Few things in sports are as hard as keeping perspective. The fans care only about now. So do the newspapers.

That’s why the St. Louis Cardinals deserve credit. They refused to re-sign superstar Albert Pujols, even though he is an icon in the city, and one of the greatest players who ever lived.

That’s the trouble. He WAS one of the greatest who ever lived. And, now in his 30s, Pujols won’t match what he’s done. Not for very long, anyway.

So the Cardinals made a business decision. They didn’t pay for what Pujols has done. They’re letting the Angels do that. Instead, the Cards decided to invest in what other players will do. Here’s an excellent analysis.