Albert Pujols: Angels Lure First Baseman with 10-Year Contract

This past fall, Albert Pujols led the St. Louis Cardinals to his second world series championship with the team. Albert Pujols, who has won three National League Most Valuable Player awards with the Cards, accepts a 10-year, $250-$260 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim on Thursday morning.

Pujols was the biggest free agent this off-season, getting offers from various teams. The Miami Marlins offered Pujols a 10-year, $210 million deal, but not bending on their policy on a no-trade clause.

They ended up dropping out of the deal after signing pitcher Mark Buehrle. It seemed as if the Cardinals had the best shot at signing him, giving him a nine-year deal and about the same amount of money as offered the Marlins.

When I woke up this morning and turned my television to SportsCenter, I was shocked to hear that Pujols accepted the Angels offer of 10 years and $250-$260 million.

No doubt in my mind that Pujols is one of the best players in the game today if not the best. Pujols his 37 home runs last season, expanding his streak of hitting at least 30 home runs in 11 seasons. Not only did he hit 37 home runs, he batted .299 and drove in 99 runs. In the World Series, he became the third player to hit three home runs in a World Series game. 

The Angels ranked 10th in the American League with more than four runs a game, and Pujols will without a doubt improve that statistic and possibly lead the Angels to a postseason. 

The Angels also signed C.J. Wilson, which makes that team dominant, giving them an outstanding one punch with him and Jared Weaver. 

One has to wonder, when will Pujols be affected by his age. Pujols is turning 32 this January, and the Angels gave him a 10-year deal. So that long contract might come back to bite the Angels.

However, Pujols is still Pujols, and he will do big things for the Angels, they have a very solid lineup and rotation.

We will have to wait and see how the Angels do against the American League West and possibly in the postseason.