Reports: Pujols, Cards agree to deal

stlcardinals.com , espn.com , AP ^ | By Jim Banks / MLB.com

[Bud Krieger]

ESPN.com and the Associated Press, both citing unnamed sources, are reporting that the slugger has agreed to a seven-year contract worth $100 million. The Cardinals have not confirmed either report.

Pujols, who will make the switch from left field to first base this season following the trade of Tino Martinez, was scheduled to have his arbitration hearing on Friday. He asked for $10.5 million, while the Cardinals countered at $7 million. ( full story , go to link).

[Bud Krieger]

This is great news for Cardinal Nation.

No arbitration !! We got him for seven years.

KMOX radio has also reported this, so it appears to be a done deal.

[Lawgvr1955]

I don't understand this deal, though I am glad they got it done. He wanted 10.5 a year and the Cards offered 7. Yet they settle for 100 over 7 years. (They settled over his opener. 10.5 x 7 = 73.5 million).

[Bud Krieger]

I don't understand this deal, though I am glad they got it done. He wanted 10.5 a year and the Cards offered 7. Yet they settle for 100 over 7 years. (They settled over his opener. 10.5 x 7 = 73.5 million).

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Apparently he changed his mind ( or his agent did ) and was going to ask for more money !( So it was reported ). Either way, for a guy with this much talent, it could be a great deal in the long run.

I think they mentioned a no trade clause as well?

I really like the guy and am thrilled they signed him. I just hope he stays healthy and keeps producing.

[ConservativeStLouisGuy]

Having spent the last 42 years in St. Louis -- and following the baseball Cardinals -- this is good news to hear!

The Cardinals last won the World Series after they got Bruce Sutter from the Cubbies....now if they can just hold on to Albert -- and get some better pitching! -- they'll be all set for this coming year!

FReegards,

- ConservativeStLouisGuy

[Lawgvr1955]

As a lifelong Cardinal fan, I am happy that they managed to keep Pujols. The Cards can always use pitching. Over the last several seasons they seemed to have the offensive output, but just not enough arms to get the job done.

I miss the 80's teams, the Whitey ball era. Yes, their current skipper seems to have won lots of games, but he just isn't Whitey Herzog IMHO.