Pujols an Angel (1 Viewer)

[RnR]

What position does Diedre play? Her interview today gave the impression that she was a .300 hitter.

Well offering her 5years/130mill is more appropriate then to Albert.

We'll see about that in 10 years.

If I was a Cards fan I'd take 2-3 rough year's at the end of his contract for the chance to continue the success they've had recently. 3 WS appearances and 2 titles. Not to mention keeping a legend in town and seeing all those milestones come to pass in those last few year's of the contract.Passed all that up for like 25-30mill. Franchise probably lost that much value the day he signed elsewhere. Angels closed their TV deal basically the day he signed. That was worth some money right there.

I don't necessarily disagree with that. But let's not act like that offer is insulting. Just because the Angels were willing to give him an A-Rod contract doesn't mean it was the right thing to do for St. Louis. Those two teams are in completely different places financially, so it is really hard to say where the spending would have actually stopped for LAA even if STL matched the offer on the table.I could just as easily flip that argument around on you. Pujols passed up staying with the team that drafted him, gave him an opportunity, and treated him like a king. A team that gave him, by his public demand, a group of complementary players capable of vying for the playoffs almost every season. He came to the park each day with legions of adoring fans that flocked to Busch Stadium from all across the midwest for EACH and EVERY home game. He was already a walking legend in one of the best baseball cities in America, and was poised to take his place amongst the likes of Stan the Man as an immortal icon. Instead, he decided that $210 million dollars over ten seasons was not enough "respect", even though he is the very person that requested they show him a commitment to winning by placing good players around him. He can't have it both ways, he is smart enough to know that will require him not squeezing every red cent he can out of the front office in his contract negotiations. Good players cost money, and no matter what you'd like to think, St. Louis is a very small market that is spending at its maximum levels at this time.So Albert decides to throw all THAT away for an extra 30-40 million. We're not even talking about money that he can spend, or even his kids can spend. Players that want to stay where they are find a way to make peace with being paid what their team can afford. Ripken did. Gwynn did. Chipper did. It is all about ego for Albert, and this is the path he chose. So be it. I'd be willing to bet the shirt off my back that it is a decision he will ultimately regret 20 years down the road. Hell, you could tell he had some reservations about it at his press conference. No one that just signed a contract that big should be that uneasy.

Without the Yanks/Red Sox in the market the contract he signed was on the low-end of the spectrum IMO. Reason why a team like Miami could even be in the bidding. No way was going to take an additional 25-30mill less. Cards were fortunate he could have been had at this price.How about the billionaire go the extra-mile not the player you got ridiculous value for over his 11 years? Who is the cheap one? 2 WS rings. Pay the man market value and not leave your fans reeling. 8/240 was about what Pujols was worth. 10/250 is not out of line considering the milestones he'll be hitting during those last few years.I'm sure Pujols did not want to leave St. Louis. What the hell was he suppossed to do though? Cards made it an easy decision.If you are a Cards fan would you really care if the Cards sucked year's 8-10 if that meant you could continue the current success as well as have Pujols retire a Cardinal? No-brainer IMO.

I'm enough of a baseball addict to understand what you're saying, but I'm also enough of a realist to know that if the man was happy where he was... $210 million for the last 10 years of his career PLAYING A GAME is more than sufficient. We get caught up in what guys are "worth", but these numbers are so big they are hardly relevant. Whether it is $210 million or $254 million is hardly consequential to Albert Pujols in terms of his day-to-day well being. Either way it is one of the richest, long-term contracts in the history of sports. You ask "what the hell was he supposed to do though?"The answer to that is simple: Whatever he feels is right. Just don't expect Cardinals fans to empathize with his decision because in the big scheme of things, its ludicrous. If he wanted to be a "Cardinal for life" like he walked around saying for the better part of a decade, nearly a quarter of a BILLION dollars should be plenty to keep him content.This whole "it wasn't about the money" act he's putting on is insulting to those of us that supported him for the last 11 years. I wasn't mad about it until he started rolling that out there. At least man up and admit you are a bat for hire, just like everyone else. The "different" athlete that he tried to portray himself as is dead, as far as I'm concerned.

So after 11 years of being a ridiculous bargain and 3 WS appearance including 2 rings it was too much for Pujols to except market value? Like I said a market without the Yanks/Red Sox involved.Pujols was suppossed to give a hometown discount and forgo 30+mill so a billionaire owner could reap that? Come on. Just don't get the logic that a millionaire is greedy for wanting market value while the billionaire owner is not despite having reaped such financial rewards over the past 11 years.

