Pujols Speaks

Anytime Number 5 makes an appearance, it's news.  Even when he doesn't say much of anything.

Albert Pujols met the media yesterday on the closing day of the Winter Warm-Up and talked about his contract, his hitting coach, and his health.

Albert seems fine with Mark McGwire, saying that the big redhead will have to answer to a higher power someday but that basically we should move on.  I think there's something to that--continuing to hound on it won't resolve the issue or wipe it away, but it could hurt the focus of the '10 team.

(That said, the hallway press conference of Sunday didn't do anyone any favors.  The media is likely never to be satisfied with answers, of course, but making the appearance that you are hiding something or aren't being completely open can cause a lot of problems down the road.)

Pujols spent more time talking about his contract situation, of course.  He left hints that he wanted to stay, but it wasn't a guarantee, but that he might take less than market to remain and keep the team competitive.  In other words, something for every position--he's going or he's staying.

Probably the biggest news was that he wasn't giong to negotiate during the season, which is not a surprise knowing AP's legendary focus and preparation.  I still think they'll get a deal done in spring training or right before, but it could be next winter before it's finalized.  I think most would agree that, from our perspective, the sooner the better.

Pujols says he's healthy and ready to go, so with that and a full season of Matt Holliday in the lineup, it could be a career year for him--which is saying a lot.

On another front, Jim Edmonds says he's quite serious about rejoining the team.  Tony LaRussa said that the idea will get serious consideration, mainly because of the respect they have for Edmonds, but it's not anything that's been in the works and there are no guarantees.  There are a lot of benefits of having Edmonds around, if he can still swing the bat some.  That's a big if, though.

The Baseball Writers dinner was last night.  Awards were handed out, verbal shots were taken, and a good time was had by all.  Well, maybe not all.

Apparently Bob Costas made some verbal jabs at McGwire's recent admission, according to John Marecek's Twittering, and that didn't go over well with LaRussa.  The two of them were actually sitting together, but didn't say much after Costas's routine.  Not surprising, given Tony's relationship and loyalty to McGwire.

So now, we wait.  A month from yesterday was the first day pitchers and catchers could report to spring training.  One more month of speculating on the remaining holes and eagerly anticipating the pictures and reports from Florida.  One more month.  Can we make it?




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