"The Cardinals outlasted one contender for free agent first baseman and three-time National League MVP Albert Pujols on Wednesday only to be confronted by another, perhaps more serious challenger.

Only hours after the Miami Marlins were either eliminated from consideration or withdrew their 10-year offer for Pujols, the Los Angeles Angels officially entered the fray with a bid reportedly worth at least $210 million over the same term.

The sudden twist dropped the Cardinals from apparent leaders in their quest to retain their offensive centerpiece into an uncertain posture a day after they made an offer to Pujols' representative, Dan Lozano. A subsequent flurry of meetings Wednesday between general manager John Mozeliak, chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and Lozano caused the Cardinals to cancel an afternoon press briefing."