Unready Pujols powers Cards

JUPITER, Fla. -- Even after two home runs and a hard double against Los Angeles Monday, Albert Pujols said he still isn't quite prepared for regular season play.

"My body is not ready for the season," the Cardinals' first baseman said, "and my swing is not ready."

He helped lead St. Louis to a 6-1 victory over the Dodgers at Roger Dean Stadium.

"That's why we have six weeks of spring training to get ready," he said. "When April 5th comes, I'll be ready." In eight at-bats this spring, Pujols has five hits including three home runs and two doubles.

"I'm doing the same this year as I do every spring," Pujols said. "Why change anything when you have success?"

Pujols said it may look like he's hitting hard, but spectators have to keep in mind that the pitchers are still preparing for the season, too.

Jeff Weaver served up the home run pitches to Pujols.

"The first one I thought was a pretty good pitch but he carried it," Weaver said. "On the second one, I tried to come in off the plate, but it carried out over the third of the plate, and he crushed it."

Weaver was satisfied with his performance, though he gave up four runs on six hits in three innings. "I'm not really concerned about results; I'm just trying to throw my pitches where I want them," he said.

St. Louis' Jason Marquis pitched three innings, giving up two hits including a home run to Jason Repko. Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek got his first hits as a Cardinal, going two-for-two. Outfielder Roger Cedeno went two-for-three and is five for ten for the spring.

Mark Mulder will make his second spring start for the Cardinals Tuesday against Washington at Roger Dean.