You are blowing my mind here. He's the one saying it is "not about the money", which is an outright lie. You're the very one saying it is all about the money. Have I mentioned greed? I say let's call a spade a spade.... he's now a mercenary like A-Rod or any other power hitter that chased the dollar signs. Unfortunate, but true. If he's willing to ruin what he had in St. Louis over $30 million, so be it. What's done is done. You can rationalize things away all day about "market value" and "respect from a billionaire owner", but at the end of a day it is a guy turning his back on a small market franchise that has given him unbelievable support for 11 seasons over a sum of money that is inconsequential to him and his family. They offered what they felt they could afford in terms of baseball operations budget, and that was that. If he truly wanted to remain a "Cardinal for life" and let the Cardinals put a competitive team around him, 10-yr $210 mil was plenty enough.I'm not sure where you are getting your information on the financials of the St. Louis Cardinals, but they are not a franchise that can just give Pujols a blank check. Even if they were to do that, it goes against everything Albert told them HE WANTED in order to stay.

Cards one of the top 10 most valuable franchises in MLB. 10/210 is C. Crawford money. It's a joke of an offer for a player/draw like Pujols.

Interesting that you think it is a joke of an offer, yet only one team topped it.

 

[RnR]

And just a clarifying point, the Cardinals were offering market value for a player of his ability.

They offered 5 yr, $130m and they offered 10 yr, $210m.

That means they were willing to pay him:

32 yr - $28mil

33 yr - $27mil

34 yr - $26mil

35 yr - $25mil

36 yr - $24mil

And then they were willing to extend the following offer for his twilight years:

37 yr - $18mil

38 yr - $17mil

39 yr - $16mil

40 yr - $15mil

41 yr - $14mil

If you think that's not a fair market offer based on likely production, that's your problem. The Angels had a TV contract that made them able to overpay for all 10 years, and Albert chased the money. That's fine. But please quit acting like the Cardinals were being cheap.

ETA: This doesn't even begin to acknowledge the fact that the Cardinals most likely know how old Pujols is. Not saying he isn't 32, but on the off chance that he is a few years older, their offer makes even more sense.

 

[Wrigley]

And just a clarifying point, the Cardinals were offering market value for a player of his ability.They offered 5 yr, $130m and they offered 10 yr, $210m.That means they were willing to pay him:32 yr - $28mil33 yr - $27mil34 yr - $26mil35 yr - $25mil36 yr - $24milAnd then they were willing to extend the following offer for his twilight years:37 yr - $18mil38 yr - $17mil39 yr - $16mil40 yr - $15mil41 yr - $14milIf you think that's not a fair market offer based on likely production, that's your problem. The Angels had a TV contract that made them able to overpay for all 10 years, and Albert chased the money. That's fine. But please quit acting like the Cardinals were being cheap.ETA: This doesn't even begin to acknowledge the fact that the Cardinals most likely know how old Pujols is. Not saying he isn't 32, but on the off chance that he is a few years older, their offer makes even more sense.

let it go, he's gone.

 

[RnR]

And just a clarifying point, the Cardinals were offering market value for a player of his ability.They offered 5 yr, $130m and they offered 10 yr, $210m.That means they were willing to pay him:32 yr - $28mil33 yr - $27mil34 yr - $26mil35 yr - $25mil36 yr - $24milAnd then they were willing to extend the following offer for his twilight years:37 yr - $18mil38 yr - $17mil39 yr - $16mil40 yr - $15mil41 yr - $14milIf you think that's not a fair market offer based on likely production, that's your problem. The Angels had a TV contract that made them able to overpay for all 10 years, and Albert chased the money. That's fine. But please quit acting like the Cardinals were being cheap.ETA: This doesn't even begin to acknowledge the fact that the Cardinals most likely know how old Pujols is. Not saying he isn't 32, but on the off chance that he is a few years older, their offer makes even more sense.

let it go, he's gone.

Hello, exactly. All the best to him. I hope he does well and appreciate getting to watch him for 11 years. I'm even excited to see what this team can do with their new-found payroll flexibility. It just gets on my nerves when people try to say he left for anything other than pure greed.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

And just a clarifying point, the Cardinals were offering market value for a player of his ability.They offered 5 yr, $130m and they offered 10 yr, $210m.That means they were willing to pay him:32 yr - $28mil33 yr - $27mil34 yr - $26mil35 yr - $25mil36 yr - $24milAnd then they were willing to extend the following offer for his twilight years:37 yr - $18mil38 yr - $17mil39 yr - $16mil40 yr - $15mil41 yr - $14milIf you think that's not a fair market offer based on likely production, that's your problem. The Angels had a TV contract that made them able to overpay for all 10 years, and Albert chased the money. That's fine. But please quit acting like the Cardinals were being cheap.ETA: This doesn't even begin to acknowledge the fact that the Cardinals most likely know how old Pujols is. Not saying he isn't 32, but on the off chance that he is a few years older, their offer makes even more sense.

let it go, he's gone.

