Tony La Russa
MLB star Albert Pujols had a tough decision after winning the World Series last year with the Cardinals. Take less money and stay where he was comfortable in St. Louis or earn more money but go somewhere new.
For a variety of reasons, Pujols chose to sign a 10-year, $240 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Many speculated whether the deal was right for the team or if it was even a good move for Pujols’ career.
After signing and coming in with tons of hype and expectations, Pujols struggled with a very slow start.
His former manager, Tony La Russa, told the 110 Sports Podcast that the overall down season was mostly explainable and also a temporary issue.
“He’s a human being and you see this more often than not, you have a player that goes in there and he signs a big deal and he needs to impress his teammates, the organization, the fans that he’s worth it all and he advertised it too much. He came out of himself and once he settled down, took his at-bats, and not trying to force things you saw him produce the home runs and the RBIs,” he said.
“His average was down several points and next year starting day one with that attitude, he’ll get back to .300.”
Even with the Angels struggling at times, they missed out on the playoffs by only a few games. Pujols seemed to bounce back after May and if they shore up the bullpen, the Angels could be a World Series contender in a year’s time.
Pujols’ former manager is still skeptical that the length and size of the deal he signed is something that would work for most teams.
“I think some organizations, if they can afford 10 years then I don’t second-guess them,” he said.
“In the Angels case, they had some really special money coming by way of a TV contact and they were able to bring in a franchise player. My point is that most teams — the great majority of teams — more than a five-year commitment you really have to question. Rarely, if ever, is it something that makes sense.”
Arizona native Matt Minkus is the host of the 110 Sports Podcast, a show that pays homage to one of the most repeated cliches in sports: “Giving 110 percent.” Excerpts of new shows will be available at LindysSports.com every Wednesday.
