Backtobanks

Fielder, Buerhle, and Ramirez would cost more than $30 million in 2012 unless Buerhle and Ramirez really bomb this year.

So because he signed a team-friendly contract 6 years ago while he was still in arbitration he isn't about the money and will take less to stay in St. Louis??????? Some people's defense mechanism against being disappointed by something they really really want to happen not happening is downplaying the chances of that thing happening. Did that even make sense? Not that I'm saying I think we'll sign Pujols...or that it's even really likely... but I'd have to agree that it's a stretch to paint the picture that optimistically for the Cardinals. We're all guessing here, and I think it's reasonable to think that given Albert's pro-STL quotes, his past behavior when it comes to contract negotiations, and the fact that, while not one of the highest paid guys in the league, the guy has already made some pretty nice cash over the years, that he may not be looking to completely break the bank here. It's also reasonable to think that he's gonna walk. Maybe it's more about the money than he's previously let on. I certainly understand that thought, and don't bregrudge anyone think that's going to happen. But I think he stays. I don't think that's an unreasonable opinion. Let's not forget that professional athletes do have egos and when push comes to shove they want proof ($$$$$) that they're the best player in baseball. He may give the Cards a discount, but I think he wants to have the biggest contract ever (> $275 million). Unfortunately for the Cards, $280 million plus might be a "hometown discount".

If the Tigers are successful in making Cabrera's contract non-guaranteed, they could be another possible destination for Pujols. From MLBTR: •Some executives in baseball wonder if the Tigers will try to make Miguel Cabrera's contract non-guaranteed, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (Twitter links). The first baseman, who was arrested and charged with driving under the influence last night, has five years and $106MM remaining on his long-term deal with the Tigers. The Mets unsuccessfully attempted to convert Francisco Rodriguez's contract into a non-guaranteed deal after his legal trouble in 2010. he

I think what it boils down to is that Pujols wasn't going to sign unless the Cards offered him something ridiculous. Knowing that, there wasn't much of a reason for the Cards to offer him something absurd. They can do that next winter when they actually know what the market is going to be for him. Everything that I've read makes it sound like the Cards can't afford "something ridiculous" next winter either.

Coleman deserves a shot at the rotation if he pitches like he did last year.

From MLBTR: Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija is out of minor league options, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, and is therefore all but assured of a roster spot (likely in the bullpen) coming out of Spring Training, lest he be exposed to waivers. Samardzija has been shuttled between the minors and Majors, as well as starting and relieving, since being drafted by the Cubs in the fifth round in 2006

If the money is basically the same, he might prefer staying in the NL and specifically the NL Central. Also, the facilities might be crappy, but the Cubs and their fans are noted for worshiping their heroes. There aren't many other teams (except possibly the Yankees) who have such a strong relationship with their former players.

If the Cubs could convince Samardzija to waive his NTC, including him in a package would save $3 million.

Then we had better hope he ages gracefully. :lol:

Yeah, all of those numbers are smoke and mirrors anyway after tax write-offs. 70%-80% of the teams could fit a $20 million contract into their payroll if they choose to do it and probably 20%-30% could afford a $30 million contract.

The Mets have $46 million coming off the books after 2011, the Cubs $46 million, Dodgers $24 million, Seattle $24 million. Of course these numbers are subject to change, but more than a few teams could afford Pujols if they're willing to give him that much money.

Its all just posturing right now. Unless the Cardinals are complete idiots and do not understand the value of Pujols, they'll pay. They wouldnt have signed Holliday last offseason if they were just going to turn around and be unable to pay Pujols this season. I think this is all just posturing to get the just deal to appease both sides. I think at the end of everything we'll find out that there was almost no chance Albert was going to leave STL. We can always hope though. Yeah, in the end, I think this too. I can't see them not getting this done, no matter what he wants. Pujols knows he has them over a barrel and might as well wait them out until he's sure it's their best offer. I agree that they will come to an agreement sometime.

Murphy is listed as their 4th OF and Fukudome could fill that role. I agree that Hendry shouldn't do Fukudome for Young straight up, but that isn't what I posted. Young is basically untradable unless the Rangers pick up a big portion of his contract. Young at $14 million over 2 years isn't going to stop the Cubs from spending big on Pujols/Fielder if they decide to go after either one.

Some of the rumors had the Rangers offering to pay half of the $48 million owed over 3 years. Michael Young + David Murphy + $18 million (spread over 2012-2013) for Baker + Fukudome.

Seriously? I can't imagine it was that unpopular an opinion. I listened on the radio when I did because I had no other choice, but I never thought Ron was adding anything to the broadcast with his incoherent nonsense. Is that ok to say? Sure. It's definitely a bit of revisionist history with all of the people acting like they loved Ron's career as a broadcaster. There's nothing wrong with people separating their appreciation of Ron the player/Cubs fan/person and Ron the announcer. Personally, I got a kick out of listening to him from time to time, but more often than not I would find myself tuning out because he was just SO bad. Yeah, we love Ron, but he certainly won't make the HOF as an announcer.

Obviously it's skewed against any team with a large payroll just by using simple math.

Hendry is just encouraging a prospect to commit to baseball over football. I'm sure all GMs and coaches use this kind of talk in recruiting.

That's definitely wise, especially when you're the Oakland A's, but what if you're the Red Sox or the Cubs and you have the money. Is it good to let the talent walk and get the picks and rebuild the back end of your bullpen over and over again? Truly asking... The difficulty I have with locking up Marmol for big years and money is that he always seems like he's one bad pitch away from having his right arm fly into the fifth row behind home plate. Plus, there are a number of guys in the high minors who could step forward in the next year or two who could provide quality outings for much cheaper than Marmol. Plus, I have to think Marmol's 15.99 K/9 and 0.12 HR/9 will regress next season.Relievers with big contracts always make me skittish. Marmol is no exception. Anything over two years would be difficult to stomach if his production falls off. I would think that it's a safe bet that he will regress next season because those numbers are ridiculous.

Maybe that picture is when we was 8 years old.

I can't believe the Cubs will keep 2 defensive players (Hill and Perez) on their bench. At least one has to go.

He sounds like Ryan Doumit.

Not with his contract. No argument that he is still owed alot ($36mil) but that is for this year and next, correct? The Yankees were willing to throw a boatload at Lee to sign him, and one would think Z might waive his NTC to reunite with Rothschild. the Cubs could always throw in some cash as well. I don't see the point to trade for Garza and then turn around and trade Zambrano while throwing in cash. I think the trade for Garza was made to sell tickets this year while the team is competitive (and maybe contending) and for definite contention for 2012. I suppose they might try to trade Zambrano if one of the prospects steps up and is phenomenal during the spring, but I don't see that happening.

This would be true if we had traded for a frontline starter. Unfortunately, we traded for Matt Garza. A 27-year old guy who has put up solid numbers starting for contenders over the last 4-5 years sounds like a frontline starter to me.

I totally agree. I don't like all of the comments about Garza had better step up to become an ace or else the trade is a failure. It would be great if he does, but a solid #2 or #3 starter for the next 4 or 5 years sounds good to me. Zambrano, Dempster, and Lilly were never considered "aces", but provided solid, steady pitching over the years. I would say that more than half the teams don't have a true "ace".

Not with his contract.