http://tinyurl.com/ypykoj Pujols, La Russa: still friends By Joe Strauss ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 07/14/2007 PHILADELPHIA — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and first baseman Albert Pujols spoke at length Friday for the first time since La Russa's much-discussed decision not to use his own player in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Each reinforced points made to the media in the previous two days and insisted that there is nothing but respect for the other. "My belief has always been that a deep respect exists between us," La Russa said. "If what happened had done something to damage that, it would have bothered me because it would have shown that respect to be superficial. To an extent, I think I've been a father figure to him. I know he means a great deal to me. It would have really hurt to see that diminished." Pujols repeated that he remained available after returning to the National League clubhouse to stretch and apply a balm. Told about reports that he had changed out of his uniform into his suit as the National League rallied for two runs in the ninth inning, Pujols enlisted bullpen coach Marty Mason to corroborate his account that he was in the clubhouse stretching with Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Jose Valverde. Mason, in the clubhouse at the time, said that Pujols absolutely was available. La Russa allowed Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Aaron Rowand to hit with the bases loaded and two outs in a 5-4 game. Rowand popped out, leading to a stream of criticism over La Russa leaving his former MVP and batting champion on the bench. "I just told him I was concerned for him because of all the ripping he was getting from the media," Pujols said. "I didn't really care that much for myself, but I know everybody was criticizing him." "If I come up and walk, the game goes extra innings and he's got nobody else to play, and what happens if somebody gets hurt? The media criticizes him. I'm pretty sure he's going to be criticized any way he goes unless we win the game right there," Pujols said. La Russa re-stated he "missed the moment" by not embracing the dramatic significance of having Pujols hit. In hindsight, he said he should have risked a potential forfeit had one of his last eight position players been hurt. "I was thinking about the professional side of it, not about the emotional side of it," La Russa said. "I knew it would be dramatic, but I thought about what a walk or a wild pitch and the position that might put us in." La Russa denied he was in a no-win situation. "If we win, I win," he said. --

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