Tuesday, the Miami Marlins surprised everyone no one everyone no one probably some people when they made a very strong charge for Albert Pujols. They offered him ten years, and were looking for a quick resolution.

Wednesday, the Marlins were eliminated from the race. Upon hearing that news, and then confirming that news a couple times over since, you know, winter meetings, one sensed that the path was paved for Pujols to re-sign with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals were there the whole time. The Marlins stepped up to issue a challenge. The Marlins were defeated. Cardinals win!

The only problem is that the Cardinals did not win. They might still win in the end, but as the Marlins went away, other challengers emerged. Or stepped up. Or remained. I don't know. Two other challengers, one of which is the Los Angeles Angels. From FOX Sports:

Sources told FOXSports.com on Wednesday evening that the Los Angeles Angels, a team barely mentioned as a possible suitor until the past 24 hours, were engaged in a lengthy set of negotiations with Pujols’ agent, Dan Lozano.

However, sources told FOXSports.com that a third team — possibly the Cubs — has remained involved.

Right now, as I'm writing this, the Angels are being talked about on Twitter as a favorite to sign C.J. Wilson to a five-year contract. They're competing with the Marlins. The Angels could be the favorite for Wilson, and the Angels could be making a strong play for Pujols. They might not get both of them, and they might not get even one of them, but these are aggressive times for a new front office.

Realistically, Pujols is probably still most likely to re-sign. We don't know anything about the third team, and I'm going to go ahead and assume that it isn't a serious threat. It seems like this is down to the Angels and the Cardinals, and the Cardinals are the Cardinals. They're Pujols' Cardinals. But nothing's guaranteed in these crazy days we're living in. Nothing. (Nothing.)