Let California Angel Fans Babysit Albert Pujols Now

Albert Pujols, I am on the record for being mad at you.

I’ve always had a theory: Give politicians or athletes a microphone, and they will go out and destroy themselves.

You told an adoring throng of California Angel cheerleaders this whole thing is not about the money. It's about support and respect.

Huh?

Albert, you’re telling us the Cardinal fans did not vie enough for your affection throughout 11 seasons? The laid-back, sun-worshipping West Coast beachers will be more fervent in your support. Forget it. No one can dish out more loyal support than Cardinal Nation. No one.

Case in point: When Mark McGwire was on active duty in the late 1990s and through the mid 2000s, upwards of 20,000 fans would jam Busch Stadium just to watch him launch bottle rockets during batting practice. The vast majority of fans would go out on break after his turn in the rotation, then exit the stadium after his last plate appearance each night.

The adoration for Pujols was much the same. I lost count of the No. 5 jerseys I saw at the stadium and all over town. Pujols fever was enduring. School kids favored Pujols five gazillion to one.

Cardinal fans flocked to his restaurant Pujols 5, made a big deal out of the dedication of his new statue at Westport, and supported his foundation with thousands of donation dollars. Tell me it's not so. His annual golf tournament was always oversubscribed.

The snipping of Pujols was scarce when he was in slumps, failing to run out ground balls or experiencing a home run drought. Sorry, but this was just a so-so year at the plate. Yes, he had a record setting one-game performance in the World Series, but the other six games, his bat was mostly silent.

Albert hid behind his agent’s desk. When asked about making the final decision, he passed the buck, saying his agent would make make the choice which would be irrevocable. Nice cop-out.

That’s enough of a clue the 32-year-old slugger had designed an exit plan a long time ago.

It was just a matter who would load up the vault with enough Benjamins to escape one of baseball most storied teams.

Pujols grew up in Kansas City, KS and Missouri, not in California, which is now his new home. Stan Musial found a way to stay with the Cardinals for a lifetime, though his highest contract never exceeded $100,000 a year.

I know, times are different. But who needs $254 million when $200 million would have been enough to support his family and his children’s future families for generations to come? When is enough-enough?

In the end, No. 5 did us an enormous favor. Baseball, like all other sports, is a team game. The Cardinals won the seven-game World Series figuring in Pujols’ one-game performance.

Now, Bill DeWitt Jr. has enough money to spread around to secure people such as shortstop Rafael Furcal and catcher Yadier Molina. He can pay people such as David Freese, Chris Carpenter and other top tier players to stay with the organization.

Pujols is 32 years old, but someone may have fibbed about his birth date. Likely, he’s older than what’s written on the certificate. He could become a broken-down horse, and the Angels will be stuck with the tab.

I wish him well and wish the Cardinals well, too. Parting ways will not bring sorrow. More people would rather flee the West Coast these days than move there.

I happen to think all these pampered athletes are over paid for their services. Why Sir Albert will now get a crisp $38,000 every time he enters the batters' box. I'd rather see some of that money be recycled to school teachers who hardly make that in an entire year.

Albert, I just don’t get it.