Pujols is intent on playing for his country in Classic

~ The Cardinals star was honored with others Monday night in St. Louis.

ST. LOUIS -- Success has not spoiled Albert Pujols, who feels it's his responsibility to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

The NL MVP was honored Monday with teammate Chris Carpenter, the NL Cy Young Award winner, at the annual dinner held by the St. Louis chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He said weighing commitment to his country against missing time in spring training was no decision at all.

The multination tournament will be held from March 3-20.

"It's not like you're going to be gone for two months," Pujols said. "For me, it's hard because I can't say no."

Pujols said it's the least he can do. He'd like to play in the Dominican fall league, too, but doesn't because he needs to rest after the season.

"This is something I can do for my country," Pujols said. "Definitely, I want to participate in this. It's big for me and I'm pretty sure that's the same way a lot of guys look at it."

He wasn't sure whether the tournament meant more to Latin players than Americans.

"I can talk for our side and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a big deal to us," Pujols said. "It's almost like the Olympics.

"Anytime you put that USA name on your jersey you want to make sure you represent your country the right way, and that's the same way I look at the Dominican."

Manager Tony La Russa said Monday that he won't miss Pujols too much. The only other Cardinals player who's committed is catcher Yadier Molina, who'll play for Puerto Rico.

"I think when you look at how clubs are being affected, we're probably in better shape than most," La Russa said. "Albert's going to be ready.

"I talked to a couple of guys he's worked out with who say he's ready now."

Pujols has been St. Louis Baseball Man of the Year the last five years, although he and Carpenter are sharing the award this year. Pujols had 41 homers, 117 RBIs, a league-leading 129 runs and a .330 average, and Carpenter was 21-5 with a 2.83 ERA, helping the Cardinals win 100 games for the second straight season.

Carpenter has won a combined 36 games the last two seasons, and this will be the first time he's had an offseason without major physical issues since 2001.

"I think the toughest thing this year is going to be to continue to do what I did last year, and that's being mentally strong every fifth day and to be able to be consistent," Carpenter said. "Am I going to win as many games? I don't know.

"But I believe the mental part of the game, if I continue to do the things I did last year, the success I had was because of that."

This wasn't Pujols' best year statistically. He was fourth, second twice and third behind Barry Bonds previously, and Bonds missed almost all of last year with a knee injury.

"Of course I'd take 40 homers, a .330 average and 100 RBIs, but it can be better," Pujols said. "I want to get better every year. I never want to be satisfied."

Bruce Sutter, elected to the Hall of Fame last year, also was honored at the dinner. His most memorable game was striking out Gorman Thomas to close out the 1982 World Series for the Cardinals, their last championship.

Sutter said his life has been "pretty hectic" since he made it into the Hall on his 13th try. He prefers it more laid back.

"I'm trying to be as cordial as I can to everybody and accommodate everybody, but I can only do so much," Sutter said. "I'd like to be sitting on the back porch smoking a cigar rather than riding in airplanes."

Cardinals sign Nelson

Reliever Jeff Nelson signed a minor league contract on Monday with the St. Louis Cardinals, who need a middle man to replace the injured Al Reyes.

Nelson, 39, was 1-3 with a 3.93 ERA and one save in 49 games last season for the Seattle Mariners. He's a 14-year veteran.

"He's got everything going in as far as experience, a lot of success in key situations," manager Tony La Russa said. "It's just a matter like any of us, it's 2006 and he's got to show what he's got.

"I'm anxious to get him innings and see what he's got."

Reyes is expected to miss the entire season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery.