Pujols Wants To Slow The Roll

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  Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball.  The Cardinal first baseman is about to win another National League MVP award.  And he apparently is not in a hurry to sign a contract extension.

  That according to reports out of the Dominican Republic.  The Cardinal slugger appearing on a Santo Domingo radio station Wednesday discussing the club's recent remarks about exploring a contract extension.

  "I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension," Pujols said. "I still have a one year contract in 2010 with a club option for 2011. The rest I leave in God's hands."

  Pujols appears to be taking a wait and see attitude, still needing more confirmation that the Cardinals will surround him with talent to win.

  "We have not yet sat down to talk about contracts.  Last week, GM (John Mozeliak) called me and told me to communicate with me agent, but I repeat that money is not everything.  It is better to have a competitive team that can go to the post-season", he said.

  I can't blame Pujols for waiting.  He likely wants to be sure Tony La Russa is coming back.  He wants to see if they can re-sign Matt Holliday.  But the Cardinals want Albert to feel like he's the top priority.  They want to keep him as the highest paid Cardinal, which wouldn't be the case if they sign Holliday first.

  So it's up to Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt and General Manager John Mozeliak to handle this balancing act between keeping Pujols happy while trying to lock up Holliday.