Friday night
I will be in front of my TV, watching the return of Albert Pujols to St. Louis.
He is an Angel these days, which prompts this commentary. In my view, Pujols
made a colossal mistake signing with LA after the 2011 World Series.
Pujols says
he left because the Cardinals did not pay him respect. They also didn’t pay him
$254-million dollars to play baseball until the year 2022. LA did. He says
California taxes are so pervasive that he would have made more cash in St.
Louis. But he stresses----money wasn’t the issue.
The real
reason I believe Pujols made a mistake in signing with the Angels is the personal services contract attached.
It really wasn’t a 10-year deal----it is a 20-year deal. He can’t be a part of
any Cardinal function for a decade after he retires from the game.
In 2027 he will
become a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame. The Hall can induct him as a Cardinal,
but his contract will prevent him from wearing a St. Louis hat until the year
2032 when he is 52 years old. He won’t be wearing a red jacket at opening day.
He won’t be able to come to St. Louis to have his number 5 retired. There won’t
be a statue to dedicate. He will miss countless commercial opportunities.
Pride cost
Albert Pujols dearly. If he had to do it over----you know he would have stayed
in St. Louis.
Tomorrow
night, standing at home plate at Busch Stadium, he will understand the depth of
his mistake. 50,000 adoring fans will welcome him back and honor him for his
eleven great years in Baseball Heaven.
Mike I agree that in Nbr 5's heart, late at nigh, he thinks, I should of stayed a Cardinal. for all the reasons you just mentioned, and I hope as I watch the game (s) on TV Friday, and Saturday, and in person on Sunday that the Cardinal fans will remember that we had he chance to watch 11 years of arguably the best offensive show in baseball from Albert. I will be on my feet Sunday night Cheering his every at bat. With out the DH that may be limited.
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