Albert Pujols: Deal Deadline Come and Gone, St. Louis Braces for Pujolcalypse

(CBS/CBSSports/AP) At noon today, the birds fell silent, black smoke puffed out of the Cardinal clubhouse chimney, and residents of St. Louis learned there would be no contract extension for Albert Pujols. Remember in 28 Days Later when the guy walks outside to find London reduced to an apocalyptic wasteland filled with frenzied, howling monsters? That's basically St. Louis right now.

The Cardinals have reportedly ended negotiations with Pujols. Because, really, what baseball club would want to re-sign one of the most prolific sluggers of the past decade? Coach Tony La Russa, speaking with CBSSpots.com two hours before the deadline, said, "It strains credibility a little bit to think there hasn't been any contact or mention. He's too significant."

Three-time National League MVP, eight-straight All-Star selections, a career .331 batting average. Yes, those are some pretty significant numbers. Cardinals second baseman, Skip Schumaker, called Pujols, "an iconic player." So take hope in that, Cardinals fans. Teams will do anything to keep iconic players. Just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Reports are that Pujols was asking for $300 million. Apparently he was trying to set a record. Considering if he stays a Cardinals, Pujols is well on track to break Stan "The Man" Musial's record for most RBI's in franchise history, why not break a few more along the way?

So there's no contract and negotiations are over. Apparently Pujols doesn't want negotiations to be a "distraction" during the season. See, St. Louis? He really has your best interests at heart. Try to keep that in mind in between rage-induced frenzies at possibly losing one of the greatest players in you club's history.