JUPITER, Fla. — Before the second inning of a spring training game with Houston, Albert Pujols walked onto the field from the right-field bullpen, receiving a standing ovation as he proceeded to descend into the first-base dugout.
Both manager Oliver Marmol and catcher Yadier Molina talked to Pujols Monday morning on Molina’s phone while the first two were in the Cardinals’ clubhouse. Molina said Pujols would be in town later in the day in preparation for his re-signing with the Cardinals after 10 seasons away and, in fact, when Pujols entered the field he was wearing his familiar No. 5, which had not been issued since he left for California 11 years ago.
Before the game had started, Marmol was guarded, understandably so, since the announcement of Pujols’ signing a $2.5 million, one-year deal wasn't official, at that point.
