It won’t happen.
However, this is my blog and I can dream about the possibility.
After all, I’m not the first one to think about it. The St. Louis Post Dispatch ran a piece by Jeff Gordon on the possibility of Albert Pujols signing with the Royals.
A portion:
The Royals are loaded with prospects that player development experts love. They have Tampa Bay Rays-like potential, with plenty of big arms and big bats on the way.
That team has significant money committed to just one player beyond 2011, Billy Butler. The Royals loaded up with veterans on one-year deals this season, including pitcher Jeff Francis and outfielder Jeff Francoeur.
They possess maximum payroll flexibility for 2012. More than most franchises, the Royals can afford to spend $30 million (or more) per season for one hitter.
This would be ideal for any Royals fan. As a small-market team, it’s generally not a great idea to invest $30 million a year in just one player.
However, there’s a strong case the Kansas City Royals should do this.
1. It’s a local star: Ticket sales would increase dramatically. Remember how packed The K was when Zack Greinke pitched every fifth day? Imagine a star playing everyday, or at least on most days? I believe Pujols could increase season tickets and individual tickets. This would generate more revenue for the franchise and would begin to help make up that $30 million cost.
2. No bad contracts on board: There’s no Gil Meche or Jose Guillen hamstringing the Royals. Both contracts are off the books.
3. Any deal could be frontloaded: Of course, when you invest $300 million into one guy, it could hurt the effort to maintain the prospects dramatically. However, if that deal is frontloaded in terms of salary (say $38-40 million a year through the first two or three years), the contract would dwindle down eventually to save revenue.
4. The Royals still need veterans: I made this point earlier this month, but we can’t do it entirely through the draft. We still need a key free agent or two and Pujols would certainly fill that gap.
5. The Royals would become a bona fed contender. The Royals pitching prospects are loaded and with Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer in the wings, the Royals could have a juicy lineup. Heck, perhaps Alex Gordon could benefit.
6. The Royals would make more money by spending the $300 million. Once a team improves right away, there’s a bandwagoning affect. Countless powder blue Pujols jerseys would be sold. More tickets would be purchased. Royals gear would increase dramatically. More national TV appearances would be in the works.
Again, I fully expect the St. Louis Cardinals to maintain him and re-sign him.
However, a Royals fan can dream.
