It was a very loaded, and controversial, public hug between prominent members of the NL Central's fiercest rivals. Bound to strike some of their teams' fans as jarring, Cardinals star Albert Pujols shared a brief bear hug with Cubs general manager Jim Hendry before St. Louis' 6-4 win over Chicago on Tuesday.

The photo has triggered wild speculation and a raft of conspiracy theories that the Cubs will be entering the sweepstakes to land Pujols in November, when the nine-time All-Star first baseman can officially become a free agent.

Jim Hendry, left, gave St. Louis star Albert Pujols a warm welcome -- quickly dubbed "The Hug" -- in Chicago, but the Cubs GM says, "Shame on me if he comes to town and we don't have a chat." Jerry Lai/US Presswire

Hendry, shocked that the exchange made national news, has denied the media scuttlebutt, telling reporters, "He hugged me first. He's a lot bigger and stronger than me."

Baseball has tampering rules preventing any team officials from conversing with players from other teams about their future or contract status. Fines and suspensions have been levied against owners and executives in the past.

Hendry said he got to know Pujols through former Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty and former pitcher Alan Benes, who threw for Hendry at Creighton and for the Cardinals.

"Albert and I had always had a good relationship," Hendry told ESPNChicago.com on Wednesday. "I think the world of him, and that has nothing to do with what type of baseball player he is. I have all the respect in the world for him, way beyond him being a great player, and he knows that."