Bonus Bytes:

Apologies are in order after reading comments by Albert Pujols and Tony La Russa during the team's 1-2 series in Pittsburgh. With the team trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 7 games in the standings, I didn't realize we were supposed to organize a parade down Market Street to celebrate the occasion of Pujols hitting his 30th home run of the season.

* After Tuesday's loss, La Russa spoke of the 30th home run and gave a sarcastic take to Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch: "He's definitely had a (lousy) year. I wonder where all the experts are now?" And after Wednesday's win, Pujols told Hummel:  "Sometimes, it's easier to write a story than it is to go out there and hit a baseball. Most (critics) probably never even played the game. They probably never threw a baseball before. But that's the way it is. It doesn't bother me. "Everybody has their own opinion."

* I'm not sure how the word "critic" or "expert" is being defined here, so perhaps TLR and Team Pujols can elaborate. Are we talking baseball people, the scouts and industry insiders who wonder if Pujols' bat speed has slowed? Are we talking about former players that excelled at the game, guys that have noted some problems in Pujols' approach this season? ESPN's Orel Hershiser, who won 204 games in the majors, made a big deal of Pujols' weakness against inside pitches during Sunday's broadcast of the Rockies-Cardinals game. Is Hershiser qualified to state such blasphemy? Is he a critic?

Are we talking about the usual suspects -- the sportswriters and broadcasters who simply point to the facts when noting that Pujols' numbers are down in batting average, onbase percentage and slugging? How about Mark McGwire, who has said that Pujols needs to be more patient at the plate. Is he OK, or just another guy who doesn't understand that he must bow down to The Great Pujols?  I'm just wondering. Speaking on ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" on Wednesday, Pujols teammate Lance Berkman said he thought that Pujols was pressing earlier in the season. Is that permissible?

Or are you automatically a "critic" if you commit the mortal sin of declining to worship Pujols at all times? If those who are in charge of determining what can be said about Pujols will get back to us, I'd appreciate it.

* By anyone else's standards, Pujols is having a very good year and he remains in place as one of the game's most elite players. But it's also true that he's batting .287 with a .352 OBP and a .541 SLG. His career numbers in those categories coming into this season were .331 - .426 . - .624. And that wouldn't even be notable except for the looming contract negotiations that could make or break the Cardinals franchise for the next decade. Walk-year numbers will always be scrutinized, especially when a great player is lined up to receive one of the most lucrative contracts in MLB history.

There is a lot on the line for the player and the team, and Pujols will be 32 next season. Do you suppose that GM and team owners will consider all of the factors -- good and bad -- before giving Pujols a monster deal? Of course they will look at those factors, and more. Are they critics, too?

It still amazes me that so many people, including La Russa and Pujols, continue to miss a rather obvious and reasonable point.

* Allen Craig in CF? Well, why not? The Cardinals have disregarded defense for most of the season so they might as well be consistent.

* Really, I'm in a good mood today. I swear.

* And I'm in a good mood because of the great news on Jeremy Maclin. He's been cleared of the worst fears, cancer. That's wonderful. Long may you run, J-Mac.

* For more Bytes on the Frank Haith situation at Mizzou, click here.

Again, thanks for reading.

-- Bernie