Quote:
Originally Posted by Starscream
It's a bit different b/c Votto doesn't go around constantly saying that he wants to remain a Red. Plus, Votto hasn't been around like Pujols has in St. Louis and established his own dynasty. Pujols has mentioned MANY times that he wanted to be a Cardinal for life. Votto has pretty much been politically correct and vague everytime he is asked about the future. He's not leading the fans on like Pujols did.
|
Again, the Cardinals had the opportunity to step up to the plate, and they balked. They were hoping he would have a down season and bring his price down, he didn't and they wouldn't up their price.
Two years ago he began asking for the huge long-term deal and they couldn't get it done. He wanted to sign before camp and the Cardinals left the same offer on the table for over a year without changing it. Its almost as if they were expecting him to walk without a fight, and they certainly didn't appear to put one up.
~$198 million and ~$250-260 is a big difference, and the Cardinals couldn't match it. There is expected to be a loyalty from Pujols to them, but it apparently wasn't recipricated.
