Albert Pujols Rumors: 10 Reasons He Will Be a Chicago Cub in 2012

With the looming "Albert Pujols Extension Deadline" quickly approaching, it was widely believed that the two sides would ultimately not agree in time.

They were simply too far apart in both years and average annual salary, and Pujols may view the open market as a gold mine.

It is never entirely out of the question that an agreement can be reached, but "The Machine" wants no part of a year-long distracting negotiation. He will enter camp without a deal, and subsequently remain without one until season's end.

This inevitably breeds rampant speculation as to his whereabouts in 2012, potential trade packages, what teams can afford him, and whether those teams even have a need at first base.

While taking all of this in...

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