Albert Pujols and his salary

[Mutombolievable]

Does Albert Pujols prove that no position player in the MLB is worth the kind of money he makes? Look at the Cardinals, they lose Pujols in FA to the Angels yet who has the best record in the NL? Pujols is widely known as a top 5 hitter in the league yet the Cards are still killing it without him. Is any position player, not pitcher, really able to change the game so much that they deserve to make a billion dollars?

Edited July 29, 2013 by Mutombolievable

[AHF]

I think he and ARod are examples of the dangers of deals for this long and this much money when guys are as old as they are. I also think he makes a compelling argument for not shelling out on these types of contracts for anyone. It is one thing to swing on a long deal for Evan Longoria for a fraction of the cost, but Pujols is a deal that the Angels will end up regretting. The only surprise is how fast it has reached the point of regret.

Still probably a better deal than the Ryan Howard signing a couple seasons ago by Philly.

[ATLHawks3]

The only player in the MLB who should be making Pujols' kind of money is Miguel Cabrera.

[Mutombolievable]

The only player in the MLB who should be making Pujols' kind of money is Miguel Cabrera.

There's no doubt in my mind that he's the best player in baseball. But, if the Tigers sign a guy that's half the price and let Miggy walk, how many less games do you think they win? Is it that big a difference? With that extra money could they go out and get another piece that actually makes their team even better?

In the NBA I understand why some guys make 20mil a year and others make 1. The individual player is now almost bigger than the team in the NBA. I don't really see that as much in baseball.

[benhillboy]

I think it's unwise to sign any 2-tool player to these mega-millions deals, Cabrera included. Most of them can't even communicate with their teammates well, are surly, and have little leadership skills in the clubhouse, let alone just being awful like Pujols and A-Rod are with injuries and adjustments to pitching without steroids or diminished strength. The Phillies, Angels, and Yankees are actually experiencing diminishing returns with their downtrodden super-sluggers. I would give max deals only to Top-Notch pitchers who are extremely durable like Sabbathia or Verlander, or phenomenal 5-Tool position players (most preferably middle infield or center) like Puig, Trout, or McCutchen. I value guys who can slug with the best, but also take extra bases, show great range at their position, and flash leather much moreso than guys who just slug and hit for average. I know he strikes out a lot, but I always thought Adam Dunn was the premier, true home run specialist of his generation. He's much lower maintenance and a fraction of the cost of those others. With our current Braves team, I am so happy we don't have one of those Black Holes.

Edited August 2, 2013 by benhillboy