Albert Pujols in Pinstripes?
Photo: Image of Sport / PR Photos
I hate to even think about this. The New York Yankees may be planning to bring Albert Pujols to the Bronx. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Yankees are saving a spot in their lineup just in case Pujols comes to New York via trade or through free agency.
Pujols is talking a good game with the Cardinals. But can he really ignore the 10-year, $27.5 million-per-year deal that Alex Rodriguez got from the Yankees two years ago, when he was older than Pujols will be when his contract ends after the 2011 season? The difficulties tying up Fielder and Gonzalez with the Brewers and Padres are self-evident.
The Yankees are keeping the DH spot clear, for the time being, as a potential way to accommodate Pujols, Fielder or even Gonzalez playing alongside Mark Teixeira. They have advanced catching prospects ( Jesus Montero and Austin Romine) to offer if the Twins reach a choking point with Mauer, which Mauer will dictate more than the club.
There are actually four big stars on the verge of free agency. Joe Mauer, Prince Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez are also potentially on the market and you can bet the Yankees will keep an eye on what happens with each of them. And don’t forget about the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox have been pursuing a Gonzalez trade. Given Kevin Youkilis’ ability to play either infield corner and their holding a club option on David Ortiz’s contract for 2011, they would be a fit for any of the four.
Both clubs are expected to avoid the chase for Matt Holliday and wait for the opportunity to add one of the big four.
UPDATE: I’ve received several emails asking about Pujols’ contract situation and thought I would include that here for anybody that’s interested. He is scheduled to make $16 million this coming season and there is a team option for 2011 that would be another $16 million. I would be surprised if anything happens before next offseason with Pujols.
What do you think about the possibility of Pujols ending up playing in the Bronx?
Filed Under: MLB
I guess anything is possible but I don’t see it happening.
I wouln’t be surprised if ht Yankees make a play for Mauer but I don’t think they will go after Pujols.
Mauer probably makes more sense plus I think they probably need to keep the DH spot open. There are a lot of older guys there that will need a rest every now and then.
Maur is more likely. He will replace Posada and Posada will be a DH in 2011 anyway. Where will Pujos play in 2012 in NY? DH? LF? WHo was that yankee first baseman? Something Texiera?
Hi William. I agree that Mauer makes more sense but I have a couple of questions about that. How much longer do you think Mauer will catch before moving to another position? And most importantly… Is he really worth whats it’s going to cost to sign him?
if albert goes to NYY, ill be to heart broken to ever follow baseball for the rest of my life.
ummmm….nope. sorry. Pujols will be a lifer with the Redbirds. They will get creative and get a deal done. Players of his ilk do not come along every generation, and when they do you keep them. Albert is a Cardinal, and will be for a long time to come.
I’m definitely not a Cards fan but I would rather see Pujols stay there than see him end up with the Yankmees.
The Yanks wont sign Pujols(as stated b4, they have no spot for him.. that leaves the sox, cards, mets, and angels in the race… the cards cant afford pujols, the angels cant keep any of their stars (Lackey, Figgins, Teixiera,etc), and the mets cant win.. the sox can offer just as much as the mets, and dont you think that pujols would love hitting off the Monster??Theo’ll get it done….
As for Joe Mauer, he WILL be a Yankee, unfortunately. there is 0%chance he stays, due to the fact they cant come close with matching the yankees price. The sox and mets will be going for pujols too, so they will be more concious.
sox still have vmart tho. the sox can just re-sign beckett, and they are stacked with pujols in the lineup