Cardinals and Pujols Struggling With Contract

Albert Pujols gave the St. Louis Cardinals a deadline for when they would be able to negotiate a deal. Apparently, they are nowhere close to striking any sort of deal at the moment. Many sources have stated that contract talks are heading in the wrong direction. Pujols presented the Cardinals with a 10-year, $300 million contract last year and the Cardinals have yet to counter, or even really acknowledge the offer. But St. Louis is reluctant to close all connections and negotiations with Pujols in fear that he would go to free agency. With Pujols' self-imposed deadline for an agreement, being less than two weeks, St. Louis may have to scramble to reach an deal. The Cardinals' position players are to report on the 18th, so whether or not they can strike up a contract is on them, Pujols, and his agent, Dan Lozano. The 31 year-old first baseman is looking to get a deal similar to Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million contract. Also branching off the Ryan Howard 5-year, $125 million contract, only to see what other first basemen are getting in today's market. If Pujols will go to free agency, front-runners for pursuing him are the Cubs, Rangers, and Angels. It is a possibility that the Mets and the Dodgers could move around funds to fit the contract he is looking for. Both the Yankees and the Red Sox are set at first base, but don't put it past them not to put their hands into the mix. Especially with big-ticket first basemen they are able to trade, plus they are known to be creative with players they want. Albert Pujols, I wish you luck on acquiring $300 million across 10 years, because I know you deserve it. The most consistent player out there, year after year, and if the Cardinals pass on paying you, good luck with another team, but honestly you probably won't need it.