I’ve changed my mind on this so many times, but now I’m convinced. The Cardinals need to do whatever it takes to keep Albert Pujols if they want to remain a competitive team. Even with some of the lowest numbers of his career, he has been the MVP of a team that is now just two games behind Atlanta in the National League Wild Card standings.

All things considered, the Cardinals shouldn’t be within striking distance of the playoffs right now. Adam Wainwright’s injury severely weakened an already thin staff and forced the team to trade Colby Rasmus for pitching help. Chris Carpenter is just now looking like his old self after a rough start. Only Lance Berkman was performing above average.

They could have collapsed right there.

But Pujols became Pujols again right when the Cardinals needed it and they’ve been a different team ever since. It’s not a coincidence. He even came back early from a severe injury that could have jeopardized his contract situation.

But he isn’t the kind of player that steps up when he needs a new deal. He’s the kind of player that can be his team’s MVP even he underachieves, which might make him worthy of a $300 million contract.

Whatever it takes.