ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post - Cardinals ***Offical 2010 STL Cardinals Baseball Thread ***

**BigRedChief** · 12-06-2010, 08:34 PM

By B.J. Rains
FOXSportsMidwest.com
Dec. 6, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The long-anticipated meeting between Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak and representatives for first baseman Albert Pujols finally took place Monday on the first day of baseball’s Winter Meetings.

Mozeliak said Monday’s talk with agent Dan Lozano shouldn’t be classified as negotiations but the first face-to-face meeting obviously represents a step in the right direction for both sides.

Pujols will earn $16 million in 2011, the last of a eight-year, $111 million contract he signed before the 2004 season. Pujols has stated his desire to remain a Cardinal for life and the two sides will soon officially try to make that happen with what is sure to be a record-breaking deal.

The update appears to be one of the last we will hear from either side until a deal is done or talks are broken up as Mozeliak cautioned media members assembled in his hotel suite not to expect daily updates on Pujols’ contract situation.

“This is not going to be negotiated in the media,” Mozeliak said. “When and why things happen, I think both Dan and I would like to keep that private and confidential. I think that’s how we’ll proceed. You’re not going to get a play-by-play and we’re not going to announce if we’re talking or not. At some point if we feel there needs to be a public statement and we both agree on it, then we’ll do it.

“Rather than me be coy every time you guys ask, just understand that’s his request and I’m perfectly happy working under those conditions. If we have a chance to do something, it just makes more sense to do it confidentially.”

Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. has arrived in Orlando but was not present at Monday’s meeting. Asked if the two sides would meet again before departing on Thursday, Mozeliak said, “I’m sure he and I will touch base.”

Mozeliak also said he didn’t have any ballpark figure in mind as to what it might cost to keep Pujols. Some estimatees have suggested that Pujols could get near $30 million per season for as many as seven or eight years.

Pujols hit a career-low .312 in 2010 but led the National League with 42 home runs, 118 RBIs and 115 runs scored. The nine-time All-Star has a career .331 average and has played at least 143 games in each of his 10 big-league seasons.

12-06-2010, 08:34 PM	#2489
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-871038 VARSITY	By B.J. Rains FOXSportsMidwest.com Dec. 6, 2010 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The long-anticipated meeting between Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak and representatives for first baseman Albert Pujols finally took place Monday on the first day of baseball’s Winter Meetings. Mozeliak said Monday’s talk with agent Dan Lozano shouldn’t be classified as negotiations but the first face-to-face meeting obviously represents a step in the right direction for both sides. Pujols will earn $16 million in 2011, the last of a eight-year, $111 million contract he signed before the 2004 season. Pujols has stated his desire to remain a Cardinal for life and the two sides will soon officially try to make that happen with what is sure to be a record-breaking deal. The update appears to be one of the last we will hear from either side until a deal is done or talks are broken up as Mozeliak cautioned media members assembled in his hotel suite not to expect daily updates on Pujols’ contract situation. “This is not going to be negotiated in the media,” Mozeliak said. “When and why things happen, I think both Dan and I would like to keep that private and confidential. I think that’s how we’ll proceed. You’re not going to get a play-by-play and we’re not going to announce if we’re talking or not. At some point if we feel there needs to be a public statement and we both agree on it, then we’ll do it. “Rather than me be coy every time you guys ask, just understand that’s his request and I’m perfectly happy working under those conditions. If we have a chance to do something, it just makes more sense to do it confidentially.” Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. has arrived in Orlando but was not present at Monday’s meeting. Asked if the two sides would meet again before departing on Thursday, Mozeliak said, “I’m sure he and I will touch base.” Mozeliak also said he didn’t have any ballpark figure in mind as to what it might cost to keep Pujols. Some estimatees have suggested that Pujols could get near $30 million per season for as many as seven or eight years. Pujols hit a career-low .312 in 2010 but led the National League with 42 home runs, 118 RBIs and 115 runs scored. The nine-time All-Star has a career .331 average and has played at least 143 games in each of his 10 big-league seasons. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
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