UPDATED at 12:30 p.m. with videos and more reaction.

A warning to any fans thinking of attacking the statue of Albert Pujols at West Port Plaza and tearing it down à la Saddam Hussein: Security guards have been posted there.

Just in case.

They stood outside, keeping an eye on the bronze depiction of Pujols pointing at the sky. Inside the nearby Pujols 5 restaurant, the operators were trying to take the superstar player's departure in stride, adding angel food cake to the menu in honor of the move to the Angels of Anaheim.

"I feel the same way I did when La Russa retired," said David Hanon, son of restaurant owner Patrick Hanon. "It's going to take a little bit of time to get over it."

The restaurant will stay, David Hanon said.

"It's a sad day," Hanon said. "We're losing somebody we've loved for 11 years. (But) as long as his number stays 5, we'll stay here."

It will be a test of fan loyalty to a player some thought would show more loyalty to St. Louis. Jake Calvert, who was picking up restaurant linen from West Port for laundering, said he's not sure how that will play out.

"I don't think as many people will show up now, with Albert gone," said Calvert, 31, of Godfrey.

Maybe the statue doesn't need the guard. Calvert, for one, blames the Cardinals for letting Pujols get away.

"You can't let the best player in baseball leave your team," he said. "If we'd had Babe Ruth … You wouldn't trade Babe Ruth if you could go back in time."

Others also seemed to forgive Albert, and put the blame on the club.

"The die was cast long ago," said Charlie Van Esler, 55, of Chesterfield, who was at West Port for a meeting. "They alienated him by not signing him years ago."

Van Esler said he thought Pujols' departure was unfortunate for St. Louis, but said he's not mad at him.

"It's naive to criticize someone for wanting more money," Van Esler said. "I don't blame Albert Pujols at all."

But some fans were not so understanding. Take it from Brandon McCombs, 22, of Fenton, who works at Sports Fan Attic at West County Center:

"Albert Pujols is now the LeBron James of Major League Baseball."