Hello, exactly. All the best to him. I hope he does well and appreciate getting to watch him for 11 years. I'm even excited to see what this team can do with their new-found payroll flexibility. It just gets on my nerves when people try to say he left for anything other than pure greed.

Didn't the Marlins offer him more money?It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

 

[RnR]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

 

[curta269]

The Marlins offered him more money, but they would not give him a no trade clause. If the fans still don't show up to Marlins games after a couple of years, they can trade off all of their high salary players. I think it is why Pujols didn't want to sign with them, otherwise, he would get traded to another team and not have any control over who he plays for.

 

[RnR]

Didn't the Marlins offer him more money?

There were some conflicting reports on that. Wild numbers like $275 mil were floating out there after the signing, but Loria has since said that their best offer was 10 years and just a hair over $200 mil. It is my assumption that the Cardinals matched the offer from the Marlins, the Marlins bowed out, and then the Angels made their move. The timeline seems to support something like that happening.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

If the Cardinals didn't think he was worth the money (or they think he's significantly older) then they shouldn't have offered the contract they did. If they felt he was worth the cash they could - and should - have come up with a few million more.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Didn't the Marlins offer him more money?

There were some conflicting reports on that. Wild numbers like $275 mil were floating out there after the signing, but Loria has since said that their best offer was 10 years and just a hair over $200 mil. It is my assumption that the Cardinals matched the offer from the Marlins, the Marlins bowed out, and then the Angels made their move. The timeline seems to support something like that happening.

Why would a no trade clause mean anything to a gun for hire if he's just all about the money?

 

[RnR]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

If the Cardinals didn't think he was worth the money (or they think he's significantly older) then they shouldn't have offered the contract they did. If they felt he was worth the cash they could - and should - have come up with a few million more.

They were completely comfortable paying him $130 over the next 5 seasons, it was the addition $130 mil over the years 6-10 they weren't so hot on. They offered several different contracts with length and dollar amounts varied, but they were very resolute on their valuation for those twilight seasons. To say they were stubborn on that is probably accurate, but to say they dropped the ball isn't. This decision was very much calculated on their part. I just hope it was the right one.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

If the Cardinals didn't think he was worth the money (or they think he's significantly older) then they shouldn't have offered the contract they did. If they felt he was worth the cash they could - and should - have come up with a few million more.

They were completely comfortable paying him $130 over the next 5 seasons, it was the addition $130 mil over the years 6-10 they weren't so hot on. They offered several different contracts with length and dollar amounts varied, but they were very resolute on their valuation for those twilight seasons. To say they were stubborn on that is probably accurate, but to say they dropped the ball isn't. This decision was very much calculated on their part. I just hope it was the right one.

Then doesn't your criticism of him being a gun for hire come across as being that of a scorned lover? The Cardinals weren't keen on paying him the contract because they felt he won't be worth it. That's something that only time will tell but it's their team to run. They've won a couple WS over the past few years so they deserve some benefit of the doubt. Didn't Pujols also sign a team friendly contract before this one? And weren't there several reports about the Cardinals offering him an insultingly low contract extension earlier this year?The guy has been paid below his worth for years. And now that he wants to get some zeros added to the check to earn his actual worth you want to scream he's all about the dollars?

 

[RnR]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

If the Cardinals didn't think he was worth the money (or they think he's significantly older) then they shouldn't have offered the contract they did. If they felt he was worth the cash they could - and should - have come up with a few million more.

They were completely comfortable paying him $130 over the next 5 seasons, it was the addition $130 mil over the years 6-10 they weren't so hot on. They offered several different contracts with length and dollar amounts varied, but they were very resolute on their valuation for those twilight seasons. To say they were stubborn on that is probably accurate, but to say they dropped the ball isn't. This decision was very much calculated on their part. I just hope it was the right one.

Then doesn't your criticism of him being a gun for hire come across as being that of a scorned lover? The Cardinals weren't keen on paying him the contract because they felt he won't be worth it. That's something that only time will tell but it's their team to run. They've won a couple WS over the past few years so they deserve some benefit of the doubt. Didn't Pujols also sign a team friendly contract before this one? And weren't there several reports about the Cardinals offering him an insultingly low contract extension earlier this year?The guy has been paid below his worth for years. And now that he wants to get some zeros added to the check to earn his actual worth you want to scream he's all about the dollars?

