By now you've probably seen the hug heard 'round the world between Albert Pujols and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. However, Major League Baseball has rules against tampering with free agents -- and also frowns upon fraternization between opposing clubs. Frankly, I don't quite get the uproar. After all, baseball has a long and storied history of hugging.
Albert Pujols and Barack Obama
Sorry, Cubs fans, you really think Pujols wants to sign with the Cubs? Looks like he may be a White Sox fan to me. AP Photo/Morry Gash Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols
That's Pujols and the all-time home run king embracing. Maybe Barry told him about the time he left small-market Pittsburgh for a bigger market in San Francisco. At least, let's hope that's all they talked about. AP Photo/Dino Vournas Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez
Who says The Captain and A-Rod don't get along? They look like best friends to me. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez
Torre certainly symbolized the new breed of manager. Can you imagine Earl Weaver or Billy Martin hugging their players? Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images David Ortiz and Bernie Williams
Personally, I find the idea of Red Sox and Yankees hugging revolting. Why didn't MLB suspend both of these guys? Jim McIsaac/Getty Images Marisa Miller and Lou Seal
If you ask me, the Giants' mascot got a little too close to the supermodel. Not that we blame him. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa
Whatever happened to these guys? AFP/Getty Images Reggie Jackson and Billy Martin
Almost a hug. C'mon, Billy, you can do it. There you go, I see a little smile ... AP Photo Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
Before Babe Ruth, there were no hugs. He invented the baseball hug. He had the biggest hugs of all time. Nobody hugged 'em like the Babe. He once called his own hug. AP Photo Anna Kournikova and Brian Giles
The highlight of Giles' career, other than playing with the Pirates. AP Photo/Denis Poroy Chicago Cubs
How are the Cubs ever going to win with an attitude like that? This is serious business, not a playground. AP Photo/Charles Cherney Hugs for everyone!
They don't call Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Love for nothing. They even love the Mets! AP Photo/Ron Frehm Follow David on Twitter: @dschoenfield . Follow the SweetSpot blog: @espn_sweet_spot .
