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As a MASSIVE Cardinals fan, this is hard to write.

Ryan Howard’s crazy contract extension could mean that the Cards, or any other team, may have to shell out upwards of $30 million per year to add Albert to their lineup. That’s a stack of cash.

It’s not a stretch to imagine the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets or even the Cubs will send Albert a blank check with the note, “just fill in the blank, big fella”. But what about the Cardinals? Do they have it in them spend that kind of cash when Pujols’ contract expires after next season?

Let’s see what Bobby Cox, Braves skipper, thinks when asked what Pujols is worth: “Fifty million dollars a year, at least. Is it possible? I’m sure the Cardinals will do everything they possibly can. … I don’t know how you pay a guy like Pujols. He’s the best. Let’s put it that way.”

$50 million?! Maybe Bobby’s off his rocker.

Chipper Jones, what say you? “Albert’s got a couple more MVPs, a batting title, and put up all the same numbers that Howard has, maybe a little better. I’d say that Albert is going to make a little more than that. It depends on if St. Louis has as deep of pockets. I’m sure if they do, for someone such as Albert, it’s a pretty good gamble to take.”

Let’s compare Pujols and Howard then. According to MLB FanHouse, “If we use Howard’s career as a benchmark, it’s true that he averages more homers and RBI per 162 games (48 and 141 compared to 42 and 129), but don’t let counting stats fool you. Pujols’ career on-base percentage outstrips Howard by more than 50 points, .427 to .373, and he out-slugs Howard by a similarly wide margin .628 to .582. Pujols has drawn 826 walks and struck out only 585 times in nine-plus seasons, which is nearly the inverse of Howard’s 899 Ks and 411 walks in his six-plus years.”

As a lifelong Cards fan, it would be devastating to see Pujols leave St. Louis. But as a fan of the game, it would be hard for me to imagine not respecting his decision. I think that’s what separates the fans in St. Louis with the Cavaliers fans in Cleveland. When LeBron announced his departure, Cleveland erupted in hate. I don’t think Cardinals fans would do that. Unless Pujols goes to the Cubs, but then it’s justified.

Would fans in St. Louis be upset? You better believe it. But Albert’s done so much for the community that you would hope he’d only be wanting more money so that he could give more away.

Albert is a great man before he’s a great baseball player. And that’s something that I appreciate more than him being a great ballplayer. That said, I sure do hope the Cardinals open up the checkbook after next season…