La Russa blames union for Pujols contract mess

In LaRussa's own words, that's bull____! He's just trying to focus blame anywhere but the team or the player. Pujols is not going to be intimidated by the union or anyone else. At this point he calls the shots.

Okay then, man up and admit you're going free agency in order to get top dollar. You love the city? You appreciate the Cardinals fans? Do the right thing and agree to a trade so the rebuilding and healing can begin. This season is going to be ugly if you don't.

There's nothing wrong with going for top dollar. It's the phoney pretense that this is anything else that irritates me.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:40 AM ET  02.16 by CardsFan2

In LaRussa's own words, that's bull____! He's just trying to focus blame anywhere but the team or the player. Pujols is not going to be intimidated by the union or anyone else. At this point he calls the shots. Okay then, man up and admit you're going free agency in order to get top dollar. You love the city? You appreciate the Cardinals fans? Do the right thing and agree to a trade so the rebuilding and healing can begin. This season is going to be ugly if you don't.

Cardinals still have a decent shot to win the division regardless of what he chooses.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:43 AM ET  02.16 by ChiSoxFan

Cardinals still have a decent shot to win the division regardless of what he chooses.

I don't think so. They have big holes at 2nd, 3rd, and short as far as I'm concerned and does anyone really think Berkman can play a full year in right? I think the Cardinals missed their window in '09 when DeRosa got injured after they went all in for the season.

Today's supposed to be the deadline. There are many way's to be the top paid player but this whole 10 year deal thing is getting to be a joke. If Arod is making 275 million then find a way to give Albert 280 and be done with it. No way the union should be involved but it wouldn't be the 1st time.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:47 AM ET  02.16 by CardsFan2

I don't think so. They have big holes at 2nd, 3rd, and short as far as I'm concerned and does anyone really think Berkman can play a full year in right? I think the Cardinals missed their window in '09 when DeRosa got injured after they went all in for the season.

I'd say they have enough to stay above water with pitching alone. Westbrook is a little shaky, but your top 3 are very good. I just hope you aren't projecting your Pujols pessimism onto the upcoming season as a whole.

"...his representatives are getting beat up by the union"...? he's reportedly asking for 10 yrs / $300M - I'd say that's more to blame for his contract mess...did his rep's expect everyone to just say "sure, that's a good idea"? the union must have to look out for the interests of all of its members so they should have a say in this...

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:42 AM ET  02.16 by CardsFan2

There's nothing wrong with going for top dollar. It's the phoney pretense that this is anything else that irritates me.

See, I think I got sick of the whole thing when I read that his agent asked for PART OF THE FREAKING TEAM to be included in their negotiations! That is such BS, it's not funny!

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 09:03 AM ET  02.16 by stargatebabe

See, I think I got sick of the whole thing when I read that his agent asked for PART OF THE FREAKING TEAM to be included in their negotiations! That is such BS, it's not funny!

Tis a tad over the top.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:52 AM ET  02.16 by ChiSoxFan

I'd say they have enough to stay above water with pitching alone. Westbrook is a little shaky, but your top 3 are very good. I just hope you aren't projecting your Pujols pessimism onto the upcoming season as a whole.

Okay they might win the division; but I can't see them going through Philly or Atlanta with that lineup full of holes. They'll be really lucky if the starting right fielder and third basemen are still in the lineup by August.

I'm not trying to be pessimistic just realistic. I didn't like the makeup of this team before the Pujols drama. The defense is sub-par so it's going to take away from the strength which is pitching. It's okay to trade defense for offense as long as you actually field more offense. I don't see they got enough offense to balance the loss on defense.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:04 AM ET  02.16 by ChiSoxFan

Tis a tad over the top.

Just a tad??? *grin*

I'm not against a player being a partial owner but I feel that should come from the club - NOT the player's agent but that's me. I know there's a bunch of stuff that has to be approved before it could take effect but still................

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 09:03 AM ET  02.16 by stargatebabe

See, I think I got sick of the whole thing when I read that his agent asked for PART OF THE FREAKING TEAM to be included in their negotiations! That is such BS, it's not funny!

I go with you there, it's like putting something in there that will just kill the deal without question. He might as well have asked to have the letter "Y" stricken from the english language.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:07 AM ET  02.16 by stargatebabe

Just a tad??? *grin*I'm not against a player being a partial owner but I feel that should come from the club - NOT the player's agent but that's me. I know there's a bunch of stuff that has to be approved before it could take effect but still................

True but in that case make a lot of the payments deferred over his lifetime, 300 million is already like winning the lottery.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:07 AM ET  02.16 by stargatebabe

Just a tad??? *grin*I'm not against a player being a partial owner but I feel that should come from the club - NOT the player's agent but that's me. I know there's a bunch of stuff that has to be approved before it could take effect but still................

I agree. I guess it's not as egregious as demanding to manage as well as take the cake $ wise.

QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 09:09 AM ET  02.16 by Mongo Alex

I go with you there, it's like putting something in there that will just kill the deal without question. He might as well have asked to have the letter "Y" stricken from the english language.

Exactly! I mean can't they just man up and say "Look, we want to hit free agency!"?

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 09:10 AM ET  02.16 by Mongo Alex

True but in that case make a lot of the payments deferred over his lifetime, 300 million is already like winning the lottery.

I agree, to a certain extent! Deferred payments still have to be paid out at some point in time and I'd rather not see the Cards be like the Rangers(?). Aren't they still paying A-Rod?

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 09:11 AM ET  02.16 by Lex-LOU-thor

Actually it is not - the issue is cash - if you offer a 5% stake - the immediate cash load disappears and the only person impacted is the owner - not necessarily a bad thing. He has been a bargain over the first 10 years - find a way to give him his due.

he's coming off a $100 million salary; he isn't hurting. he will make a ton more, which is a given. it can be done so without stake in the team.

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 09:11 AM ET  02.16 by Lex-LOU-thor

Actually it is not - the issue is cash - if you offer a 5% stake - the immediate cash load disappears and the only person impacted is the owner - not necessarily a bad thing. He has been a bargain over the first 10 years - find a way to give him his due.

I still feel that if partial ownership is brought up during negotiations, it should be offered by the team - NOT the player's agent! That's just wrong on so many levels

I have held a UAW card and Teamster card.But unions are a royal pain in the ****.