How Many HR will Pujols Hit? [Archive]

Bob Saccomano

04-24-06, 09:00 PM

I just checked the on-going boxscore on the Cards game, and saw that Pujols had hit his 12th of the year in 19 games. Seems to me like he's a lock for hitting over 50 this year. The man does not understand the meaning of a slump.

JDPNYY

04-24-06, 09:15 PM

I'm not sure how many he will hit, but I don't think you'll ever hear him say that he doesn't think he'll beat Aaron's mark.

DontHateOnNumber2

04-25-06, 12:28 AM

I think he'll hit 49. That's just my guess though.

SoCal Pinstriper

04-25-06, 12:45 AM

If he continues to flip the bat like he did against the Pirates the other night (the HR made it 6-1 Bucs), I hope that NL pitchers make a concerted effort to move him off the plate.

Absent that strategy, teams are crazy not to start giving him the Bonds treatment (the rest of the Cards line-up was hitting .226 going into tonight).

I say that he gets 45, but I won't be happy about it.

Bob Saccomano

04-25-06, 12:49 AM

If he continues to flip the bat like he did against the Pirates the other night (the HR made it 6-1 Bucs), I hope that NL pitchers make a concerted effort to move him off the plate.

Absent that strategy, teams are crazy not to start giving him the Bonds treatment (the rest of the Cards line-up was hitting .226 going into tonight).

I say that he gets 45, but I won't be happy about it.

He's an excellent bad-ball hitter, though, probably second only to Vlad. I've seen him take a ball at the ankles deep for a homer.

ChewieTobbacca

04-25-06, 02:48 AM

I believe he hit a 90+ mph fastball on the outside edge of the plate - a very good pitch - and he drove it over the wall opposite field.

This guy WILL get the Bonds treatment soon - with Rolen the only effective hitter now (like Kent was with the Giants), Pujols will get fewer good pitches to hit.

That said, it's ridiculous he's had 12 HR's in April already and there are still 6 games left

wexy

04-25-06, 02:51 AM

If he continues to flip the bat like he did against the Pirates the other night (the HR made it 6-1 Bucs), I hope that NL pitchers make a concerted effort to move him off the plate.

Absent that strategy, teams are crazy not to start giving him the Bonds treatment (the rest of the Cards line-up was hitting .226 going into tonight).

I say that he gets 45, but I won't be happy about it.

I saw that , I would've decked his ass in a hurry, He is a great hitter but if he pulls that stuff someone will hurt him.

Dynasties R Forever

04-25-06, 03:00 AM

He's good for at least 12 more...for sure.

NYDCYankee

04-25-06, 04:50 AM

He has big muscles.

DaPip1998

04-25-06, 08:30 AM

a lot

YankeeNut42

04-25-06, 08:48 AM

I think he will hit at least 50, prob. around 55, but thats if he doesnt get the Barry Bonds treatment, and they walk him all the time!

DaBomber25

04-25-06, 10:08 AM

If he continues to flip the bat like he did against the Pirates the other night (the HR made it 6-1 Bucs)

That drives me nuts. I'm not a fan of the show-boating crap to begin with but when you're getting your ass kicked I hate it even more.

I remember a game last year where Manny pulled this crap and Posada called him out on it.

gdn

04-25-06, 10:11 AM

74...

SoCal Pinstriper

04-25-06, 10:17 AM

That drives me nuts. I'm not a fan of the show-boating crap to begin with but when you're getting your ass kicked I hate it even more.

I remember a game last year where Manny pulled this crap and Posada called him out on it.Unfortunatly the NL manager most likely to have him dusted is............Tony LaRussa. ;)

DaBomber25

04-25-06, 10:26 AM

Unfortunatly the NL manager most likely to have him dusted is............Tony LaRussa. ;)

That'd teach him a lesson. :D

I think Dusty and Zambrano wouldn't have an issue with doing that either though.

SoCal Pinstriper

04-25-06, 10:30 AM

That'd teach him a lesson. :D

I think Dusty and Zambrano wouldn't have an issue with doing that either though.After watching Zambrano (who I love and is the ace of my main fantasy team) last night, I'm not sure that I'd trust him to do that on purpose. He still doesn't really seem to know exactly where it's going all the time, and I want Albert dusted, not beheaded. :)

RhodyYanksFan

04-25-06, 10:34 AM

I would like it if he hit 74 but realistically I see 52-54.

thecaptain

04-25-06, 10:36 AM

12 already . i think he will hit 61*

DaBomber25

04-25-06, 10:38 AM

After watching Zambrano (who I love and is the ace of my main fantasy team) last night, I'm not sure that I'd trust him to do that on purpose. He still doesn't really seem to know exactly where it's going all the time, and I want Albert dusted, not beheaded. :)

After last night I think if Pujols flipped his bat Zambrano would rush over, pick it up, break it over his own knee and then tackle Pujols.

