St. Louis Cardinals extend Albert Pujols
The St. Louis Cardinals have exercised a club option of $16 million, which will see all-star Albert Pujols remain with the club until the end of the 2011 season. The option will see Pujols make $2 million more than he made in 2010.
Pujols was drafted by the Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. Since joining the League in 2001 the first baseman has been exceptional. Pujols won the rookie of the year award in his first season, and then went
on to win two silver slugger awards in 2003 and 2004. The veteran followed his silver slugger awards with a National League most valuable player award in 2005. In 2006 the slugger earned his first even Golden Glove award. In 2008 he won his third silver slugger
award along with his second NL MVP award. In 2009 Pujols added to his trophy case with yet another silver slugger award and his third NL MVP award.
Pujols dominance over the past nine seasons made it an easy decision for St. Louis to pick up the club option for 2011. Nevertheless, the club has stated that they are currently working out a timetable with Pujols to try and sign the 30-year-old to a new
contract. However, there are many pundits that questions whether or not Pujols will be back with Card after the 2011 season, as he is set to become a free agent.
The club also announced that a $2 million option on relief pitcher Trever Miller was also exercised on Thursday. Last season with the Cardinals Miller pitched in 57 games, for a total of 36 innings, earning an ERA of 4.00.
Last season with St. Louis Pujols posted a .312 batting-average, led the NL with 42 home runs, and tied with Matt Holiday for the NL lead in RBIs with 118.
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