Since the Cardinals won the World Series, many observers have thought that would be an event that would keep Albert Pujols in St. Louis, possibly for the rest of his career.
There is now some indication that Pujols is considering at least one other option. Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports that Pujols will meet with Marlins management soon:
An industry source told MLB.com on Thursday that Pujols' camp is scheduled to meet in Miami with the Marlins within the next few days, possibly as early as Saturday. Pujols is a free agent for the first time after he and the Cardinals were unable to reach an agreement last winter.
The Marlins are apparently interested in increasing payroll and becoming a force in the NL East; they are opening a new stadium in Miami in 2012 and with the expected increase in attendance could come an increase in revenue, which would allow them to increase their payroll. The MLB.com article notes:
They have already met with pitcher Mark Buehrle and shortstop Jose Reyes, and a Marlins contingent traveled to the Dominican Republic to see Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes this week as well. The Marlins have Gaby Sanchez at first base, but Pujols is the kind of unique talent who could certainly cause a team to rethink what it has in-house.
Indeed. Pujols could wind up with the richest contract (at least in average annual value) in MLB history.