I think that accusation that Pujols has been underpaid is grossly exaggerated. The Cardinals took a certain amount of risk in rewarding Pujols with a 7-year-contract (8 with option) after just his 3rd season in the bigs. Sure, he had proven himself to already be a superstar, but the Cardinals bought out several years of arbitration in a good faith effort to make him comfortable. Did he end up being worth more than what they paid out to him? Of course, but we get the benefit of hindsight to say that now. At the time of the signing, Pujols was no different than Tulowitzki or Longoria signing what appears club friendly deal. The security for the young player in these deals can't be understated.My accusation of him being a hired gun centers around his statements. He has continually said this decision had nothing to do with the money and everything to do with the commitment. There is no bigger slap in the face to this organization, the city of St. Louis, or the Cardinals fan base than to question their commitment to him. He was treated like the king of that city, and they wanted to pay him near $350 million dollars for 21 years of his service to their community both on and off the field. If that's not a commitment, I'm not sure what is.Translation: He's lying. It is about the money, and he is a mercenary moving to Anaheim.

 

[Daywalker]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

If the Cardinals didn't think he was worth the money (or they think he's significantly older) then they shouldn't have offered the contract they did. If they felt he was worth the cash they could - and should - have come up with a few million more.

They were completely comfortable paying him $130 over the next 5 seasons, it was the addition $130 mil over the years 6-10 they weren't so hot on. They offered several different contracts with length and dollar amounts varied, but they were very resolute on their valuation for those twilight seasons. To say they were stubborn on that is probably accurate, but to say they dropped the ball isn't. This decision was very much calculated on their part. I just hope it was the right one.

Then doesn't your criticism of him being a gun for hire come across as being that of a scorned lover? The Cardinals weren't keen on paying him the contract because they felt he won't be worth it. That's something that only time will tell but it's their team to run. They've won a couple WS over the past few years so they deserve some benefit of the doubt. Didn't Pujols also sign a team friendly contract before this one? And weren't there several reports about the Cardinals offering him an insultingly low contract extension earlier this year?The guy has been paid below his worth for years. And now that he wants to get some zeros added to the check to earn his actual worth you want to scream he's all about the dollars?

I think that accusation that Pujols has been underpaid is grossly exaggerated. The Cardinals took a certain amount of risk in rewarding Pujols with a 7-year-contract (8 with option) after just his 3rd season in the bigs. Sure, he had proven himself to already be a superstar, but the Cardinals bought out several years of arbitration in a good faith effort to make him comfortable. Did he end up being worth more than what they paid out to him? Of course, but we get the benefit of hindsight to say that now. At the time of the signing, Pujols was no different than Tulowitzki or Longoria signing what appears club friendly deal. The security for the young player in these deals can't be understated.My accusation of him being a hired gun centers around his statements. He has continually said this decision had nothing to do with the money and everything to do with the commitment. There is no bigger slap in the face to this organization, the city of St. Louis, or the Cardinals fan base than to question their commitment to him. He was treated like the king of that city, and they wanted to pay him near $350 million dollars for 21 years of his service to their community both on and off the field. If that's not a commitment, I'm not sure what is.Translation: He's lying. It is about the money, and he is a mercenary moving to Anaheim.

Of course it's about the money. Yankess, Red Sox, Mets and Dodgers not in the bidding. Kind of a big deal. Angels and Marlins willing to pay more. St. Louis' offer 30mill less then those teams. Cards just not willing to pay a reasonable price. 3 WS appearances, 2 rings, all the milestones to come, best player of his generation. Nope. Not going to pay market value in a down market. What scenario were the Cards hoping for? It all come to fruition yet they still cheaped out.

 

[Da Guru]

It's really weird to see some Cardinal fans work mental gymnastics to justify their team dropping the ball on signing this guy.

It's really weird to see some baseball fans assume the Cardinals dropped the ball because they refused to hand this man an A-Rod contract. You would think there was a track record of success with these type of deals for a 32-year-old with the reaction of some of you.Hint: There isn't one.

If the Cardinals didn't think he was worth the money (or they think he's significantly older) then they shouldn't have offered the contract they did. If they felt he was worth the cash they could - and should - have come up with a few million more.

They were completely comfortable paying him $130 over the next 5 seasons, it was the addition $130 mil over the years 6-10 they weren't so hot on. They offered several different contracts with length and dollar amounts varied, but they were very resolute on their valuation for those twilight seasons. To say they were stubborn on that is probably accurate, but to say they dropped the ball isn't. This decision was very much calculated on their part. I just hope it was the right one.

