The Los Angeles Angels sent shock waves through Major League Baseball when they designated Albert Pujols for assignment during the final year of the surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer's 10-year, $240 million contract.
The 41-year-old, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals before signing with Los Angeles, is one of baseball's all-time greatest players -- and his midseason release raises a host of questions. The three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star is destined for Cooperstown, but will he have any more stops along the way? If this is indeed the end, how will he be most remembered -- as the game's best player during his days in St. Louis or as the faded star he became for much of his tenure in L.A.?
ESPN baseball writers Bradford Doolittle, David Schoenfield and Alden Gonzalez answer the most pressing questions following Thursday's stunning news.