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When Albert Pujols turns 52 on January 16, 2032, the (by then probably massivelyoverweight) slugger will have been earned up to $268,750,000. Both he and the Los AngelesAngels of Anaheim in California, U.S.A. (as they'll then be known) will look back at themassive contract and agree that it was well worth every penny."Wait," youmight say, "Pujols will be making an average of $36,000 every day, the average annualSwedish income -- how can anyone be worth that much money?"You'reright, that's a boatload of money. While only $240 million is guaranteed, don't forget theperks, which include four season tickets to every home game for a decade, 10 games perseason where Pujols can use a suite for his charity and also a luxuryhotel suite for every single road game (aren't the other players going to getjealous?). So not only does he get a boatload of money but also some awesome (andunnecessary) extras.And he deserves that?Absolutely.Albert Pujols has been one of baseball's best players -- if not the very best player --for the past decade. Nine-time All-Star. Three time MLB Player of the Year Award. Threetime NL Player of the Year. 2009 Sports Illustrated player of the decade. Hiscareer batting average is .328, he's already hit 445 home runs, has a slugging percentageof .617, and has driven in 1,329 RBIs. Now, can you name a single Swede who can hit thelong ball like Pujols?And most of those stats only get better in thepost-season. He's a big-time player. He's consistent. He thrives under pressure. What morecould you want? He's going to help the Angels win games and sell tickets.Aftermore than proving his worth, Pujols ended a good run with the Cardinals by winning achampionship and then cashed out with a big-time contract. The Angels won the bidding warand in return they get a franchise player for the next 10 years (Pujols should, hopefully,still be able to produce for at least seven or eight of those years). Owner Arturo Morenoisn't crazy. He sees Pujols as a sound business decision. They crunched the numbers andPujols will bring more to the organization than it pays out. Are there risks involved? Ofcourse, but no great business ever made big strides without taking a little risk.And who are wekidding? With a guy who can go 5-for-6 in Game 3 of the World Series, including three homeruns, there's really not much risk involved.And, sure, it's a big contract,but it isn't the biggest. A-Rod has a 10-year, $275-million contract. And while his skill set isdifferent, it goes to show that if you can produce at this level, then this is what you'reworth. It's the same in any business. If you're not happy with it, move to Sweden andwatch some kubb. Continue Reading
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