Albert Pujols is one of the best players in the major leagues. Lately, he's been one of the haughtiest, too.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa doesn't condone Pujols' occasional arrogance. But he said it's part of the package with his star, who has a good chance to win his second straight NL MVP award.

``You get those guys after the competition and they're not accountable,'' La Russa said. ``They don't want to give credit, they're (mad) that we got beat and people take it literally.

``If he was more diplomatic he wouldn't be as ferociously competitive either, and I'll take the ferocious competitor.''

The last several weeks, Pujols' reaction to failure is he missed some good pitches to hit, never that he was pitched well. He gave no credit to the Padres' Chris Young in the first round, and the Mets' Tom Glavine got the same treatment after New York's 2-0 victory in Game 1 of the NL championship series Thursday night.

``He wasn't good, he wasn't good at all,'' Pujols said after going 0-for-2 with a walk against the 40-year-old left-hander. ``I think we hit the ball hard. We didn't get some breaks.''

Pujols also scoffed about getting doubled off first base on a routine fly ball to centre in the fourth inning.

``Nothing-nothing,'' he said, recounting the score after his gaffe. ``I can't make a mistake? Am I perfect?''

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HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED: Back when they were opponents, Willie Randolph used to get annoyed at Carlos Delgado for being so chatty on the field.

Now, Randolph loves the personality and leadership Delgado brings to the New York Mets' clubhouse.

Delgado played mostly first base for Toronto from 1993-2004, and Randolph spent 1994-2004 coaching with the Yankees.

``You watch Carlos over the years, it always disturbed me a little bit because he's almost too relaxed,'' said Randolph, now in his second season managing the Mets. ``When I was at third base giving the signs, he would always talk to my guys on first base and I would get on his case about shutting his mouth.

``He got mad at me one time because I really got on his case because I was really getting frustrated: `Shut your mouth, you're over there yapping all the time, and my guys are missing signs and you're pulling at them and talking to them,''' Randolph added. ``It was good-natured, but I don't think he took it too well. I'm sure he got over it.''

Still, Randolph said he was ``ecstatic'' when the Mets acquired Delgado from Florida in a trade last off-season. And the big slugger fit right in, hitting 38 homers with 114 RBIs this year.

Playing in the post-season for the first time in his 14-year career, Delgado was 8-for-17 (.471) with a home run, two doubles and two RBIs in four playoff games going into Game 2 of the NLCS on Friday night.

``This is great,'' Delgado said. ``Having the opportunity to be here and to have the opportunity to win is an amazing feeling.''

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STEPPING IN: Scott Spiezio made his second start of this postseason for the Cardinals in Game 2, subbing for slumping and perhaps ailing Scott Rolen. But he's far from new to the pressure.

Spiezio batted .327 with three home runs and a record-tying 19 RBIs in the 2002 postseason to help the Angels win a world championship. He said he'd lean on that experience, along with a strong finish to this season.

``One of the things I learned is it's just like any other game,'' Spiezio said. ``You have more fans screaming and things like that but you really have to try to block everything out and just go out and play your game and make it simple.''

Spiezio batted .272 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs in 119 games this season and played five positions _ first base, second base, third base, shortstop and left field. In his last 15 starts he batted .302 with four homers and 11 RBIs.

He's back in the picture after getting only three hits in 47 at-bats last year with the Mariners, the sorry .064 average leading to him signing a minor league contract with the Cardinals in the off-season. He said he'll worry about what this means for his career after the post-season is over.

``I don't really care about any of that right now,'' he said. ``Whatever happens next year happens.

``The one thing I say that makes me happy is winning, and the best feeling I've ever had in baseball was when the last out was made in 2002 and we were world champions.''

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MORE THAN A FILL-IN: Endy Chavez started in left field for the Mets in Game 2, replacing an ailing Cliff Floyd again.

Chavez has given New York a surprising boost all season, providing outstanding defence at all three outfield spots and a .306 batting average with 42 RBIs and 22 doubles.

``He's probably one of the best outfielders out there,'' teammate Carlos Delgado said. ``He's fast, he's got a great arm and he can put the bat on the ball. He can bunt. I mean, he gives us another weapon.''

Chavez entered in the third inning of Game 1 after Floyd reinjured his left Achilles' tendon and made a diving, snow-cone catch.

``I saw it on the replay. I said, 'Wow.' I'm glad it didn't come out,'' Chavez said. ``Cliff said, 'Thanks for everything.'''

Chavez, who batted eighth against Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter in Game 2, knows exactly what his strength is.

``My game is speed, all my career,'' Chavez said.