Step to the plate, Albert

Albert Pujols made a crucial error in Game 2, but he made more news by dodging the media after the game. Earth to Albert: It's the World Series. Don't hide in the kitchen after a tough loss, forcing the media to grab sound bites from others.


You're a so-called leader. You've been paid $105 million by the Cardinals. Stand at your locker and answer some questions because that's part of your job. Tony La Russa tried to cover for Pujols today in Arlington, but, really, it all sounded quite lame.


"It's get-away day, we leaving earlier because we had an early workout. They wanted to pack for their families. If anybody had said, we need to talk to Albert, he would have stayed," La Russa said. "I heard the criticism, and it offends me because I know our attitude as an organization is 180 degrees different from the way it's being portrayed. Nobody asked for those guys, and they got out of there."


Pujols didn't own up during workout day in Arlington.


"You want me to wait 40 minutes for you guys? I was in the (kitchen)  getting something to eat," he said. "What about the night before when I spoke for an hour and a half? That's not fair ... Nobody approached me for 40 minutes, and I was on my way home."


Pujols went on to say his responsibility is to God and his family. That's weak, Albert. 

Chris Carpenter on The Machine:

CARDINALS ACE Chris Carpenter reflects on the great Albert Pujols, who has handled a contract season and distractions with class and professionalism.


"I've been very fortunate to watch this guy play for the last nine years. When you're that type of player at that level, there are expectations from you, me, I'm sure his family, his kids and friends. I mean, the expectation level for what he's supposed to do is unbelievable ... Every year, you can't believe the things that he does, the games that he has, pressures that he deals with, the distractions coming into this season: a free agent, how much money is he going to get, best player in baseball, is he going to be here, is he not going to be here. But he comes in, just like the same old Albert, and works hard in spring training, starts off a little slow, everybody is questioning whether or not it's because of his contract situation. 


"No, he continues to grind, he continues to play, and continues to do the things that amazes every single one of us. That's who he is. He's an exceptional player, exceptional hitter. He's got the mind of stone. Nothing bothers him no matter what situation he's in. And that's what makes him great."