Then doesn't your criticism of him being a gun for hire come across as being that of a scorned lover? The Cardinals weren't keen on paying him the contract because they felt he won't be worth it. That's something that only time will tell but it's their team to run. They've won a couple WS over the past few years so they deserve some benefit of the doubt. Didn't Pujols also sign a team friendly contract before this one? And weren't there several reports about the Cardinals offering him an insultingly low contract extension earlier this year?The guy has been paid below his worth for years. And now that he wants to get some zeros added to the check to earn his actual worth you want to scream he's all about the dollars?

I think that accusation that Pujols has been underpaid is grossly exaggerated. The Cardinals took a certain amount of risk in rewarding Pujols with a 7-year-contract (8 with option) after just his 3rd season in the bigs. Sure, he had proven himself to already be a superstar, but the Cardinals bought out several years of arbitration in a good faith effort to make him comfortable. Did he end up being worth more than what they paid out to him? Of course, but we get the benefit of hindsight to say that now. At the time of the signing, Pujols was no different than Tulowitzki or Longoria signing what appears club friendly deal. The security for the young player in these deals can't be understated.My accusation of him being a hired gun centers around his statements. He has continually said this decision had nothing to do with the money and everything to do with the commitment. There is no bigger slap in the face to this organization, the city of St. Louis, or the Cardinals fan base than to question their commitment to him. He was treated like the king of that city, and they wanted to pay him near $350 million dollars for 21 years of his service to their community both on and off the field. If that's not a commitment, I'm not sure what is.Translation: He's lying. It is about the money, and he is a mercenary moving to Anaheim.

Of course it's about the money. Yankess, Red Sox, Mets and Dodgers not in the bidding. Kind of a big deal. Angels and Marlins willing to pay more. St. Louis' offer 30mill less then those teams. Cards just not willing to pay a reasonable price. 3 WS appearances, 2 rings, all the milestones to come, best player of his generation. Nope. Not going to pay market value in a down market. What scenario were the Cards hoping for? It all come to fruition yet they still cheaped out.

Not really, in the NL Pujols best years are behind him, not in front of him. In the AL he can squeeze out a little more. Albert probably has 3 years left at the level he is at now then the dropoff starts and injury factor grows. To pay a player 25-30 million a season from the age 37-42 just does not make sense.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Longtime Cardinals fan here...

I am fine with Albert taking the money and running, and I am fine with the organization not having broken the bank to overpay for a player who won't be worth that kind of money in a matter of years.

Now, having said that, I am not fine with that nonsense that Albert's wife spewed on Monday:

1. Saying that an offer of 130 million was insulting is not gonna get any sympathy in this day and age. It's as dumb as an athlete rejecting an offer and using the "I can't feed my kids with that kind of money" line.

2. "It's just like God," she said at the end of the interview, "to put us on a team called the Angels." GIVE ME A DAMN BREAK. God didn't put you in LA; you CHOSE to go to LA. Like I said, I am fine with Albert deciding to take the money and run, but don't try copping out and acting like it was all on God. I believe in a higher power, but life is still ultimately about choice. Albert Pujols chose to go to LA, plain and simple.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

1. Saying that an offer of 130 million was insulting is not gonna get any sympathy in this day and age. It's as dumb as an athlete rejecting an offer and using the "I can't feed my kids with that kind of money" line.

If your employer offered you significantly less than what you were worth, wouldn't that be an insulting offer? Even if their offer was more than enough for you to take care of your family?I agree the God/Angels comment is pretty dumb.

 

[Ghost Rider]

1. Saying that an offer of 130 million was insulting is not gonna get any sympathy in this day and age. It's as dumb as an athlete rejecting an offer and using the "I can't feed my kids with that kind of money" line.

If your employer offered you significantly less than what you were worth, wouldn't that be an insulting offer? Even if their offer was more than enough for you to take care of your family?

Yes, but it is stupid to say that publicly. Some things are better left unsaid. Given how many people in this country are out of work and/or struggling, you aren't gonna get sympathy from a lot of people when you cry about being insulted by a 130 million dollar offer.

 

[RnR]

1. Saying that an offer of 130 million was insulting is not gonna get any sympathy in this day and age. It's as dumb as an athlete rejecting an offer and using the "I can't feed my kids with that kind of money" line.

If your employer offered you significantly less than what you were worth, wouldn't that be an insulting offer? Even if their offer was more than enough for you to take care of your family?

Yes, but it is stupid to say that publicly. Some things are better left unsaid. Given how many people in this country are out of work and/or struggling, you aren't gonna get sympathy from a lot of people when you cry about being insulted by a 130 million dollar offer.

Exactly.But remember guys, at the same time, this really wasn't about the money. Ok?

 

[Dr. Awesome]

1. Saying that an offer of 130 million was insulting is not gonna get any sympathy in this day and age. It's as dumb as an athlete rejecting an offer and using the "I can't feed my kids with that kind of money" line.

