CHICAGO – As expected, Chicago awoke this morning to a Cubs loss and a heightened sense of anticipation.
Never mind the outfield hijinks that greased the skids for Tuesday’s 6-4 Cubs loss, there was photographic evidence of general manager Jim Hendry and pending free agent Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols sharing a manly hug during pre-game batting practice.
Pujols and Hendry shared a friendship long before Pujols entered the walk year of his contract with the Redbirds. Hendry and former Cards general manager Walt Jocketty remain fast friends, and Jocko brought Pujols into their circle long ago.
“I do that all the time,” Pujols said.
Speaking after contributing four hits to the Cardinals’ win, Pujols said the hug was nothing more than an expression of friendship. Likewise, he realized what the photo op might represent.
The Cubs, after all, represent one of Pujols’ most obvious alternatives as a free agent. The large-market club signed first baseman Carlos Pena to a one-year deal this winter and are virtually certain to pursue another option after this season. As a three-time NL MVP, Pujols offers both magnetic star power in addition to unmatched production over his previous 10 seasons.
“I figured that would happen, that they would play with it,” Pujols said. “At the end, it’s not what you do on the field. It’s what kind of person you are off the field. That’s the kind of relationship you want to build with somebody you respect. He’s on the other side. I’m on our side. I just think it’s kind of ridiculous. Three writers came and talked to me about that and the contract.
“Are you serious? C’mon.”
The down-to-earth, self-effacing Hendry handled the faux controversy with levity. Recognizing the media hyperventilation surrounding the gesture, he at one point laughed, waved and conceded, “I can’t win.”