Pujols, Cardinals make a deal: $100 million over seven years

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004 | 9:47 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

While Greg Maddux, Ivan Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. checked into camp, Albert Pujols made the biggest splash at spring training.

The St. Louis Cardinals banked on their slugger for the future, reaching agreement with Pujols on a $100 million, seven-year contract Wednesday, a The Associated Press learned.

Pujols was scheduled for a salary arbitration hearing Friday -- he was asking for $10.5 million and the team offered $7 million. Instead, the sides settled.

At 24, Pujols led the major leagues in hitting at .359 last year. He hit 43 home runs with 124 RBIs and topped the majors with 51 doubles.

Pujols finished second behind Barry Bonds in voting for the NL MVP award. He made $950,000 last year.

The deal came two days before the Cardinals opened camp in Jupiter, Fla.

Rodriguez, who helped guide a young Florida Marlins team to a World Series championship last season, will work out Thursday at Detroit's camp in Lakeland, Fla.

"Having Pudge on board gives us instant credibility," manager Alan Trammell said. "He's a marquee player."

Griffey showed up at Cincinnati's camp in Sarasota, Fla., hoping to have a productive and full year. His past three seasons have ended with an injury.

Newly acquired Alfonso Soriano was in the news, too. The Texas Rangers said Soriano, obtained in the trade for Alex Rodriguez, was two years older than his listed age.

Soriano is 28, not 26.

Hundley, 34, came back and hit a home run exactly three months after the first operation. But it appears the second surgery will require a longer recovery process because Hundley has experienced more discomfort while receiving physical therapy.