If your employer offered you significantly less than what you were worth, wouldn't that be an insulting offer? Even if their offer was more than enough for you to take care of your family?

Yes, but it is stupid to say that publicly. Some things are better left unsaid. Given how many people in this country are out of work and/or struggling, you aren't gonna get sympathy from a lot of people when you cry about being insulted by a 130 million dollar offer.

I don't know if sympathy plays a significant role in this (at least not for most people). He claims it's an insulting offer. It's just a statement of fact. It's true. I'm very unlikely to ever make what Pujols will but that doesn't mean I can't agree with him. If anyone at any job gets offered a lot less than they're worth then they should be insulted. Doesn't matter if that figure is $1 or $1,000,000. Or even $100,000,000. And even if it is all about the money (which I don't agree with) why should you be so bitter towards him (and RnR you seem to be on tilt over this). The Cardinals also made this all about the money when they refused to come up with some extra cash for the best hitter in the game, a guy who helped lead the team to multiple World Series appearances, and a local legend. Screw St. Louis ownership and their ungrateful fans.

 

[RnR]

Screw St. Louis ownership and their ungrateful fans.

Screw you, guy. I'm glad you've come here to let us know how to react to this. No one more informed on the day-to-day happenings of this transaction than you. You've been doing nothing but showering us with facts here. If you think an organization offering $210 million dollars to a 32-year-old man to play a game for the next decade is insulting, I suggest stepping outside and getting a clue.

I've said several times in this thread that I'm sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to watch him play on a daily basis for the last 11 years, and that I wish him the best in Anaheim. Am I disappointed in the outcome of the negotiations? Of course. But, I'm truly not on tilt about this.

That doesn't mean I feel he handled his exit well. He comes off as out-of-touch and a diva. Those are traits I would have never attributed to the big guy, but the quotes don't lie.

 

[Ghost Rider]

And even if it is all about the money (which I don't agree with) why should you be so bitter towards him (and RnR you seem to be on tilt over this).

I am not bitter at all about this, and nothing I have said should make anyone think I am. I think you need to get a grip and not generalize. Yes, a lot of Cardinals fans are bitter and lashing out a bit (which comes from the initial shock of him leaving, but that will dissipate over time), but many, including myself, are not. Hell, I hope he still does well in LA, and I hope the Cardinals, despite what has happened, still retire his number so no Cardinal ever wears number 5 again.

 

[RnR]

I hold no ill will towards Pujols. It is a bummer to see him go, but that is too much money and many years to give to him. And at least he didn't go to the Yankees or the Cubs or to a scrub team like the Marlins.

Thanks for a great 11 years, Albert! You'll always be one of the greatest Cardinals ever.

Exactly.

Bump from page 1. This is really the overwhelming feeling for Cardinals fans I think. There are some of us (myself more than Ghost Rider in this instance), that feel he owed the fans that supported him unconditionally some honesty on his way out the door. He was treated too well in his time as a Cardinal to leave with "commitment issues" and "not about the money" statements, especially after he played the "As long as ownership commits to putting a competitive product on the field around me, I want to be a Cardinal for life" card for many years. If you're leaving for more money and an opportunity you find more appealing, that's fine. Just man up and say that.

I fail to see how that sentiment is ungrateful. In fact, I'm insulted Dr. Awesome would claim that.

 

[JZilla]

I hold no ill will towards Pujols. It is a bummer to see him go, but that is too much money and many years to give to him. And at least he didn't go to the Yankees or the Cubs or to a scrub team like the Marlins.

Thanks for a great 11 years, Albert! You'll always be one of the greatest Cardinals ever.

Exactly.

Bump from page 1. This is really the overwhelming feeling for Cardinals fans I think. There are some of us (myself more than Ghost Rider in this instance), that feel he owed the fans that supported him unconditionally some honesty on his way out the door. He was treated too well in his time as a Cardinal to leave with "commitment issues" and "not about the money" statements, especially after he played the "As long as ownership commits to putting a competitive product on the field around me, I want to be a Cardinal for life" card for many years. If you're leaving for more money and an opportunity you find more appealing, that's fine. Just man up and say that.

I fail to see how that sentiment is ungrateful. In fact, I'm insulted Dr. Awesome would claim that.

So, do something that nobody anywhere has ever done, ever.

 

[RnR]

I hold no ill will towards Pujols. It is a bummer to see him go, but that is too much money and many years to give to him. And at least he didn't go to the Yankees or the Cubs or to a scrub team like the Marlins.

Thanks for a great 11 years, Albert! You'll always be one of the greatest Cardinals ever.

Exactly.

