One side effect of Albert Pujol’s injury is it makes his free agency situation even more murky. As it stands now people were already beginning to question where the Cardinals were going to do whatever it took to sign him considering the slump that he is in and the huge financial commitment for a mid-market team. Now add in some injury concerns and St. Louis might be even more leery of a large financial commitment (even if the overall number is slightly lower).

Should the Nationals become one of the leading contenders for his services? Honestly it isn’t that far-fetched an idea. The Nationals have a solid core of players, and some extremely bright young prospects waiting in the wings (assuming they sign these draftees) and a healthy amount of money that they could spend. While Prince Fielder is also an option for the Nationals he could have more suitors which will drive up his price.

What do you guys think? Is Albert worth the risk if he comes back from this injury?

Shouldn’t we spend our BIG bucks on signing another big name starting pitcher to go with Strasburg, Zimmermann, etc.?

This sounds good and then you could move Michael Morse back to leftfield. Though he’s playing amazing at 1st base. But I’m so used to the Redskins signing big name free agents and them not panning out.

I’d say go all in for a starting pitcher in the next year or two instead if its an “either/or” situation. If you can do both with the money we have to spend…than go for it!

I think Megan is right. If the NATS have that kind of money, put it towards another good starting pitcher to help out the rotation.

No I don’t think that the Nats should go after him. He will recover , but it will be very hard with a broken wrist to move to the point that you where at before it was broken. I could be wrong , but I will take my chances and say no go.

I don’t think that the Nats should sign Pujols. He would be too costly, and we should put that money towards younger talent.

The Redskins analogy is a good one. Pujols has been great for a long time but by next year, he definitely will be into the downside of his career. And Jan makes a good point as well – what effect is the wrist injury going to have on him. I don’t think the Nats should be throwing a lot of money for an aging , injured superstar.

The wrist injury will need to be monitored, but I’m think the Nats are going to be in the mix for either him or Fielder next year

The Nats could be in the mix for him next season. Baseball is starting to become fun and exciting for Nats fans b/c the team is moving up the food chain so to speak.

A big NO. Pujols probably has at least a few very solid years of production left in the tank, but I believe pursuing younger talent is the best M.O. for them. The Nats should still continue to think long-term for one or two more years, then, if absolutely necessary, bring in an aging bat in 2014 if they’re still struggling for the division title.