Sports

Security Guards Sent to Protect Albert Pujols Statue After Baseball Star Signs Mega Deal to Leave Cardinals

Pujols Signs Mega Deal With Angels | Guards Sent to Protect Statue

A security guard protects the Albert Pujols statue outside the Pujols 5 restaurant in St. Louis. (Photo: Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

He was ridiculed for attending Glenn Beck’s 8/28 rally in 2010. And now, baseball mega-star Albert Pujols is facing fresh criticism for signing a monster new contract Thursday that takes him away from the St. Louis Cardinals — the only team he’s ever played for. How much criticism? Consider that security guards were dispatched today to protect a statue the star recently unveiled outside a local restaurant.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports:

A warning to any fans thinking of attacking the statue of Albert Pujols at West Port Plaza and tearing it down à la Saddam Hussein: Security guards have been posted there.

Just in case.

They stood outside, keeping an eye on the bronze depiction of Pujols pointing at the sky. Inside the nearby Pujols 5 restaurant, the operators were trying to take the superstar player’s departure in stride, adding angel food cake to the menu in honor of the move to the Angels of Anaheim.

“I feel the same way I did when La Russa retired,” said David Hanon, son of restaurant owner Patrick Hanon. “It’s going to take a little bit of time to get over it.”

The restaurant will stay, David Hanon said.

“It’s a sad day,” Hanon said. “We‘re losing somebody we’ve loved for 11 years. (But) as long as his number stays 5, we’ll stay here.”

The three-time NL MVP agreed Thursday to a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, leaving the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals after more than a decade for a new baseball life in southern California.

Pujols’ contract, which is subject to a physical, is the second-highest in baseball history and only the third to break the $200 million barrier, following Alex Rodriguez’s $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas before the 2001 season and A-Rod’s $275 million, 10-year contract with the Yankees before the 2008 season.

“This is a monumental day for Angel fans and I could not be more excited,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said.

In addition to the Pujols signing, the Angels agreed to a five-year contract with left-hander C.J. Wilson, a deal worth $77.5 million that raised their spending for the day to $331.5 million.

People familiar with the deals told The Associated Press the terms of each contract, speaking on condition of anonymity because those details were not made public.

Pujols had spent all 11 of his major league seasons with the Cardinals, hitting .338 with 445 home runs and 1,329 RBIs to become a franchise icon second only to Stan Musial. He is fourth in career slugging percentage at .617, trailing only Hall of Famers Babe Ruth (.690), Ted Williams (.634) and Lou Gehrig (.632).

Pujols’ numbers in nearly every major offensive category are on a three-year decline. He had his poorest season in 2011 and at 31 is likely to spend the majority of his career with the Angels at designated hitter rather than first base.

“We are disappointed,” Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. “I would like our fans to know that we tried our best to make Albert a lifetime Cardinal but unfortunately we were unable to make it happen.”

Pujols rejected a multiyear extension last offseason that was said to include a small percentage of the franchise. He cut off negotiations on the first day of spring training.

“This is a footprint contract, because it follows the footprint laid by other great players,” said agent Scott Boras. “Putting a hitter like Albert Pujols in a big market, where he can be a DH, I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Comments (37)

  • Tycobb35
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 8:23pm

    WE would all do the exact same thing

    Report Post »  
  • illferris
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:04pm

    Okay between this and Lebron James last year, it makes college sports look much better…oh wait, they’re a bunch of pedophiles! Oh well, guess I‘ll go fishin’.

    Report Post »  
  • stlouisdan
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:52pm

    This is a ginned up story by our idiiots at the Post-Dispatch. There hasn’t been a single threat to the statue. It’s just the Post trying to stir things up, and hope for something further to report on. Posting security guards next to the thing is stupid. St. Louisans don’t tear things down out of anger. We move on. Sorry to see you go Albert, but the Cardinals will survive without you.

    Report Post »  
  • schroeder123
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:45pm

    I like Ping Pong.

    Report Post » schroeder123  
  • Abila
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:01pm

    Puhols earned it and has every right to leave.

    Report Post » Abila  
  • SickAmerican1967
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:52pm

    The Cardinals have a 20 plus year history of being the cheapest organization in baseball when it comes to free agents, so this is not a surprise. What makes me laugh until I cry are the miffed fans who were praising the man during the world series are now talking about him like he’s a piece of crap. Get this Cardinal nation, he’s the SAME GUY you were in love with just a few weeks ago…grow up and quit acting like a baby who just lost it’s favorite toy! And by the way, every one of you that are mouthing about this, you would do the EXACT SAME THING if given the chance. Cardinal fans are the biggest losers in baseball!

