Pujols visiting the Marlins?

[glen a richter]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_le ... lb-wp26726

Those big spenders? Yeah, this should be a done deal in a few hours, I'm sure.

[dmiles2186]

These are supposed to be the Marlins new uniforms. Pujols in bright orange? I don't see him going to the Marlins (I figure Jose Reyes is their guy), but why not check with Pujols? New stadium, new uniforms, they're trying to make a splash. Pujols would be the biggest splash of all. But I don't think he'll go there. They're going to increase payroll but if they get Pujols, they'll be wasting it all on just one guy.

[DaDitka]

At least he'd be easier to understand down there.

Hell, I bet the locals down there even have a clue what the hell Yadi is saying during interviews.

[glen a richter]

At least he'd be easier to understand down there.

Hell, I bet the locals down there even have a clue what the hell Yadi is saying during interviews.

Miami Marlins. English speakers need not apply. They're certainly catering to the market, that's for shit sure.

[cardsfan04]

I knew this was going to happen (Pujols talking to other teams), but it really sucks now that it's happening. I'm still convinced he's back in St. Louis though. He's just leveraging the Cards by testing the market.

If he signs somewhere else though, I'll strongly consider booing him. Not because he owes St. Louis to stay here. He doesn't, it's a business etc. But, it will basically prove him to be a fraud. How many times has he said it's not about the money, it's about winning? How many times has he said he wants to stay in St. Louis? I don't know what else the FO can do to prove their commitment to winning than winning the WS.

I don't have a problem with him taking care of himself on the business side of things. I have a major problem with him making a liar of himself though.

[DaDitka]

For what it's worth...(which isn't much).....many national sources believe the likelihood of him returning to the Birds is in serious jeopardy with teams reportedly ready to offer more then many expected.

Again, I'll worry about that once one of these offers are actually made.....but it is a little alarming considering I was expecting the exact opposite (I thought teams would not be as willing to shell out big bucks then he thought)

[glen a richter]

Who looks to gain leverage by meeting with the Marlins? You gain leverage by meeting with notorious big spenders, not teams that are tighter than a clam with lockjaw.

Unless the leverage he's looking for is making the Cards interview managers who don't speak a lick of English.

[DaDitka]

Who looks to gain leverage by meeting with the Marlins? You gain leverage by meeting with notorious big spenders, not teams that are tighter than a clam with lockjaw.

Unless the leverage he's looking for is making the Cards interview managers who don't speak a lick of English.

Exactly, he didn't go on that visit for leverage...he went because he's honestly wanting to hear what they are offering.

[cardsfan04]

Who looks to gain leverage by meeting with the Marlins? You gain leverage by meeting with notorious big spenders, not teams that are tighter than a clam with lockjaw.

Unless the leverage he's looking for is making the Cards interview managers who don't speak a lick of English.

well, the Marlins are reportedly upping their payroll by upwards of 35%, going from 57 mil to at least 80 mil.

And, I agree that the Marlins aren't the best team to use for leverage. But, here's why I see it as somewhat of a leveraging move. Both of you think that he went there because he's legitimately interested in what they have to say (which he might be). How does showing the Cards that he's serious about considering leaving not help him leverage them? If he shows them legitimate competition, that only drives his price up with the Cards.

[DaDitka]

Two weeks ago the Cards were the clear favorites to sign Albert, It appears that has greatly decreased. However it is a fluid situation.

That said, Im betting the field against the house.

[glen a richter]

Who looks to gain leverage by meeting with the Marlins? You gain leverage by meeting with notorious big spenders, not teams that are tighter than a clam with lockjaw.

Unless the leverage he's looking for is making the Cards interview managers who don't speak a lick of English.

well, the Marlins are reportedly upping their payroll by upwards of 35%, going from 57 mil to at least 80 mil.

And, I agree that the Marlins aren't the best team to use for leverage. But, here's why I see it as somewhat of a leveraging move. Both of you think that he went there because he's legitimately interested in what they have to say (which he might be). How does showing the Cards that he's serious about considering leaving not help him leverage them? If he shows them legitimate competition, that only drives his price up with the Cards.

That's an increase of 23 million, of which Reyes and Buehrle easily combine to make up. Add Pujols to the mix and they're going to north of 100 mil.

[cardsfan04]

Who looks to gain leverage by meeting with the Marlins? You gain leverage by meeting with notorious big spenders, not teams that are tighter than a clam with lockjaw.

Unless the leverage he's looking for is making the Cards interview managers who don't speak a lick of English.

well, the Marlins are reportedly upping their payroll by upwards of 35%, going from 57 mil to at least 80 mil.

And, I agree that the Marlins aren't the best team to use for leverage. But, here's why I see it as somewhat of a leveraging move. Both of you think that he went there because he's legitimately interested in what they have to say (which he might be). How does showing the Cards that he's serious about considering leaving not help him leverage them? If he shows them legitimate competition, that only drives his price up with the Cards.

That's an increase of 23 million, of which Reyes and Buehrle easily combine to make up. Add Pujols to the mix and they're going to north of 100 mil.

Yeah, there's absolutely no chance that they sign all 3. And, apparently the Marlins' offer wasn't overwhelming because Reyes is their prized FA. I was just pointing out they are apparently changing their business model. But, I agree, Marlins aren't the team that the Cards are afraid of in a bidding war.

[dmiles2186]

I was talking to my brother in law, a Cubs fan, and I'll be honest, if Pujols goes elsewhere for an insane amount of money, I'd be okay if the Cards immediately went out and signed (for example) a Jose Reyes and Mark Buerhle. That team is better on paper than this year's team. The bonus of Pujols signing elsewhere would be that the Cardinals could end up signing 2-3 players at less of a cost and for less time and could keep this train rolling.

It's all hypothetical at this point. Pujols is doing what he needs to do, and I'm okay with that. He's going to visit teams and if they want to spend an insane amount of money and time on him, fine. I don't want Pujols making 30 millions dollars when he's 42. Nothing good can come from that.

On the flip side, I'd love to see him finish his career as a Cardinal. But I've changed on this. Originally I thought the Cards should do whatever they can to sign him. Now, the Cardinals can use that money to make smarter signings elsewhere.

We'll see what happens though.