Howard, Pujols, and the Trade that never will

Written by Mike Mariano | 15 March 2010

Tattooed all over Sportscenter yesterday was talk of a major Phillies-Cardinals, Ryan Howard for Albert Pujols, blockbuster.  Rumor, Speculation, Gossip, who knows?  Buster Olney reported from sources that the Phillies entertained internal discussion about moving Howard for Pujols.  Ruben Amaro quickly stated something to the like of "ridiculous and irresponsible" and shot down the rumors as only such.

I heard the news from a friend via text message, my first thought was wow.  Then a smirk of doubt that he was surely screwing with me.  Then a simple feeling of excitement.  I would do that trade in a heartbeat.  In half a heartbeat.  Without a heartbeat.  Will the trade ever come to fruition, no, but it would be a welcome move.

Don't get me wrong, I love Ryan Howard.  He played a large part in the first championship this city saw in decades and remains an incredible player.  Absurd power, improved defense, Ryan Howard is a superstar.  Yet as good as he is, Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball.  Bar none.  Not only that, they're the same age (granted, that means taking Pujols' age as truth) and Howard makes more money over the next two seasons.  Pujols will very well command more money on the market, but how much more.  Ryan Howard seems committed to bringing home the big bucks and might not be all that big of a bargain for the people of St. Louis.  Howard grew up a hometown boy, so they'd welcome him, but if it costs Pujols, they might be a little salty.