To Pujols or not Pujols? That's the question for the Cardinals (and their fans)

Weigh nostalgia against logistics, and see what you get.

There was a time where Albert Pujols returning to the St. Louis Cardinals seemed like a good idea to me no matter how you sliced it.

Playing time? Don’t worry about it.

Worth it? Of course. He’s a machine, haven’t you heard?!

Wise? Probably not, but then again… maybe.

As recently as late last year, when the playoffs ended and free agency happened for about a month, I was still all for it. Even at 52 years old, Pujols could hit homers, beat up southpaw pitching, and play a dependable first base. If Paul Goldschmidt somehow injured himself, he could step in. If a big pinch-hit appearance came up and Josh Hader was on the mound, let Albert take him on. If the DH was in play, he could do that too.

But like any nostalgic indulgence, logistics are always there to temper the excitement. Pujols isn’t what he used to be, not even close actually. His career is a tale of two cities.