    Report Post »  
    • illferris
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:58pm

      What Cardinals Fan was talking about Pujols? David Freese won the World Series and was crowned MVP. As far as Pujols? He is an old man who is past his prime. Three homeruns in the World Series was cool. Name anything other than that which Pujols did in the World Series. Those three homeruns didn’t even win that game because St. Louis still would have won that game without any homeruns from Pujols. Is Pujols the next Lebron James? You can bank on it. He’ll never win another title for the rest of his career, and he will be regretful when St. Louis wins again at least once within 10 years. Count on it! Maybe next year with the return of Wainwright.

      Report Post »  
    • curtisgb
      Posted on December 10, 2011 at 11:02pm

      Cardinal Managment, as historically cheap as they are…. have 19 world series appearances to their credit. Scoreboard.

      Report Post »  
    • sargon001
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:03pm

      From your comments I can only deduce that you are a cubs fan… the cubs nation has no idea what it means to be a part of a winning franchise!

      Report Post »  
  • morganm
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:30pm

    People please do not forget what Mr. Pujols has done in Saint Louis. He will be missed, but as a huge Cardinals fan I say thank you to Albert. I do not blame him one bit for trying to get the best payday he felt he could. Albert will always be a St. Louis legend, we should all be appreciative of what he has done here.

    Report Post »  
  • PApeacemaker
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:08pm

    Ive been a Cardinals fan since I was 8 years old Im now 28. I’m sooo glad St. Louis didnt resign this greedy old man because he’ll be good for a few more years & after that he’s going to be a waste of money. It would have destroyed St. Louis for a decade if they would have gave him that kind of money. They can replace him just like they replaced Ozzie Smith when he retired. I give him 3 years before his body starts breaking down, he says hes 32 I think hes more like 34. Dont get me wrong I really like watching him play when he was younger but I could care less about him now. Good riddance to bad rubbish thats what I say.

    Report Post » PApeacemaker  
    • greensteam
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:38pm

      hes a hard guy to pitch to any time of the year. he will always be a clutch hitter and with plenty of human growth hormone going around, he’ll be successful well after hes 38 yrs old.

      Report Post »  
    • SickAmerican1967
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 1:01pm

      You, my friend are a typical Cardinals fan…if he had signed with the team you would be singing his praises, but since he left, you talk about him like he’s a criminal. For all of you not from St. Louis, this is the typical Cardinals fan…a LOSER!! Grow up, and get a life!

       
  • dadadadio
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 11:30am

    I can‘t wait for Albert to get a load of California’s taxes, costs of living, and the fact that to many, it’s just another Mexican province. But on the other hand, maybe he’s getting ready to pursue a post-baseball career in Hollywood.

    Report Post » dadadadio  
  • landmark
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 11:13am

    It’s just good business, Pujois not only has the fantastic stats but he also has the good character that help makes a team feel comfortable doing a contract for 10 years!!

    Report Post » landmark  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:10pm

      Does lying about your age to get a better contract constitute good character these days?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Biddle
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:41am

    The rest of your career in Southern California??? No brainer. Its a business. we need to stop putting our hearts into our teams….times have changed. Period. 11 years and 2 titles in St Louis!!!! He doesnt OWE anybody anything.

    Report Post »  
    • sargon001
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:05pm

      You have no heart and no clue, don’t call yourself a Cardinals fan!

      Report Post »  
  • Roon 1965
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 8:36am

    I had a relative ask me which player I would like Santa to get me a jersey from for Christmas this year. I had to tell them, “no players. After “The Decision” I realized that players are a very bad investment.” But people have very short memories as we HATED Jim Thome for leaving the Indians, and this last year people were giving him standing ovations upon his return. The loyalty and “perceived” relationship I have with a player that does not know me, simply because they play for “my” team, is a big farce. Pujols chases $254 million dollars, LeBoob chases rings, and Owebama chases golf balls. They never knew or cared about anyone of us. They all listen to WIIFM – “What’s In It For Me.”

    Report Post »  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 9:00am

      Albert Pujols has a right to work anywhere he chooses … this is the USA he is a free man!

      I will look up to this man wherever he lands and not for his playing baseball he is more than that.