Bump from page 1. This is really the overwhelming feeling for Cardinals fans I think. There are some of us (myself more than Ghost Rider in this instance), that feel he owed the fans that supported him unconditionally some honesty on his way out the door. He was treated too well in his time as a Cardinal to leave with "commitment issues" and "not about the money" statements, especially after he played the "As long as ownership commits to putting a competitive product on the field around me, I want to be a Cardinal for life" card for many years. If you're leaving for more money and an opportunity you find more appealing, that's fine. Just man up and say that.

I fail to see how that sentiment is ungrateful. In fact, I'm insulted Dr. Awesome would claim that.

So, do something that nobody anywhere has ever done, ever.

Yeah. It has always been important to Albert to be perceived as a man of integrity, that was his chance to show it. Maybe I'm guilty of holding him to a higher standard, but that's only because I believed he was of that character. To be honest, I feel like that alone shows what kind of respect I had for the man. Apparently, in some eyes, that makes me ungrateful. Really, I'm just disappointed in him making half-baked excuses on his way out the door.

 

[proninja]

lmao @ questioning his character. Get over it. You got to enjoy two championships out of the deal.

I'm a Mariner fan. I'm familiar with losing players to 250m offers. I didn't get to enjoy two championships out of the deal. When you start saying he lacks character and integrity, you look silly.

 

[curta269]

lmao @ questioning his character. Get over it. You got to enjoy two championships out of the deal.I'm a Mariner fan. I'm familiar with losing players to 250m offers. I didn't get to enjoy two championships out of the deal. When you start saying he lacks character and integrity, you look silly.

Pujols has been quoted as saying as he wanted to be a Cardinal for life, and it wasn't about the money. That is why all the Cardinals fans thought he would stay and are hurt by him leaving. I enjoyed watching him play, and hate to see him leave, but it, in the long run, it is probably better off for the team he is gone. Too many years and too much money for a team with the payroll the Cardinals have. So, can we start a thread like this about Prince Fielder??!!

 

[Premier]

RnR - you keep saying "...to play a game". While that may essentially be the case, you're really trying to undercut what is a man's life's work. He didn't just roll out the batting gloves and get this good.

 

[RnR]

RnR - you keep saying "...to play a game". While that may essentially be the case, you're really trying to undercut what is a man's life's work. He didn't just roll out the batting gloves and get this good.

Come on dude, I'm aware of the hard work and dedication it takes. I respect it. It is his life's work and he's been paid extremely handsomely for it.I just think it is silly that some people actually believe it is insulting to offer this man $21 million a year to play baseball. It may not be the best offer he'll see (obviously), but let's put some perspective on it. Not only is that offer one of the largest in the history of sports, but it is for playing a game. Not saving lives, not curing cancer, not even leading the free world. I'm one of the biggest baseball nuts you'll find and I understand the economics of the game, but even I think that's crazy talk.

That's the only reason I keep saying "to play a game", because I think some people in this thread need to redefine their take on what is insulting .

 

[RnR]

lmao @ questioning his character. Get over it. You got to enjoy two championships out of the deal.I'm a Mariner fan. I'm familiar with losing players to 250m offers. I didn't get to enjoy two championships out of the deal. When you start saying he lacks character and integrity, you look silly.

Pujols has been quoted as saying as he wanted to be a Cardinal for life, and it wasn't about the money. That is why all the Cardinals fans thought he would stay and are hurt by him leaving.

All I asked, as a fan, is that he be accountable for those two statements as he walked out the door. I'm glad someone is willing to admit that these things did, in fact, occur. Lots of people are trying to act like I'm just being irrational. A guy of high moral fiber steps up and addresses these things when he leaves. I expected that out of him. That's my only real complaint against him.

 

[RnR]

... and I'm going to slowly back away from this thread.

Hopefully my position is clear:

Sad he decided to leave.

Appreciate his accomplishments.

Treasure the memories.

Wish things would have gone differently in the way he exited.

Don't, under any circumstances, empathize with the insult and hurt he felt from the offer.

Wish him the best in Anaheim.

Still love the Cardinals.

Not losing my mind.

 

[curta269]

... and I'm going to slowly back away from this thread.

Hopefully my position is clear:

Sad he decided to leave.

Appreciate his accomplishments.

Treasure the memories.

Wish things would have gone differently in the way he exited.

Don't, under any circumstances, empathize with the insult and hurt he felt from the offer.

Wish him the best in Anaheim.

Still love the Cardinals.

Not losing my mind.

Well said.

 

[proninja]

lmao @ questioning his character. Get over it. You got to enjoy two championships out of the deal.I'm a Mariner fan. I'm familiar with losing players to 250m offers. I didn't get to enjoy two championships out of the deal. When you start saying he lacks character and integrity, you look silly.

