Albert Pujols, the most irresistible force in offensive baseball, is signing up to play for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In Southern California, they are elated.

In the heartland, they are rationalizing.

In Arlington, they’re going to have to work a lot harder to keep that AL West division title. Especially with C.J. Wilson joining the Halos, oh by the way.

One more thing: We know Albert already looks good in red.

One of the many great things about sports – including baseball – is that we generally see merit win out over other factors. This is true for individuals and teams. While we may get screwed over at work because of politics, this is less likely – we believe – to happen in the world of sports, because success and failure is so clearly defined.

This meritocratic tendency of sports has helped larger society deal with big problems. At the top of that list is race. Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, Tommy Smith, et al.

So, then. Kindly hold your nose at what appears to be a rather crude appreciation of Albert Pujols. The question: Where does Albert rank all time among Latino baseball players?

Would we have a list of greatest black NBA stars?

Albert Pujols made an amazing improvisational play in the 6th inning last night. Watch it HERE.

Tony LaRussa is a legendary manager. He won with the White Sox. He won with the A’s. He’s won with the Cardinals. His career totals are staggering.

However, his legacy will be far greater than just his numbers. Tony LaRussa is the greatest red-ass we’ve ever seen. Observe (gets good at about 0:48):

UPDATE: Oh, there’s more to this. Tony apparently got into it with Milwaukee fans after being heckled. Quite a game!

Adam Wainwright probably needs Tommy John (ligament replacement) surgery. Hey Cardinal Fans…why don’t you just cut to the chase and put on a production of MacBeth?

Multiple sources are reporting the contract talks between Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals are off. Pujols has said that if a deal was not reached by the deadline (today), he will not negotiate during the season. That means Pujols will be a free agent the next time he and the Cardinals talk.

The snag in the negotiations is reported to be about money, not the length of the deal. I wonder what Arliss would do?