SoCal Pinstriper

04-25-06, 10:44 AM

After last night I think if Pujols flipped his bat Zambrano would rush over, pick it up, break it over his own knee and then tackle Pujols.That. Was. Awsome.

....and it fired up the Cubbies for a comeback. :D

ChewieTobbacca

04-25-06, 10:49 AM

DIdn't he do that against the Pirates when their pitcher was showboating too?

It was probably hanging out with Ortiz too much during wbc...

DaBomber25

04-25-06, 10:53 AM

That. Was. Awsome.

LOL. That reminded me of Tommy Boy, "I swear I've seen a lot of stuff in my life but that....was....AWESOME!"

JeffWeaverFan

04-25-06, 11:09 AM

50. If he hit 62 HR's this year, would people consider that the HR record? Personally, I still feel 61 is the record.

ChewieTobbacca

04-25-06, 11:32 AM

50. If he hit 62 HR's this year, would people consider that the HR record? Personally, I still feel 61 is the record.

I would - he's a great ballplayer (consider the company he's compared to daily), a great person off the field as well, and has no associated taint

FWIW on the bat flip... he regrets it:
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060425&content_id=1416975&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

DaBomber25

04-25-06, 11:36 AM

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060425&content_id=1416975&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

LOL!

"Drop it like it's hot."

Smithers

04-25-06, 12:22 PM

i stand by my prediction that at the end of his career he will have taken the title of "greatest hitter ever," barring any injuries of course.

Hitman23

04-25-06, 12:33 PM

Alot of home runs hitter have strong starts. Alot of them have huge months. It's not that I don't think Pujols is capable of having a monster home runs year, I just won't judge until the all star break. Even then you never know what a second half will do.

If I had to guess I think 50 would work.

effdamets

04-25-06, 12:34 PM

i stand by my prediction that at the end of his career he will have taken the title of "greatest hitter ever," barring any injuries of course.
I wouldn't go that far.

A great hitter? Yes. Not the greatest ever though.

PinstripePride

04-25-06, 12:42 PM

Alot of home runs hitter have strong starts. Alot of them have huge months. It's not that I don't think Pujols is capable of having a monster home runs year, I just won't judge until the all star break. Even then you never know what a second half will do.

If I had to guess I think 50 would work.

That's the way I feel. He could easily be having this power surrge in July after hitting 20 homers in the first half. He'll cool off, but I still think he'll get to the high 40s, maybe low 50s.

Mattpat11

04-25-06, 12:46 PM

Several

Hitman23

04-25-06, 12:56 PM

That's the way I feel. He could easily be having this power surrge in July after hitting 20 homers in the first half. He'll cool off, but I still think he'll get to the high 40s, maybe low 50s.It's gonna happen. Pitchers will adjust. He's gotta slow down.

A good point was brought up to me yesterday.... ever since the steroids issue, home runs are on a record pace. This could be because pitchers are off the juice now and aren't throwing as hard or recovering in time to be 100%. We may see a huge year from a few people.

DaBomber25

04-25-06, 02:35 PM

It's gonna happen. Pitchers will adjust. He's gotta slow down.

A good point was brought up to me yesterday.... ever since the steroids issue, home runs are on a record pace. This could be because pitchers are off the juice now and aren't throwing as hard or recovering in time to be 100%. We may see a huge year from a few people.

That, and all these new ballparks are smaller than the Little League ones I played in as a 10 year-old.

Bob Saccomano

04-25-06, 09:04 PM

I believe he hit a 90+ mph fastball on the outside edge of the plate - a very good pitch - and he drove it over the wall opposite field.

This guy WILL get the Bonds treatment soon - with Rolen the only effective hitter now (like Kent was with the Giants), Pujols will get fewer good pitches to hit.

That said, it's ridiculous he's had 12 HR's in April already and there are still 6 games left

It was a good pitch. Rolen got the same pitch, and Rolen's a good hitter - but he lined it to short.