Pujols has been quoted as saying as he wanted to be a Cardinal for life, and it wasn't about the money. That is why all the Cardinals fans thought he would stay and are hurt by him leaving. I enjoyed watching him play, and hate to see him leave, but it, in the long run, it is probably better off for the team he is gone. Too many years and too much money for a team with the payroll the Cardinals have. So, can we start a thread like this about Prince Fielder??!!

Right, and the Cards tried to lowball the hell out of him after he'd given them a truckload of surplus value for 11 years, and they pissed him off and made him think they were trying to take advantage of his loyalty. Which they probably were. Things can happen in between what someone says earlier and what someone does later that explain those things without making them a hypocrite. You can do whatever you want about Prince Fielder. I strongly doubt he'll ever become a Mariner.

 

[Daywalker]

Think Forbes rated the Cards as the 7th most valuable franchise in MLB. Enough with this payroll limitations BS. They decided to pocket the money and let a legend walk over 30mill as they pay M. Holliday 18mill next season.

 

[Premier]

RnR - you keep saying "...to play a game". While that may essentially be the case, you're really trying to undercut what is a man's life's work. He didn't just roll out the batting gloves and get this good.

Come on dude, I'm aware of the hard work and dedication it takes. I respect it. It is his life's work and he's been paid extremely handsomely for it.I just think it is silly that some people actually believe it is insulting to offer this man $21 million a year to play baseball. It may not be the best offer he'll see (obviously), but let's put some perspective on it. Not only is that offer one of the largest in the history of sports, but it is for playing a game. Not saving lives, not curing cancer, not even leading the free world. I'm one of the biggest baseball nuts you'll find and I understand the economics of the game, but even I think that's crazy talk.

That's the only reason I keep saying "to play a game", because I think some people in this thread need to redefine their take on what is insulting .

Yes, but he's doubling that money back to the owners via his play and. Probably way more than doubling, actually. I would want top of the market value as well. He's worth it. Hell he's worth it for what he's done. Part of this contract should've been a catchup for his last deal.

 

[Wrigley]

... and I'm going to slowly back away from this thread.

Hopefully my position is clear:

Sad he decided to leave.

Appreciate his accomplishments.

Treasure the memories.

Wish things would have gone differently in the way he exited.

Don't, under any circumstances, empathize with the insult and hurt he felt from the offer.

Wish him the best in Anaheim.

Still love the Cardinals.

Not losing my mind.

you'll be back

 

[curta269]

lmao @ questioning his character. Get over it. You got to enjoy two championships out of the deal.I'm a Mariner fan. I'm familiar with losing players to 250m offers. I didn't get to enjoy two championships out of the deal. When you start saying he lacks character and integrity, you look silly.

Pujols has been quoted as saying as he wanted to be a Cardinal for life, and it wasn't about the money. That is why all the Cardinals fans thought he would stay and are hurt by him leaving. I enjoyed watching him play, and hate to see him leave, but it, in the long run, it is probably better off for the team he is gone. Too many years and too much money for a team with the payroll the Cardinals have. So, can we start a thread like this about Prince Fielder??!!

Right, and the Cards tried to lowball the hell out of him after he'd given them a truckload of surplus value for 11 years, and they pissed him off and made him think they were trying to take advantage of his loyalty. Which they probably were. Things can happen in between what someone says earlier and what someone does later that explain those things without making them a hypocrite. You can do whatever you want about Prince Fielder. I strongly doubt he'll ever become a Mariner.

They lowballed him with a $210 million offer?? That is a very fair offer for the market they play in. Pujols got a great deal from the Angles, and I don't blame him for going. I just don't think they are going to get their money's worth out of him the last 5-6 years of that deal.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Screw St. Louis ownership and their ungrateful fans.

Screw you, guy. I'm glad you've come here to let us know how to react to this. No one more informed on the day-to-day happenings of this transaction than you. You've been doing nothing but showering us with facts here. If you think an organization offering $210 million dollars to a 32-year-old man to play a game for the next decade is insulting, I suggest stepping outside and getting a clue.

I've said several times in this thread that I'm sincerely appreciative of the opportunity to watch him play on a daily basis for the last 11 years, and that I wish him the best in Anaheim. Am I disappointed in the outcome of the negotiations? Of course. But, I'm truly not on tilt about this.

That doesn't mean I feel he handled his exit well. He comes off as out-of-touch and a diva. Those are traits I would have never attributed to the big guy, but the quotes don't lie.

I shouldn't have said you guys are ungrateful. That was an over the top statement. So we can hang our hats on that agreement.