As the season is right around the corner and big time slugger Albert Pujols is entering the 2011 season without a new deal. As he will become a free agent after the season. Is he pushing the Cards for a hard decision?

I ask that because according to sources he will veto any trade proposal that the Cards and another team come up with. If the Cards can not come up with a deal by spring training, Pujols could walk after the season. As he said he will not negotiate a new deal when the season begins, but after the season he will again. You may think that yes he’s pushing the Cards for a hard decision… but he only has a limted no trade cause and can only reject teams to about 15 teams. The other 15 teams the Cardinals can trade Pujols to them. As we all know the Cards could get a ton for him; however, a lot of teams don’t need a 1B, don’t have the money or just won’t purse him because they won’t contend. That means the Cards may have to low ball Albert or he could walk with the Cards getting nothing in return for him.

If Pujols were to walk after the 2011 season, you can bet anything that the Cubs will pursue him to the most any team. They will be in the place to sign him as their team is awaiting Pujols free agency arrival. They will have 40M+ coming off the books, they won’t have a 1B (signed Pena to just a 1 year contract) and in the most need of a 1B-middle of the order bat. Also, there’s the world series drought that might make the Cubs more excited.

But will the Cubs pay him? He’s reportedly looking for A-Rod money and up towards 30M a year. I think they will pay for his services but that will be their offseason in one move. There could be other 1B’s on the market after the 2011 season and they are Prince Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez. It looks more and more like Fielder will hit the market as the Brewes won’t pay him (looking for 100M+), but don’t look for Gonzo to hit the market. He will sign a long term deal with the Red Sox. I have no doubt in my mind.

I’m about 60% positive the Cubs will either sign Pujols or Fielder. My hunch says Fielder because I have a hard time seeing Pujols is a different uniform than the Cardinals. I think Fielder will walk and sign with the Cubs for about 7 years at 110M. I think it will be a smaller contract than most people think because I just don’t see much competition for the 1B’s services.

So, do you think Pujols is pushing the Cards for a hard decision?

Thoughts?