If Pujols hits one more homer, he'll tie the MLB record for April homers.

Bob Saccomano

04-25-06, 09:13 PM

I saw that , I would've decked his ass in a hurry, He is a great hitter but if he pulls that stuff someone will hurt him.

That drives me nuts. I'm not a fan of the show-boating crap to begin with but when you're getting your ass kicked I hate it even more.

I remember a game last year where Manny pulled this crap and Posada called him out on it.

I should point out that Oliver Perez (the opposing pitcher) has a history of pulling stuff against Pujols. He's done little dances on the mound when he's gotten Pujols out before, and has also had a history of staring him down after getting an out. Pujols issued him a warning that he was going to get treated in kind if he took Perez deep. With regard to showboating, Pujols is pretty humble. He puts his head down and runs the bases. The only exceptions I can think of off the top of my head:

1. 2005 NLCS Game 5 vs. Astros - He hit a moonshot (412 feet only because of the indoor stadium) off Lidge to give the Cards a late lead in the 9th, 5-4. He admired his homer for a few seconds before beginning his trot around the bases. I think that will be remembered as the homer that broke Lidge. In the World Series, 2 of the losses were Lidge's (including a walkoff homer to Podsednik, a guy who didn't hit a single HR in the regular season). He gave up a walk-off grand slam to Nomar yesterday, and has been looking very shaky in several of his other appearances.

2. Walkoff homer against the Reds, capping a 3 homer game - He did a little dance afterwards, when he reached home plate. In his own words, he said, "When you hit a walkoff home run, you get to do whatever you want."

Both of those were pretty big home runs. He's not David Ortiz though, or Manny, or Sammy Sosa.

ChewieTobbacca

04-26-06, 12:54 AM

The only exceptions I can think of off the top of my head:

I'd say if you hit 3 HR's a game or hit a monstrous home run to silence a playoff crowd... a little showboating won't hurt ;)

Bob Saccomano

04-26-06, 02:05 AM

I'd say if you hit 3 HR's a game or hit a monstrous home run to silence a playoff crowd... a little showboating won't hurt ;)

I agree with you there. Manny and Ortiz are absolutely egregious. Pujols' "showboating" is rare and modest by comparison.

DaBomber25

04-26-06, 07:20 AM

I should point out that Oliver Perez (the opposing pitcher) has a history of pulling stuff against Pujols. He's done little dances on the mound when he's gotten Pujols out before, and has also had a history of staring him down after getting an out.

Yeah, I hadn't realized that til I read the article.

effdamets

04-26-06, 07:27 AM

I'd say if you hit 3 HR's a game or hit a monstrous home run to silence a playoff crowd... a little showboating won't hurt ;)
At that point, it's not showboating, it's celebrating! Sometimes you have to let your emotions go. We can tell when it is misdirected or uncalled for....

SoCal Pinstriper

04-26-06, 07:56 AM

Sounds like things are cool between Albert and Oliver.

Pujols addressed last week's exaggerated bat toss after hitting another home run off Pittsburgh starter Oliver Perez and dutifully speeding around the bases on Monday. He said the flip after a solo homer in the Cardinals' loss April 18 at Pittsburgh was because he was irked by Perez's earlier celebration.

He said the flip was wrong.

"I'm human," he said. "I make mistakes."

Perez, a lefty with his own flamboyance on the mound, had to be told by teammates about Pujols' flip. When approached Tuesday about Pujols' explanation for the toss, Perez held no grudge. He knows he did a little dance when he got Pujols on a groundout in his first at-bat April 18 and that he has celebrated after a strikeout.

"For me, this is no problem," Perez said. "Sometimes when I strike out some people I feel good and I do something that's in the moment. So I don't try to intimidate that guy. I do it for myself. ... You feel happy because everybody knows he's the best hitter right now in the major leagues." http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/F8FF7A811DCD9FA68625715C00163DDA?OpenDocument

The best thing about this is that, now, LaRussa is "irked."

"This is as (miffed) as I've been in the first month," Tony La Russa said to reporters Tuesday afternoon. "I've always been taught you earn the benefit of the doubt. Here this guy's into his sixth year - an exemplary pro - so he flips the bat and right away a number of people start jabbing him. ..."

A story like the bat toss - which La Russa called "invented (gunk)" - morphs into a reputation, La Russa argued.

