The day for pitcher and catchers to report for spring training, awaited by baseball fans since the last out of the World Series, brought with it some of the messy offseason news of money and contract negotiations.

St. Louis and representatives of Albert Pujols agreed to extend the window for a new deal for 24 hours through noon EST Wednesday because they didn't want to distract from Cardinals great Stan Musial receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The three-time NL MVP will make $16 million this season, including $4 million deferred without interest, and is eligible for free agency after the World Series. He had said he would cut off talks when he arrives for spring training, early as usual on Tuesday.

"Given the timing of everything we will remain quiet at this time," Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak said. "I don't want to lead people on or characterize something one way or the other. Our approach has been pretty consistent since Day 1 and that's to allow this to be done in a confidential state. Given we are only 48 hours from the deadline I'll remain that way."

The 31-year-old Pujols is the only player in major league history to hit 30 or more homers in each of his first 10 seasons, and he reached 100 RBIs in each one of those as well.

Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and Mozeliak will accompany the 90-year-old Musial to Washington, where the Hall of Famer will receive the award on Tuesday.

In Clearwater, Fla, Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he wants a contract extension before his team starts the season.

The most successful manager in franchise history is entering the final year of a deal he signed after leading the Phillies to the first of four straight division titles in 2007. He's making $2.4 million this season.

"I think once the season starts, I don't want to talk about my contract," Manuel said. "Hopefully something happens in spring training and, if not, I definitely don't want it to be a distraction for our team,"

With Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels in the rotation, Manuel has what appears to be the top starting staff in the majors. Joined by No 5 Joe Blanton, the Fab Five held a joint news conference.

"I think we haven't thrown a single pitch as a group yet, so it's kind of early to say we're one of the best rotations in the history of the game," said Lee, who chose to sign with the Phillies instead of the Texas Rangers and Yankees.

Associated Press

(China Daily 02/16/2011 page22)