.225/28/80), there is absolutely no doubt that Albert Pujols would provide a much more well-rounded bat to the middle of their lineup.

Epstein seems to be in the business of breaking curses, so Cubs fans are saying, "Why not here?" Since Aramis Ramirez will also be leaving the middle of their lineup, they need a big hitter in the middle of their lineup to push them forward towards that goal.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

A broken leg has sidelined Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim first baseman Kendry Morales for a relatively long time. Therefore, the team has to have some questions as to whether or not he will be able to come back at full strength and play like he used to.

If this rumor is true and the Angels are really pursuing Albert Pujols, it seems that Morales will not be able to make a solid comeback. The Angels also have Mark Trumbo, who played first base all of last season. He hit the ball very hard and could potentially become the DH next season.

This news just barely broke, so I have not seen any other news as to what the Angels intend to do if they win the Albert Pujols sweepstakes, but I believe that there would be a market for Kendry Morales. Obviously Pujols would be an upgrade over virtually any option at first base, even though Morales or Trumbo are adequate at that position.

Miami Marlins

Nobody can accuse the Miami Marlins of being complacent. They have already signed one of the most talented shortstops in baseball in Jose Reyes, and closer Heath Bell will help hammer down their bullpen.

Personally, I like Gaby Sanchez at first base (.266/19/78), and I have been a proponent of him for a long time. However, I definitely cannot deny that Albert Pujols would be a major improvement over Sanchez. If they are able to close this deal, then Sanchez would become expendable and could potentially be traded to fill another hole.

It is obvious that the Miami Marlins are trying to make big things happen and compete with perennial powers of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. Pujols would be able to help generate even more buzz about all of their great new developments happening in Miami already.

St. Louis Cardinals

I can't deny that I would love to see Albert Pujols return to the St. Louis Cardinals. I am that kind of fan who misses the days of Cal Ripken, Jr. or Mike Schmidt. I like to see superstars remain with the team that gave them their start.

Obviously, the Cardinals do have a need for Pujols. If he leaves, they will have a hole. Therefore, I don't think that it takes very much explanation to show why it is important for the St. Louis Cardinals to keep him.

Coming off of a World Series victory, it makes a lot of sense for St. Louis to try to keep their superstar and compete for more titles. Most of their other players will return next season, so if the Cardinals can keep Pujols, life could be very happy in St. Louis.