DALLAS -- The Miami Marlins are out of the running for free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols but three other teams remain, including the St. Louis Cardinals, according to a person involved in the negotiations.

The Marlins, who earlier Wednesday agreed to a four-year, $58 million contract with left-hander Mark Buehrle, were told that Pujols has narrowed the field. The Marlins had offered Pujols a 10-year deal in excess of $200 million.

That leave the Cardinals and two unidentified teams, each of whom are offering 10 years for more than $200 million, said the person who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

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Dan Lozano, Pujols' representative, met Wednesday morning with the Cardinals.

The most difficult part of the decision for Pujols may not be the money, but his comfort level. He has spent his entire 10-year career in St. Louis where he has achieved iconic status, winning three MVP awards while leading the Cardinals to two World Series championships.

The unidentified teams in the bidding must have both the wherewithal to pay Pujols, a need to upgrade at first base and, perhaps, the ability to spin off players to create payroll room for him. Some clubs who could fit the profile:

Mariners. Trading Justin Smoak could bring back another part. General manager Jack Zduriencik has been coy about the club's plans, only acknowledging that they are in on fellow first baseman Prince Fielder and trying to stay under the radar.

Trading Justin Smoak could bring back another part. General manager Jack Zduriencik has been coy about the club's plans, only acknowledging that they are in on fellow first baseman Prince Fielder and trying to stay under the radar. Rangers. Texas would likely need to clear some payroll room to accommodate Pujols, but they also have veterans with decent trade value, such as Michael Young.

Texas would likely need to clear some payroll room to accommodate Pujols, but they also have veterans with decent trade value, such as Michael Young. Nationals. They have money to spend, a long-term need at first and young players in Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper who could use an anchor like Pujols.

They have money to spend, a long-term need at first and young players in Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper who could use an anchor like Pujols. Orioles. This would be a true shocker, given that they're years from contending, but it would jolt a franchise in need of one.

Of course, any club will be tasked with ensuring Pujols is comfortable enough to leave St. Louis.

"I think the two biggest factors are comfort level and pressure,'' said veteran agent Barry Axelrod, who represented Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, who spent their entire major-league careers with the Houston Astros.

"You're talking about leaving your comfort level. You have to find a new grocery store, dry cleaners, the clubhouse guy is different, everything is differnet. You really don't know what you're going to get yourself into.

"And the other factor is pressure. When I had (former Cy Young winner) Rick Sutcliffe, we had a chance to leave the Cubs and go to Atlanta or San Diego for more money. He said, "If I go 15-10 somewhere else, they'll probably boo me. If I go 15-10 in Chicago, they may elect me mayor.

"If Albert stays, he can be a king or emperor of St. Louis. That's not going to be the case anywhere else.''

It's a similar dilemma, said Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, when Jim Thome reluctantly departed for Philadelphia in 2002 after spending 11 years in Cleveland.

"I'm pulling for him to stay in St. Louis,'' said Manuel, who already has seen the Marlins sign All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes and All-Star closer Heath Bell. "Every time they sign someone, it gets tougher.''