As reported by NBC 4, the Los Angeles Angels have won the bidding war for star player Albert Pujols, beating out his former club, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins.

The deal, rumored to be worth up to $260 million, may not be a long term winner for the organization:

The Angels’ rookie general manager Jerry Dipoto pulled off the deal,but with Pujols set to turn 32 in January,the deal may last longer than his days as a productive player. He’s actually coming off the worst season in his illustrious 11-year career,having failed to bat .300 or drive in 100 runs for the first time.

This deal baffles me.  I had heard that Pujols was offered $225 million by the Cards.  Was the promise of $30 million worth the move to California, where most of that will be eaten up by taxes (and where the Governor is appealing the voters to vote for higher income and sales taxes?)

Pujols certainly has the right to play where he wants if the team is willing to pay.  However, this deal doesn’t look like a smart move, but rather a forced marriage.  Congrats to the happy couple!