While Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals contract saga and negotiations drag on and continue, there seems to be one glaring voice missing from this entire situation.
Tony La Russa.
La Russa, who normally is the center of any organizational drama, has been silent on the issue.
While both Pujols and the Cardinals have swore to silence during negotiations, others have spoken up in support of Pujols signing an extension and being a part of the team for years to come.
Matt Holliday wants a contract in place.
"No doubt," Holliday said. "I'm very hopeful that both sides will be able to come to an agreement. I know it's a very difficult contract as far as his place in the game and what the Cardinals can do, but I hope to be his teammate for the rest of both of our careers. That would be real nice, but it's a tough deal."
So does Lance Berkman.
"Obviously it's something that the organization probably doesn't want hanging over for the whole season and, 'What's going to happen to Albert?'" said Berkman. "But clearly you are talking about the best player in baseball and probably the best hitter in the history of baseball, so I'm not sure how you go about taming that tiger."
But Tony has remained mum.
And in the best interest of this team in 2011, La Russa should speak up.
If a deal isn't done by the February 16th, despite the wishes of Albert, the entire season will have a distraction hanging over its head filled with speculation of whether Albert will sign with the Cardinals in the off-season or not.
A distraction that does not have to occur.
If there is anybody besides Albert's wife that Pujols will listen to, its La Russa.
Pujols respects and admires the only manager he has ever played for. He steps on that field every day through injuries and competes for La Russa each and every year.
Which is why, for once, La Russa actually should speak up.
And maybe we'll see a contract get signed.
Tony La Russa.
La Russa, who normally is the center of any organizational drama, has been silent on the issue.
While both Pujols and the Cardinals have swore to silence during negotiations, others have spoken up in support of Pujols signing an extension and being a part of the team for years to come.
Matt Holliday wants a contract in place.
"No doubt," Holliday said. "I'm very hopeful that both sides will be able to come to an agreement. I know it's a very difficult contract as far as his place in the game and what the Cardinals can do, but I hope to be his teammate for the rest of both of our careers. That would be real nice, but it's a tough deal."
So does Lance Berkman.
"Obviously it's something that the organization probably doesn't want hanging over for the whole season and, 'What's going to happen to Albert?'" said Berkman. "But clearly you are talking about the best player in baseball and probably the best hitter in the history of baseball, so I'm not sure how you go about taming that tiger."
But Tony has remained mum.
And in the best interest of this team in 2011, La Russa should speak up.
If a deal isn't done by the February 16th, despite the wishes of Albert, the entire season will have a distraction hanging over its head filled with speculation of whether Albert will sign with the Cardinals in the off-season or not.
A distraction that does not have to occur.
If there is anybody besides Albert's wife that Pujols will listen to, its La Russa.
Pujols respects and admires the only manager he has ever played for. He steps on that field every day through injuries and competes for La Russa each and every year.
Which is why, for once, La Russa actually should speak up.
And maybe we'll see a contract get signed.
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