      I wish him all the best!

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 9:21am

      I haven’t heard anyone question his right to play for the highest bidder lillymckim. I think Roon is just experssing the disappointment he feels when an athlete chooses $245 mill. over $210 mill. and what sports fans percieve as a relationship with the fan base. It’s a difference of $350,000 a year over ten years. Huge to us no doubt but, chump change for an athlete of Pujols calibre. Keep in mind he said he would give a “home town discount” to stay in St. Louis. All sports fans have felt this at one time or another. The fan feels like a jilted lover.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • PApeacemaker
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:12pm

      We dont route for players anymore we route for laundry thats all. We route for a piece of clothing because players rarely ever stick around a team or franchise anymore than 4 to 5 years usually 1 contract & thats it because either they start to suck & the team lets them go or trades them or they out play there contract & 90% of teams in MLB cant afford really good players & then the Red Sox, Yankees, Angels or Mets come suck them up. Thats why I really dont watch baseball anymore, its horse crap that the same teams get all the good free agents year after year after year. Im more of am NFL type of guy myself & the said thing the NBA is doing the same crap now. Which I really dont care cuz I hate the NBA since theres like 10 white guys in the whole league.

      Report Post » PApeacemaker  
  • ilikai
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 6:54am

    He went to the highest bidder after constantly saying how much he wanted to stay a Cardinal, that playing here was the best thing that could happen. This, after Scott Rolen and Larry Walker both came to St. Louis to play for less money than they were offered. Just shows that it was the money that Albert wanted in the end. Let him go, We can use the money to get some more players at other positions.

    Report Post » ilikai  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 8:27am

      The Cards fans should be happy they had a chance to win period! Without Pujols they were crap! Wah Wah Wah!

      Report Post »  
    • NR30
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 2:05pm

      How can you say that? He was offered more money by the Marlins. Get your facts straight.

      Report Post » NR30  
    • illferris
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 3:02pm

      @JHAYDENG, really? Pujols had a poor season and wasn’t much of a factor in the playoffs. It was all Carpenter, Freese, Craig and Berkman.

      Report Post »  
  • pazzo242
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 5:52am

    Who gives a rat’s a$$

    Report Post » pazzo242  
    • KenInIL
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 6:25am

      Why do cities have to buy stadiums for teams when players get this kind of money! Stadium rent should be equal to the salary of the 5 highest players on the team.

      Report Post »  
  • Gary747
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:43am

    Organized Professional Sports are the opiate of the masses. These sport “businesses” should get no more government support than your local McDonalds. Not one dime of tax money or “incentive” should be invested in any sports stadium beyond the college level. $254 million for what? What a waste.

    Report Post » Gary747  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on December 9, 2011 at 12:04am

    This is meaningless.

    Report Post » Al J Zira  
  • teacherskj
    Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:49pm

    Not only do we have to deal with Texas but now we have to play against Al ? Criminy. A long time suffering Mariners fan.

    Report Post »  
    • jcannon98188
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 4:49am

      Gotta love the Mariners. We suck hard core, but never breaks the love for the team!

      Report Post »  
  • AltimaZeromus
    Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:37pm

    It‘s not bitterness it’s disappointment. Pujols claimed it was all about the fans. That was a lie.

    Report Post » AltimaZeromus  
  • Californiasodbuster
    Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:27pm

    Thou shalt not worship false gods.

    Report Post »  
  • RJO
    Posted on December 8, 2011 at 11:27pm

    Major League Baseball is………..a……….business. Bottom line. MLB players work for the highest bidder. That’s the free-market system. Cardinal fans who are bitter should conduct a self-examination. How many free-agent players have they signed in the past two decades? Many. And was their frustration and anger from fans toward St. Louis…the fans who once cheered the newly-signed Cardinal?

    Yes.

    Any bitterness is shallow.

    Why?

    If someone offered you a salary 100 times the amount that you are making now, for the same work that you perform – now…would you take it?

    Next silly question……………

    St. Louis…..be thankful for what you have had in Albert these many years. A large majority of MLB fans did not have that pleasure or the chance to celebrate a championship.

    Report Post » RJO  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on December 9, 2011 at 10:42am

      I would take it in a heart beat!
      In the world of sports you are a piece of meat and you are only as good as your last season.

      You take the money Pujols look out for you and your families best interests ..no one else will.

      Report Post » lillymckim  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love