ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals look like geniuses for seeing the potential of Albert Pujols, whom they selected in the 13th round of the 1999 draft. But the Boston Red Sox were among the other clubs that almost nabbed Pujols earlier.

"I remember (then-scouting director) Wayne Britton telling me a couple of years later, 'Darn, we could have had Albert Pujols,' " former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette said. "Ernie Jacobs was our scout and liked him. That's what I know about Albert Pujols."

Jacobs, who was in his first year as a full-time scout, had recommended the big shortstop from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. He got a call from the Red Sox before the 10th round, telling him they were about to take Pujols.

Jacobs called Pujols. Deidre Pujols, his wife, answered and said Albert wasn't home. An hour and a half later, Pujols still couldn't be found -- and by then it was too late. St. Louis selected him and eventually signed him for $60,000.

"The Cardinals took him three rounds later, and the rest is history," Jacobs said. "That was my guy. I should have had him."