It could obscure "what he's always been," La Russa said.

"Then there's a consequence because that'll be picked up someplace and it'll get attached to him some and he'll lose some points with legitimate fans and people in uniforms. It's a shame," La Russa said. "How about how hard he works every day? How he cheers for his team when he's 0 for four? And all these other million things he does right? Somebody says he lingers at the plate? That's real tired." Uhhh, Tony, maybe he shouldn't have done it then.

DaBomber25

04-26-06, 08:01 AM

How come they're making such a huge deal about Pujols doing this and Ortiz gets a pass? I've seen Ortiz stand at home and flip his bat on numerous occasions and Manny always stands at home while watching his HR's (like last night when the ball cleared the fence by about 2.5 inches).

SoCal Pinstriper

04-26-06, 08:04 AM

How come they're making such a huge deal about Pujols doing this and Ortiz gets a pass? I've seen Ortiz stand at home and flip his bat on numerous occasions and Manny always stands at home while watching his HR's (like last night when the ball cleared the fence by about 2.5 inches).Because Pujols has never done anything like this before. He has always played the game the way it should be played.

Manny and Ortiz have been hopeless grandstanders for longer than anybody can remember.

Babe Rules

04-26-06, 06:11 PM

More than 50 IMO.

Bob Saccomano

04-26-06, 10:24 PM

Because Pujols has never done anything like this before. He has always played the game the way it should be played.

Manny and Ortiz have been hopeless grandstanders for longer than anybody can remember.

It's temporary...the whole thing will collapse and he'll go back to playing "the right way." He's a classy player and a classy guy. As I've said, he only celebrates during the really big ones. He usually just puts his head down and jogs around the bases, like A-Rod and his teammate Scott Rolen.

Ortiz and Manny, though, they never get called out for that stuff.

flymick24

04-26-06, 10:49 PM

pitchers will start walking him, so he'll settle in around the 40's but have a ridiculous OBP

Jersey Yankee

04-27-06, 02:06 AM

I don't know about jacks, but someone on another board said that he'd had 4 GWH (game-winning hits) since Friday. Unreal, and it's supposedly 6 this season.

Seems like he's both clutch & automatic.

ChewieTobbacca

04-27-06, 03:02 AM

Yep, 6 of STL's 14 wins this year have been won by Pujols... the other wins probably had him play a big part in scoring a run or driving in runs also...

He also has more walk off home runs since he broken into the league in 2001 than any other player

Mystic Merlyn

04-27-06, 05:34 AM

i stand by my prediction that at the end of his career he will have taken the title of "greatest hitter ever," barring any injuries of course.

As great as he has been, Ted Williams has the definite edge-some of his seasons were scary good.

RhodeyYankee2638

04-27-06, 05:50 AM

As great as he has been, Ted Williams has the definite edge-some of his seasons were scary good.

both Pujols and Williams started their career at age 21. Pujols has a .333 batting average which is insane. Williams, after 6 full seasons at age 26, had a .353 career batting average. I dont think he will catch up with Teddy at all, home run wise? most likely, but he wont put up 4 of those kinds of seasons

Arod for President

04-27-06, 12:08 PM

this year? 85

Bob Saccomano

04-27-06, 02:33 PM

I don't know about jacks, but someone on another board said that he'd had 4 GWH (game-winning hits) since Friday. Unreal, and it's supposedly 6 this season.

Seems like he's both clutch & automatic.

Yeah, he's about as clutch as they come. There is no other hitter in baseball - including Ortiz - that I would rather have at the plate with the game on the line. Yesterday's win against the Pirates - walkoff single by Pujols to recover the blown save opportunity by Isringhausen.

Bob Saccomano

04-27-06, 02:35 PM

both Pujols and Williams started their career at age 21. Pujols has a .333 batting average which is insane. Williams, after 6 full seasons at age 26, had a .353 career batting average. I dont think he will catch up with Teddy at all, home run wise? most likely, but he wont put up 4 of those kinds of seasons

He'll easily beat Ted Williams in homers. But the pitching has become so much more refined today that no hitter will sport a career .353 BA in this day and age. The computer analyses of maximally effective mechanics, video tape and review, relative strength and muscle group development studies, and so on, make pitching much more of a science than it ever was in Williams' day.

