Andy.....my point about Albert gettin a Home town discount is not his agents fault. He signed to stay here, because he wanted to play here. Nor should we fault the owners or fans. He took a cut in pay to stay in STL. The Players Union didn't like what he did AT ALL. He also made it crystal clear, that his next contract WOULD NOT have a hometown discount......ie, pay me what I'm worth. Ownership has known for years that they were gonna have to pony up money for Albert. This isn't anything new for them to think about
Considering his numbers the past 9 years, I'd say its well worth paying him $25-30 Million. His numbers say it all. Hell.....who do you get to replace him. Spend $25-30 million on the open market and see what ya get. Someone else's trash. There won't be 3 other players up in 2012 Free Agency that could carry Albert's jock strap, let alone put up his production numbers.