La Russa: Players union pushing Pujols

JUPITER, Fla. — St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says first baseman Albert Pujols and his representatives are being pressured by the players’ union during contract negotiations.

Pujols is eligible to become a free agent after the World Series and has set a Wednesday noon EST deadline to reach agreement on a new deal.

Pujols has vowed to cut off negotiations once he arrives at spring training. La Russa said Tuesday he thinks the three-time National League MVP is being pushed to set a new standard with his contract, and he said that’s unfair to the player.

Alex Rodriguez’s $275 million, 10-year deal with the Yankees is baseball’s current high.