ChewieTobbacca

04-27-06, 03:32 PM

It's too hard to judge players in different eras

That being said, when the only players to match your credentials are Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, and you're the only player to start your first 5 years with 30+ home runs, you're in a special crowd

Bob Saccomano

04-28-06, 11:39 PM

Pujols hit #13 of the year tonight.

Rocketman

04-29-06, 03:08 AM

Pujols' 13th, as Bob is referring to, tied him for the record in April for most home runs. He should shatter 50 this season. When was the last time a player hit .350 with 50 HR and 150 RBI? I only ask because this season, it may happen again.

Bob Saccomano

04-29-06, 03:35 AM

Pujols' 13th, as Bob is referring to, tied him for the record in April for most home runs. He should shatter 50 this season. When was the last time a player hit .350 with 50 HR and 150 RBI? I only ask because this season, it may happen again.

He's shaping up to have an amazing, tremendous season, possibly one of the best for a hitter, ever. I watch every game I get a chance to, because every time he plays, we're seeing one of the greats. I hope to tell my kids someday that I saw Pujols play, and they will know his name like they will Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and so on :).

ChewieTobbacca

04-29-06, 05:27 AM

When was the last time a player hit .350 with 50 HR and 150 RBI? I only ask because this season, it may happen again.

The last time from what I can find is:

1932 Jimmie Foxx when he put up 58 HR, 169 RBI, and a .364/.469/.749/1.218 line though he was very close in 1938 with50 HR/175RBI and a .349/.462/.704/1.166

Bob Saccomano

04-29-06, 10:25 AM

I still can't get over that he was a 13th round pick...

Coney36

04-29-06, 03:54 PM

Make it 14, he just hit another one in the Cards' win this afternoon.

I say around 55.

Jete&Tino42

04-29-06, 04:07 PM

This guy is a beast. I say he easily gets over 50 barring any injuries.

Bob Saccomano

04-29-06, 04:16 PM

With a major league record in homers in April, he's off to as hot as a start as anyone's ever been. It should be noted that today's homer was also a game winner. When people think of Dominican clutch hitters, they're gonna be thinking about Pujols instead of Ortiz.

RhodeyYankee2638

04-29-06, 05:45 PM

I really hope he can get to 60, im rooting for him, i love the guy

CanoForPresident

04-29-06, 05:56 PM

I really hope he can get to 60, im rooting for him, i love the guy

I won't be surprised if he gets to 70. The guy NEVER slumps

Bob Saccomano

04-29-06, 06:06 PM

I won't be surprised if he gets to 70. The guy NEVER slumps

I would love it if he passes 73. But he has precious little protection in the Cards lineup, and pitchers are going to do their best to pitch around him. He did lead the league in intentional walks last year, and with an even weaker offense behind him this year, I see no reason for that trend not to continue. The one good thing that he has going for him is that he is an excellent bad ball hitter, and he is strong enough that if he makes solid contact with a ball, he has a chance to send it over the fence. Anything he gets good wood on goes deep.

It could also be that New Busch fits his stroke very well. He's hitting .366 with 9 HR there. I heard here in St. Louis that he actually hit one out of the stadium - and onto the street.

ChewieTobbacca

04-29-06, 07:20 PM

The pitch wasn't even a bad pitch - it was a fastball on the outside of the plate and he still drilled it to the opposite field

Nick Day

04-29-06, 08:16 PM

IMO, in the next few year's he will fall, and fall hard. I don't know why, I just think it will happen

BUT this year, I think he's gonna get 50+

Mattpat11

04-29-06, 08:20 PM

We might have a legitimate homerun king this year.

Dog Named Fred

04-29-06, 08:22 PM

We might have a legitimate homerun king this year.

what was illegitimate about a-rod and andruw jones?

Mattpat11

04-29-06, 08:28 PM

what was illegitimate about a-rod and andruw jones?I meant the record.

Bob Saccomano

04-29-06, 08:31 PM

IMO, in the next few year's he will fall, and fall hard. I don't know why, I just think it will happen

BUT this year, I think he's gonna get 50+

Are you one of the people that thinks he lied about his age or that he is unknowingly really older than he claims due to shoddy record keeping in the DR? :P Might be true, because Pujols is freakishly good for a 25-26 year old.

Nick Day

04-29-06, 08:34 PM

No. I don't...think so. But I just think he's gonna fall hard for some reason, because of his freakishly good time being so young. BUT now that you mention it, he does look older than a 25 year old :P

Jete&Tino42

04-29-06, 09:41 PM

I really hope he can get to 60, im rooting for him, i love the guy

Me too. I'm a big fan of his. He' so naturally talented it's sick.

