Albert and "Dee Dee" expecting 4th child

[Migratory Redbird]

That might explain why negotiations with the Cards are going a little slowly. Then there's this

Pujols was invited to Saturday night’s Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Legacy Awards dinner in KC but did not attend, as reported by baseball writer Sam Mellinger in his Ball Stars blog.

... The rub for Mellinger was that Pujols was in Kansas City over the weekend to honor a commitment to conduct a hitting clinic and sign autographs for kids on Sunday. The Negro Leagues museum is in financial trouble, and by Mellinger’s reckoning, a Pujols appearance might have boosted ticket sales for the banquet. He wrote:

“Too bad baseball’s best player didn’t come (to the banquet) to make it better. The museum gave him two awards. He accepted neither in person, and didn’t record a video thank you like several others who couldn’t show up — and like he’s done in the past.

“Pujols was in Kansas City this weekend, you know. … Word is he drove from St. Louis and back to do the clinic — a good cause on its own — so he could spend more time with his family. The problem with that is he owns a house in Kansas City. The other problem with that is there are hotels in Kansas City.

“Maybe there’s more to Pujols’ absence. He’s under no obligation to do anything but play his best for the Cardinals, of course, and it’s murky waters whenever somebody starts telling somebody else how they should spend their time. But it’s not unreasonable to expect Pujols — with his Kansas City ties and status as the game’s best player — to at least let the museum know of his plans.

“When he doesn’t, what choice does it give fans but to assume he blew them off?”

And the reason?

the executive director of the Pujols Family Foundation responded that there indeed was “more” to Pujols’ absence. Todd Perry wrote in the comments field of Mellinger’s blog:

“Albert’s wife, Deidre is expecting their fourth child this week. She has been given ‘any minute’ status from her doctor since last Monday. Albert has asked us not to accept any interviews or appearances that would take him away from his wife for more than a few hours at a time. (Personally I am surprised that he left Dee Dee alone to make the quick trip to KC, even for the day.)

“Never forget, the ‘game’s greatest player’ is also a husband and a father. Those are two roles he will always put before personal achievement, awards or accolades. Knowing Albert, as I do, I can safely tell you that in no way was his absence meant as a sign of disrespect to the Museum, its history, or its staff. Albert’s mind was simply focused on finishing his obligation in KC (the hitting clinic) and getting home to his pregnant wife in St Louis.

“I appreciate you standing up for the Museum. They need a champion right now. But, your blog seemed a little heavy-handed towards a guy who clearly did the right thing. Remember, there are always two sides to every story.”

[Jmodene]

That's the problem with a lot of blogs out there. You can write almost anything you want with little or no sense of responsibility.

As a retired journalist, I find that rather offensive.

[Swampturkey]

A little research could have told the blogger that Pujols' thoughts would be with his wife. Pujols himself said during the baseball writer's dinner a few weeks ago that his wife was not in attendance because she was due to have their 4th child very soon.

I wish people would remember that while he is AMAZING, he is also human. As Albert himself says...God first, family second, everything else a distant third.

[jimmcg]

Originally Posted by Jmodene

That's the problem with a lot of blogs out there. You can write almost anything you want with little or no sense of responsibility.

As a retired journalist, I find that rather offensive.

I'm not a retired journalist, but I strongly feel as you do.