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Hendry, Pujols Downplay Hug

CHICAGO (AP) A picture of Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry hugging St. Louis Cardinals superstar Albert Pujols before Tuesday night's game cause plenty a stir. But all the talk about the hug was brushed off by Hendry.

Pujols, the Cardinals' first baseman, could be a prized free agent after the season. Hendry said the greeting had nothing to do with business and the two simply discussed their families.

"I have a good relationship with Albert," Hendry said. "We'd have that if he wasn't the best player in the world. I told you guys in spring training I wasn't going to be any different to him than I have been in the last eight or nine years. Great guy, great player."

Pujols told the St. Louis Post Dispatch the hug was much ado over nothing. It was just a greeting between two people who respect each other.

"He's on the other side. I'm on our side. I just think it's kind of ridiculous," he said.

The Cubs' current first baseman, Carlos Pena, is playing under a one-year, $10 million contract.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. STATS LLC and The Associated Press contributed to this article. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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