JUPITER - The Cardinals wanted to make sure Albert Pujols didn't get away.
One of the team's few homegrown stars in recent years, Pujols would have been eligible for free agency after the 2006 season. To keep him, the Cardinals gave Pujols a $100-million, seven-year contract Friday, a deal that would be worth $111-million if St. Louis exercises an option for 2011.
"One of the best moments of my life," Pujols said. "It's great to be here today and not in Arizona. Everything was nice and smooth, everybody agreed on it. I'm just happy."
Pujols had been scheduled for an arbitration hearing in Phoenix. The leftfielder was second to Barry Bonds in National League MVP voting.
A-ROD ARRIVES TODAY: Alex Rodriguez is scheduled to arrive at the Yankees' spring training camp in Tampa this morning. Position players are scheduled to report Sunday, two days ahead of the first full-squad workout.
Meanwhile, right-hander Mariano Rivera, the team's career saves leader with 283, said he would like an extension through 2007. He is in the final season of a $39.99-million, four-year contract.
Manager Joe Torre announced that right-hander Mike Mussina probably would start the season opener March 30 in Tokyo against the Devil Rays.
COACH ATTACK: A man on probation for running onto the field at a White Sox game with his son and attacking a coach has tested positive for drug use, court records show, and prosecutors said they will ask a judge to send him to prison. Prosecutors said the reported drug use would violate the probation terms for William Ligue Jr., sentenced in August to 21/2 years of probation for two counts of aggravated battery in the September 2002 attack on Royals coach Tom Gamboa.
A'S: David Forst was promoted to assistant general manager to replace Paul DePodesta, hired as Dodgers general manager this week. Billy Owens was elevated to director of player personnel.
ORIOLES: Minor-league right-hander Denny Bautista, the prized acquisition in the August trade that sent Jeff Conine to the Marlins, is 23, two years older than his listed age. "It's not a big deal," said Jim Beattie, executive vice president of baseball operations.
PIRATES: Race car owner Chip Ganassi and North Carolina businessman William B. Allen have left the team's board of directors.
ROCKIES: Shawn Chacon, trying to convert from starter to closer, will have a good teacher: Rich Gossage. One of the best closers ever will shadow the right-hander through spring training, giving him tips on everything from changing his mind-set to warming up properly.
