"When I wrote the summary of Day Three of the Winter Meetings, it appeared that Albert Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano, would leave Dallas without a contract for his client. Boy, were we wrong.
This whole process is just the latest reminder that while the Hot Stove can be a lot of fun to follow, we really have no real idea of what will happen until it actually, you know, happens. Just sit back, take it for what it is, and before you know it, there will be baseball games again. That I do know.
Let's talk about the fourth and final day of the 2011 Winter Meetings.
Angels Sign Albert Pujols to Ten-Year, $254 Million Contract
Just moments before the Rule 5 Draft was scheduled to begin early Thursday morning, the Angels sent shockwaves through the baseball world by securing the game's best hitter. Albert Pujols, a three-time National League MVP, is no longer a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. That's going to take some getting used to.
It was a stunning deal in many respects, mostly because the Angels weren't even in the running until late Tuesday night. However, emboldened by the Angels' new $3 billion television deal with FOX Sports, owner Arte Moreno gave the go-ahead to sign Pujols to the second-largest contract in baseball history. Only Alex Rodriguez's current 10-year, $275 million deal is bigger.
There are, of course, major ramifications to this contract from a fantasy perspective. First, just consider how this may impact Pujols offensively. According to latest edition of the Bill James Handbook, Busch Stadium ranked as the second-least favorable environment for home runs by right-handed batters over the past three seasons. Only the Indians' Progressive Field was more difficult. Makes his 55 regular season homers at Busch from 2009-2011 all the more impressive, don't you think? Dude's a machine.
Angel Stadium is also considered a pitchers' park, but it is much more neutral for right-handed power hitters. I wouldn't discount the possibility that Pujols' batting average could take a minor hit with the league switch, but we can probably tack on a couple extra homers, at least. As of now, he would be my No. 1 pick in mixed leagues just ahead of Ryan Braun. It's pretty close, though.
The plan for the Cardinals is to move Lance Berkman to first base, but right field is a bit more of a question mark. Allen Craig underwent surgery on his right knee around Thanksgiving and might not be ready for Opening Day. This could cause the Cardinals to consider an outside option like free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran. Jimmy Rollins is also a possibility at shortstop, but most think he will return to Philadelphia.
As for the Angels, they suddenly have a potential logjam at first base. Kendry Morales is recovering from a second surgery on his right ankle and suddenly looks like a non-tender candidate. As for Mark Trumbo, he could be potential trade-bait as part of a package for a closer like Andrew Bailey of the Athletics or perhaps Joel Hanrahan of the Pirates.
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