Pujols doesn't sign after deadline passes
The St. Louis Cardinals made Albert Pujols what they said was their best offer. It wasn't enough. So get ready, baseball: Pujols seems headed for the open market next fall.
The St. Louis Cardinals made Albert Pujols what they said was their best offer.
It wasn't enough.
So get ready, baseball: Pujols seems headed for the open market next fall.
The deadline Pujols set for the Cardinals to reach a new contract agreement passed yesterday with no deal, making it likely the three-time MVP will become a free agent after the World Series. The Cardinals said they will respect Pujols' wishes and not request more talks during the season, unless their first baseman surprisingly changes his mind.
"A difference of opinion in determining Albert's value simply could not be resolved," said Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano.
The Cardinals would not reveal their offer, though it was believed to be somewhere around $200 million for 8 years, possibly with an opportunity for Pujols to obtain an ownership stake in the franchise once his playing days are complete.
Noteworthy
* Rickie Weeks agreed to a $38.5 million, 4-year contract with Milwaukee that contains a 2015 option that could increase the total value to $50 million.
* Infielder Orlando Cabrera has passed his physical and signed a 1-year contract with the Cleveland Indians.
* The Cubs announced that former Phillie Keith Moreland will replace the late Ron Santo as the team's radio color analyst.
* Outfielder Scott Podsednik has agreed to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
* The Dodgers have signed pitcher Lance Cormier to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
* With the New York Mets under pressure because of a lawsuit and searching for investors, Jeff Wilpon insisted on the eve of spring training that his family won't give up control of the team.
Owner Fred Wilpon and son Jeff, the team's chief operating officer, said Jan. 28 they were exploring selling up to 25 percent of the franchise because of "uncertainty" caused by the lawsuit filed by Irving H. Picard, the trustee trying to recover money for victims of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme. Picard is seeking at least $300 million from the Wilpons, team president and brother-in-law Saul Katz and related Sterling Equities entities.
* Closer Mariano Rivera missed the Yankees' second day of workouts for pitchers and catchers to be with his sick children.
* Rangers pitcher Omar Beltre has been diagnosed with a genetic narrowing of the spine and will have surgery next Tuesday.
* Outfielder Delmon Young and the Twins avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a 1-year contract worth $5,375,000.