Albert Pujols and the 10 Gaudiest Contracts in Sports History

During the strenuous days of free agency, there are only a few teams willing to sprinkle the majority of their payroll over an illustrious big-name athlete.

Whether these teams are rebuilding their image or maintaining tradition, they essentially believe that this one player can single-handedly lead the charge. 

While all of these flashy contracts tear apart the payroll, only a few of them fully pan out.

Here are the 10 gaudiest contracts in sports history.

Enjoy.

10. Joe Mauer

After batting a league-high .365 in 2009, hometown catching star Joe Mauer received quite the flashy (albeit subtle) deal from the Twins.

With Minnesota seemingly building around their talented young core, this eight-year, $184 million deal was crucial.

An injury-plagued, 30-RBI 2011 with only three home runs wasn't quite what the team was hoping for out of their new superstar.

9. Kobe Bryant

After signing for $136.4 million over seven years with the Lakers in 2004, the team that traded for him when he was 18 years old, Kobe Bryant began to build his legacy. 

Last year, he allegedly decided this was his home, and signed a three-year contract extension worth nearly $90 million that will keep him with the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2013-2014 season.

Home sweet home.

8. Mark Teixeira

With a yearly average of 37 home runs and 120 RBI, it would seem like the former Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira deserves the eight-year, $180 million deal he got from the Pinstripes.

However, after hitting .256 in 2010 and .248 in 2011 before essentially disappearing in the postseason, it's becoming clear that home runs have clogged this man's game.

Back to the basics.

7. Michael Vick

Many remember Michael Vick as the 2001 first-overall pick who became a superstar with the Atlanta Falcons and signed a $130 million, 10-year deal before eventually going to jail for running a dogfighting ring.

Now that he's rebuilt his reputation as a potent yet losing force on the Philadelphia Eagles, he was given a six-year, $100 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. 

The 4-8 Eagles (Dream Team) are undoubtedly a bit disappointed with his injury-plagued year.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

It was clear this notorious playboy was going to sign a huge contract after Real Madrid bought the superstar from Manchester United for roughly $131.5 million.

While footballer Cristiano Ronaldo never has to worry about saving ever again considering his $400,000 per game average and roughly $17 million per year, it was his historic transfer fee that left fans in awe.

5. Alexander Ovechkin

Considering he had never produced fewer than 46 goals since being the No. 1 pick of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, it was easy to see why the Washington Capitals gave prolific Russian sniper Alex Ovechkin a $124 million, 13-year contract extension in 2008.

It was the first $100 million deal in NHL history and undeniably initiated a higher-paying mindset in the sport's front offices.

Despite a slow start to this season, Ovechkin has become a force to be reckoned with and is ubiquitously mentioned as arguably the best in the game today.

4. Derek Jeter

The captain of the Pinstripes may have trailed Alex Rodriguez in contract gaudiness, but he was ahead of him in number of championship rings.

Derek Jeter signed a ten-year, $189 million contract before the 2001 season to remain with the Yankees, following a stellar Subway Series, making him the second highest-paid athlete behind his buddy.

With 3,088 hits, the star shortstop is essentially a lock for the Hall of Fame.

3. Lionel Messi

This prolific footballer received FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 before winning in 2009 and 2010.

By earning approximately $361,652 per week ($14 million per year) until 2016 (best-paid player in the world), Lionel Messi is seemingly set for life.

Perhaps we've found the answer to the worldwide financial crisis.

2. Albert Pujols

After winning two World Series titles in the past six years, it's safe to say this intimidating slugger has done all he can for the city of St. Louis.

445 home runs, 1,329 RBI and a .328 average in 11 seasons routinely translates to a 10-year, $250 million contract from most eager (and financially stable) teams. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were surprisingly a willing party.

The Angels' fireworks crew will be quite busy this coming season.

1. Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez must have been less than pleased with the 10-year, $252 million he received from the Texas Rangers in the 2000 free agency period, considering the prolific slugger eclipsed that mark in 2007 with the New York Yankees.

He was traded to the Pinstripes in 2004, and in 2007 he set another record for baseball's highest contract with a 10-year, $275 million deal.

And all he has to do is jog around the bases or walk back to the dugout with a melancholy posture.