Pujols: 'Money is not everything'

Updated: October 16, 2009, 2:26 AM ET
ESPN.com news services

The St. Louis Cardinals have expressed interest in extending Albert Pujols' contract during the winter, but the slugger is not in a hurry.

"I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension. I still have one year remaining in my contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011. I leave the rest in God's hands," Pujols told a Dominican radio station (CDN 92.5 FM) Wednesday during an interview on the sports program "Manana Deportiva."

Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols

#5 1B
St. Louis Cardinals

2009 STATS

  • GM160
  • HR47
  • RBI135
  • R124
  • OBP.443
  • AVG.327

Pujols signed a seven-year contract for $100 million after the 2003 season, but the two-time MVP said money will not be the central issue in his next contract.

"We have not sat down to talk about contracts yet. Last week, the GM [John Mozeliak] called me and I told them to talk to my lawyer. But I reiterate that money is not everything, it's better to have a competitive team that can go to the postseason," he added.

Pujols, 29, hit .327 with 47 home runs and 135 RBIs this season for the Cardinals, and is a heavy favorite to win the National League MVP.


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However, the 2008 and 2005 NL MVP still gets nervous when speaking of the award.

"Let's wait. I'd rather not talk about it, but I can tell you that I had a good season and I deserve it, but also Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard," he said.

Pujols indicated that he will undergo an MRI exam next week to check the status of his elbow, which was operated on last winter.

"It's just a routine that I do when the season is over to make sure that everything is OK. I feel good, but it's something I will confirm," he said.

Pujols lamented that the Cardinals were swept in the first round of the postseason by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I didn't think we would be swept, but only God knows what will happen to you," he said.

Pujols' prediction is that the Dodgers will advance to the World Series to face the Los Angeles Angels.

"I know the Yankees and Philadelphia have good teams, but my favorites for the World Series are the Dodgers and the Angels," he said.

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