PHILADELPHIA — If the Cardinals' season had progressed to the point that many had thought, first baseman Albert Pujols would have been on hand before Game 4 of the World Series in St. Louis to personally accept the Hank Aaron award for offensive excellence in the National League.

But the Cardinals didn't win any playoff games, Pujols had another elbow operation recently and, with that reason being cited by Major League Baseball, Pujols was not on hand Sunday night to receive his second Aaron award.

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who has some unfinished business in Philadelphia, was on hand to accept the American League award. The award winners are derived from online fan balloting.

Pujols had 47 homers this season, marking the first time he has led the league in homers and the first Cardinal to lead since new hitting coach Mark McGwire in 1998-99. Besides pacing the majors in homers, he also led in runs scored (124), on-base percentage (.443) and slugging (.658).

In addition to hitting .327 and driving in 135 runs, both of which were third in the league, Pujols was 10 for 17 with five home runs when hitting with the bases loaded.

Pujols is the only player in baseball history to hit above .300 with 30 or more homers and 100 or more runs batted in his first nine seasons in the majors.

He won the award in 2003, and Aaron agreed after the brief ceremony that Pujols could win almost any year. "God almighty, whoo-eee, he could do a lot of things every year," Aaron said. "It's too bad his club's not in the Series. And he's such a wonderful guy. He's one of the few guys in the league that you like being around."

Asked if Pujols could play in Aaron's day, the Hall of Famer grinned and responded, "He could play in anybody's day. He's just a terrific ballplayer. You like to see him play."

HAMELS FRUSTRATED

After Cole Hamels, a World Series hero last year, was knocked out in the fifth inning of Game 3 on Saturday, he told some reporters that he just wanted the season to be over. "I can't wait for it to end," Hamels said. "It's been mentally draining. It's one of those things ... you just can't wait for a fresh start."

Manuel admitted he was surprised to hear that. "I don't really understand how he meant that," Manuel said. "I mean he's a competitor and he's definitely mentally tough."

Hamels would be in line to start a potential Game 7 but Manuel said, "We're a long ways from there."

LEE PLEADED HIS CASE

While Game 1 loser CC Sabathia came back on three days' rest for Game 4, Phils lefty Cliff Lee, who pitched a dazzling Game 1, will pitch on regular rest in Game 5 tonight. When Manuel asked Lee if he ever had thrown on three days' rest, Lee said he hadn't. But he added that he could. "I thought I made it pretty clear," Lee said. "I think I can do it. I'm not disappointed or mad or frustrated or anything. My job is to pitch when Charlie wants me to pitch and that's what I'm going to do."