Albert Pujols: Why Slugger Replaces LeBron as Newest Object of Unfair Fan Hatred

Albert, you have done it now—and LeBron James thanks you. Maybe now he'll have a breather from the almost nationwide hatred that follows him.

Today, Albert Pujols agreed to a mammoth 10-year, $250 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. At least Pujols won't have to endure two trips per year to St. Louis as LeBron did with Cleveland.

Most fans nowadays criticize and turn their backs on players that bolt teams when the sole reason is money. In that sense, Pujols' exit from St. Louis is a little worse than LeBron's. James clearly left for a chance to win a title, while Pujols had already won two—most recently this year—and agreed to sign with the Angels for nothing more than the almighty dollar.

I don't blame him, but unfortunately a lot of fans will. You'll hear people say things like: "That is the problem with today's players—it's all about the money."

Well, that may be the case for many players, but it is certainly all about the money for professional sports franchises and their owners.

I never understood the logic behind believing that an owner should think like a businessman but a player should not. Why are we more comfortable with players taking what is handed to them and teams always being in control? As significant as the salaries are, it pales in comparison to an owner's income.

Isn't that what Curt Flood and others fought for when they pioneered free agency? While under contract, players are locked in to that team, and they have an obligation to fulfill that contract. 

When free agency rolls around, it is their time. They have passed "Go," and it is time to collect $200. If you're as talented as Pujols, it's time to collect $250 million.

I understand fans in St. Louis will miss Pujols, and they should certainly boo him when they get an opportunity, as that is a part of sports. However, what LeBron went through last year was beyond that. He was vilified for exercising his right, and the best explanation you'll receive from his detractors was that he was wrong to do it on national television.

He has even bought in to that concept. Teams call press conferences to announce firings, trades and any other player-related matter they deem worthy of media attention. Why is it wrong for a player to announce his intentions?

Even high school players have press conferences to announce their college of choice. The difference is money and power, and most of us are not comfortable with athletes wielding or displaying either without employing our definition of modesty.

It is unfair, and now Pujols will feel a little bit of that irrational hatred.