Cards' Pujols sheds no light on contract talks

[January 17, 2011]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Albert Pujols says he wants to end his career with the St. Louis Cardinals but is declining to provide an update on negotiations for a new long-term contract.

Pujols' agents have said they will cut off talks at the start of spring training if an agreement is not in place. A public relations assistant for his agents stood just to Pujols' left to stop questions on the topic at Sunday's news conference.

The three-time NL MVP, who turned 31 on Sunday, has played his entire 10-year career in St. Louis. Pujols was to be honored at the annual Baseball Writers Association of America dinner Sunday night.

Pujols says he's in better shape than in recent seasons when he was hindered by injuries, and excited about the changes the team has made.

[Associated Press; By R.B. FALLSTROM]

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