Phat Albert Headed to Anaheim

"The Decision: Albert Pujols" edition is over. Albert has had the most dominating career of anyone in their first 11 seasons. Who doesn't want some of that? The Cardinals, of course, wanted to keep the slugger that had been with them every one of those 11 seasons. The latest offer from the birds seemed to be 9 years, just under $200 million. Also in the running was the Marlins, at least until yesterday. They had offered around 10 years, $220 million. But neither team won Pujols' signature. I want to say it was the Cubs to shock a few Cardinals fans but it wasn't them either. It was the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Pujols agreed to be a Halo for a 10 year, $254 million dollar contract, the second biggest contract ever in MLB history. This is no doubt the biggest deal of the offseason.

Looks like the power balance in LA has shifted in favor of the Angels. Phat Albert playing for the Halos is big news and with his signing and also that of CJ Wilson makes the Angels the automatic favorite in the AL West as of now. Those Rangers better respond with a significant signing if they want to be able to compete. As for the signing itself, it doesn't seem like a deal for the long term. I know it's for 10 years but quite frankly there is no way Pujols is playing to contract expectations near the end of that. Hell, I would even say he's not living to expectations in 5 seasons.

This contract is for the short term. The Angels are going to spend $254 million dollars in the hope of getting a World Series title or two over the next few seasons while Pujols is in his prime. It's not like Pujols can't help them win a title later in his career but it's more likely to happen in the next few years. Good luck to the Angels on this roll of the die. Hope it's not Snake Eyes.