Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Talks between slugger Pujols, Cardinals down to last strike

The St. Louis Cardinals and first baseman Albert Pujols spent Tuesday preparing statements about their failed contract talks, leaving the talking to Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and players union chief Michael Weiner.

It seems the only common ground the Cardinals and Pujols have is that at noon ET today they plan to release statements declaring their negotiations have ended.

Pujols rejected a proposal two weeks ago that would have made him one of baseball's highest-paid players but not close to the record 10-year, $275 million deal Alex Rodriguez signed with the New York Yankees more than three years ago, according to a person close to Pujols who requested anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.

There were no new offers or proposals exchanged Tuesday, the person said, and no talks are scheduled today.

While the talks between Dan Lozano, Pujols' agent, and the Cardinals have been civil, La Russa blamed the players union for pushing Pujols to score a historic deal.

More

No comments: