Ex-Cards skipper La Russa disagrees with Pujols’ long-term pact

St. Louis, MO, United States (4E Sports) – Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said he would not commit to a contract of six years and longer for Albert Pujols and other baseball stars, believing that it’s not a ‘smart move’ for any team.

In an interview with ESPN First Take, La Russa admitted he would not offer a deal as long and lucrative the Los Angeles Angels gave to his former star Pujols.

La Russa, who raved about Pujols’ slugging abilities, added it’s dangerous for any team committing more than six years for a player.

“It’s one of the dangers in our game when an organization is pushed beyond something — five or six (years) is a big commitment — when you go longer I think it’s scary and dangerous,” said La Russa, who guided the Cardinals to a World Series title before seeing his no.10 jersey retired last May.

Pujols, the former Cardinals franchise star, signed a lucrative 10-year, $254 million deal with the Angels last offseason.

Pujols struggled at the plate to open his 2012 season, going April without blasting a home run. But the nine-time All-Star finally came through as the season progressed, batting .288 with 30 homers and 102 RBIs.

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