Will the Cardinals let Albert Pujols reach free agency?

Albert Pujols tells the Cardinals that he will not continue contract extension negotiations once Spring Training begins. Albert does not like distractions during the season, so this leaves about a month to close the deal. You'd think the Cardinals would be eager to lock down what some consider to be the best all-around player of all time, but all bets are off if nothing is finalized before Spring Training begins. Here's hoping the Cardinals act foolishly and Pujols lands in a division in which the Brewers will not face him so frequently.