Albert Pujols gave the Cardinals an extra day to negotiate, but it appears to be in deference to Stan Musial.

Pujols initially told the team he would cut off all talks Tuesday, but because Hall of Famer and Cardinals legend Stan Musial is scheduled to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House tomorrow Pujols has adjusted the deadline to Wednesday at noon Florida time.

We’ll see if the deadline focuses the sides on getting a deal done. In general, there is no reason to capitulate before time is up. That’s when one side or the other will get their best deal.