On Dec. 8, former St. Louis Cardinal first baseman, Albert Pujols, was bought by the Los Angeles Angels.
As a free agent after winning the 2011 World Series, it was no doubt Pujols would be up for grabs. Pujols is a three-time National League Most Valuable Player and a 10-time All-Star. He’s a lifetime .328 hitter with a .420 on-base percentage, a .617 slugging percentage, 445 home runs and 1,329 RBIs. He has won two Gold Glove Awards and six Silver Sluggers. He even won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2008.
As it shows Pujols is a player that most teams dream of having, and that dream came true for the Angels. They signed a deal with Pujols worth $254 million for a ten year contract, with a no trade clause. A contract, Pujols could not refuse.
When I heard the news during Academic Networking Period (ANP) that day I was not surprised he left. I am perfectly fine with Pujols leaving. I am more excited to see what the Cardinals will be like with out Pujols on first base, or on the team for that matter.
So, to all who are weeping, and the ones who are shouting about Pujols, remember that you should not hate the player, hate the business.