St. Louis Cardinals, Albert Pujols In Talks Again; Marlins Offer Less than $200M

Update II: Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post confirms Clark Spencer's earlier report of the offer being less than $200M -- and he's not even sure on the years, though all other rumors are saying nine.

Update: Clark Spencer has confirmed that the Marlins offer was LESS than $200M. If the 9-years rumor remains true, that would be at or less than $22M per year, significantly less than the $30M/year floated earlier this off-season.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the St. Louis Cardinals and Albert Pujols will meet again soon and have started contract talks again for the first time since February. The Cardinals reportedly offered Pujols nine years and something north of $200 million before the season started.

The Cardinals might be starting to feel pressure from the Miami Marlins, who offered Pujols a nine year deal already, thought the financials of that proposed deal have not been confirmed. St. Louis broke off talks before the 2011 season started, so one has to wonder if there is any animosity on either side.

Teams interested in Pujols reportedly are the Cardinals, Marlins, and maybe the Chicago Cubs. The Texas Rangers and Anaheim Angels have already denied interest, but in the silly season that hardly means anything.

What do you think? Will Pujols' talks with the Cardinals end up successful, or will he end up on another club? Will he play in the American or National League?