Albert Pujols rejects St. Louis Cardinals’ offer: Reports
The situation between the St. Louis Cardinals and Albert Pujols is beginning to hit an intense drive as both parties are trying to get the off-season rust out of the way.
The Cards are trying to sign the fiery first baseman and it seems there is not much progress. Recent press reports claim the player has rejected contract extension offers by the club. The news comes from a leading source and it states that Pujols is asking
for dramatic changes in the proposed deal.
Pujols has set a negotiation deadline and Tuesday is the last day both him and the team can discuss an agreement. Some reports claim the rejection came weeks ago but there is an understanding that the process must advance with a positive outlook. Cardinals’
manager Tony La Russa recently spoke on the matter.
“You're asking my opinion -- somebody else might answer different,” he said. “I don't think either side can get bruised, because they've got too many points going into this thing.”
La Russa went on to claim that it was in its exact appearance, a process. Albert has to make a choice and the Cardinals would be doing their best to represent themselves to Pujols. Tony explained that it did not matter which way the process would lead the
two parties to as both of them were functioning in the best possible way to avoid hurting each other. He said that if the parties reached an agreement, everyone would be happy.
“I think the biggest bruising would be if a team that looks like we should be in contention, plays like chumps. I think our fans would be more unhappy (if) we don't have a contending 2011 season. I don't mean anything about Albert and the St. Louis Cardinals,
but this is a team. He is the best player, but I think it's more important to our fans that the 2011 Cardinals do something that resembles the history of the organization,” he said.
With a lot riding in behind Pujols, fans will be hoping the player is signed on for more years beyond 2011. Albert is entering his last year on the 8-year $111 million contract. Given his quality, he will be looking for a significant raise soon.
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