"Asked about the man that he considers a "big brother" more than a longtime teammate, Yadier Molina steals a quick glance left at the locker long occupied by Albert Pujols. Soon it will belong to someone else.

For the first time in his 12-year professional career, Molina walked into Roger Dean Stadium last week knowing that the three-time National League MVP and his closest friend in the game wouldn't be joining him. Two months after the Cardinals and Pujols separated, Molina acknowledges a sense of loss but also recognition that the game frequently operates this way."