High & Inside

The best player in baseball may be available to the highest bidder five days after the 2011 World Series.

The deadline Albert Pujols set for reaching a new contract agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals passed Wednesday with no deal, making it likely the three-time MVP will become a free agent.

The Cardinals said they would respect Pujols' wishes and not request more talks during the season, unless their first baseman surprisingly changes his mind.

"A difference of opinion in determining Albert's value simply could not be resolved," said his agent, Dan Lozano.

The Cardinals said they made their best offer, believed to be somewhere around $200 million for eight years. There also were reports that Lozano had asked for an ownership stake in the franchise once Pujols' playing days are complete.

"You can be sure that we explored a number of different avenues," Cardinals chairman William DeWitt Jr. said.

Pujols will make $16 million this season in his contract's final year. He is expected to report to camp on Thursday, two days earlier than required.

Bobby Cox, who retired after leading the Braves to 15 playoff appearances in his two-decade-long managing career, turned up at 6 a.m. to wish his successor, Fredi Gonzalez, good luck.

Wearing a striped golf shirt, khakis, and docksiders instead of a uniform and cleats, Cox said he would be on hand during much of the spring and do whatever he can to help Gonzalez, without getting in his way.

Gonzalez, who was in the clubhouse at Disney World at an eye-opening 4 a.m. on his first day as manager, said he welcomed his former boss' help.

General manager Brian Cashman wouldn't weigh in on Joba Chamberlain's appearance. The New York Yankees reliever reported for spring training visibly larger than last year. Cashman wouldn't give a direct answer when asked whether Chamberlain is in shape.

"He's heavier, I'll leave it at that," he said. "He works hard. He's a good kid. He's heavy."

"Weight can be a tricky issue," offered manager Joe Girardi, "because you're evaluated on how you pitch. A lot of times if you're not pitching well, they'll say you're too heavy. If you're pitching well, no one says a word."

Don Mattingly opened the Dodgers' training camp in Glendale, Ariz., for the first time as a major-league manager and announced he's not concerned with side issues such as music in the clubhouse, hair length, and facial hair.

The Milwaukee Brewers have bet that Rickie Weeks' string of injury-plagued seasons is firmly in the past.

One day before a scheduled arbitration hearing, Weeks agreed to a $38.5 million, four-year contract that contains a 2015 option which could increase the total value to $50 million. Weeks hit .269 with 29 homers, 83 RBIs, and 112 runs in 160 games, mainly as a leadoff hitter last year.

More deals. Outfielder Delmon Young and Minnesota avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $5,375,000. Young hit .298 last year with 46 doubles, 21 homers, and 112 RBIs. . . . Mets shortstop Jose Reyes said he preferred to wait until after this season to talk about a new contract. . . . Infielder Orlando Cabrera passed his physical and signed a one-year contract with Cleveland. Financial terms were not disclosed. The 36-year-old shortstop will move to second. . . . The Dodgers signed pitcher Lance Cormier to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training. The 30-year-old righthander was 4-3 with a 3.92 ERA in 60 appearances with Tampa Bay last season. . . . Outfielder Scott Podsednik, 34, agreed to a minor-league contract with Toronto.

Texas righthander Omar Beltre has been found to have a genetic narrowing of the spine known as spinal stenosis and will have surgery next Tuesday, Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine said. . . . Kansas City Royals catcher Jason Kendall began a light throwing program as he starts his return from major shoulder surgery.