CHICAGO • Sometimes a hug is just a hug, according to Jim Hendry.
Offering gestures that set Windy City media tongues wagging, the Chicago Cubs general manager twice embraced Cardinals pending free agent first baseman Albert Pujols behind the cage during Tuesday batting practice.
Hendry laughingly dismissed the hugs as an innocent show of affection between two men who have known each other for 10 years. Of course, Hendry also steeled himself for the hair-trigger conspiracy theorists awaiting an explanation.
"I've known him a long time. I'm not going to treat him any different and the same with him," said Hendry.
The Cubs, of course, are a large-market team that signed free agent first baseman Carlos Pena to a one-year contract last winter. Pujols is in the final year of his contract with no plans to restart negotiations with the Cardinals.
"We don't talk about what's going to happen. It's the same thing: 'How's your son? How are your kids?'" Hendry said.
Innocent gestures have a way of taking on an edgy existence in Chicago.
The Cubs were immediately labeled as pursuers for third baseman Mike Lowell one year when Hendry had an extended conversation with the Boston Red Sox player. Hendry says the team never had real interest.
"I'm a little different. I've always gotten along with players," said Hendry. "I was close to (former Cardinals and Cubs pitcher) Alan Benes."
Hendry has long had a fondness for the organization. He and former Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty frequently sat together during games before Hendry would reappear at Jocketty's Ladue residence for a postgame repast. However, Hendry's explanation wasn't enough to cause one Chicago scribe to trash his photo of the moment.
"I can't win," Hendry said. "I like Albert. We've always gotten along. A great, great player. I admire the heck out of him."
Theriot's return
Cardinals shortstop Ryan Theriot began last season as the Cubs' second baseman. Theriot was also their starting shortstop during two division championship seasons. Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising the high-energy infielder got himself in the middle of a back-and-forth upon his return to Wrigley Field.
Theriot described himself as "on the right side of the rivalry" after the Cardinals acquired him in a December trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The comment drew a quick rebuke from current Cubs catcher Koyie Hill, who suggested Theriot might get knocked down because of the statement. On Monday, a Chicago sports talk show asked Theriot if he felt "dirty" walking around St. Louis while noting the fashion staples of tank tops and jean shorts.
Laughing, Theriot added Timberland boots to the ensemble.
"I like jean shorts. What's wrong with tank tops? Jean shorts and tank tops is a good look if you ask me," Theriot explained Tuesday afternoon.
Theriot received a less than friendly reception from the faithful Tuesday night in his first return to the park since last July 25, less than a week before his trade to the Dodgers. He had hoped for better.
"I've said this a million times: These fans here understand baseball and they appreciate effort and all that stuff and that's one reason I love Chicago as much as I do," Theriot said.
Theriot disagreed with a characterization that he might be the fresh straw that stirs the rivalry. "I don't want to be the straw that stirs anything. I just want to go out there and win."
Et cetera
General manager John Mozeliak projected second baseman Skip Schumaker's return from a hyperextended elbow and ligament strain as close to six weeks from his April 16 disabled date. Schumaker is expected to resume swinging a bat this week. ... For the first time since the season's first series, the Cardinals entered a game without a batting streak longer than one game. Colby Rasmus (.320) and Matt Holliday (.345) were the only players to hit better than .300 on the recent 4-3 home stand.