Jete&Tino42

04-29-06, 09:42 PM

No. I don't...think so. But I just think he's gonna fall hard for some reason, because of his freakishly good time being so young. BUT now that you mention it, he does look older than a 25 year old :P

My brother actually says this all the time. He's convinced there is no way that he's only 25-26.

Nick Day

04-29-06, 10:04 PM

Well, he looks as old as Manny, almost, and he's 33...

Bob Saccomano

04-29-06, 11:46 PM

My brother actually says this all the time. He's convinced there is no way that he's only 25-26.

Some baseball analysts have said that the start to Pujols' season is in line with expectations that would exist if he were, in fact, about 25-26 years old. I, for one, think there's a good chance he's 25, as he says. It's not outside the realm of possibility that he's one of the best baseball players ever.

ChewieTobbacca

04-30-06, 12:50 AM

Well I tend to believe he's 26... for a few reasons:

This year he has been a monster. Age 26-27 is when most players in baseball hit their peak year - which is in line. His jump from the minor leagues to major leagues was at the age of 21 - Bill James did a study and found that a player tends to improve more from age 19 to 20 than from 20 to 21 than from 21 to 22 and so on until they peak at 27 - hence it is likely that the big jump he experienced from Low A ball to ML at age 21 is likely.

I don't know what age he really is, but with the way he's hitting this year, it might indeed be true he's 26.

And if he hits more than 61 home runs, which is possible, I'd easily consider him a non-asterisked single season home run king.

Bob Saccomano

04-30-06, 01:21 AM

It's kinda funny that last year, his MVP year, was an off year, and he still authored a line of:

.330/.430/.609, 41 HR, OPS 1.039, 97 BB, and 65 K.

Mets Fan

04-30-06, 01:32 AM

I just checked the on-going boxscore on the Cards game, and saw that Pujols had hit his 12th of the year in 19 games. Seems to me like he's a lock for hitting over 50 this year. The man does not understand the meaning of a slump.

Arod will break Aarons record, then Pujols will break Arods.

:}

Bob Saccomano

04-30-06, 02:01 AM

Arod will break Aarons record, then Pujols will break Arods.

:}

I certainly hope for that, but there've been many hitters who were promising early in their careers and fizzled out later on. It's important to keep that in perspective. Part of what makes all-time records so great is that they are no easy feat to replicate.

SoCal Pinstriper

04-30-06, 03:59 AM

Arod will break Aarons record, then Pujols will break Arods.

:}See Griffey, Ken Jr. It is way too early to pre-suppose these things.

Mezmerize

04-30-06, 10:52 AM

It's kinda funny that last year, his MVP year, was an off year, and he still authored a line of:

.330/.430/.609, 41 HR, OPS 1.039, 97 BB, and 65 K.

Funny? That's downright nasty. This guy is unfreakinbelievable. As far as HR's this year, I say 58. Mark it down.

hardrain

04-30-06, 10:58 AM

Albert will hit 55. It will make Bonds jealous.

Bob Saccomano

04-30-06, 12:07 PM

Albert will hit 55. It will make Bonds jealous.

Bonds once said that he was unimpressed with Pujols, referring to him as, "A Bobby Bonilla-type player." Guess Barry doesn't have much future as a baseball analyst...

pedromartinezfan

04-30-06, 12:39 PM

Bonds once said that he was unimpressed with Pujols, referring to him as, "A Bobby Bonilla-type player." Guess Barry doesn't have much future as a baseball analyst...Damn. He must be a hard man to impress. When did he say this?

RhodeyYankee2638

04-30-06, 01:59 PM

Bonds once said that he was unimpressed with Pujols, referring to him as, "A Bobby Bonilla-type player." Guess Barry doesn't have much future as a baseball analyst...

I remember that. He also bashed him because he didnt have a "true position" because the first 3 years he played 3rd, then LF then of course, 1B. He kept repeating "all the greats have a position, Pujols doesnt" it was sickening

ChewieTobbacca

04-30-06, 02:33 PM

If not for Bonds, Pujols would have at least 3 MVP's already...

Bob Saccomano

04-30-06, 02:54 PM

I remember that. He also bashed him because he didnt have a "true position" because the first 3 years he played 3rd, then LF then of course, 1B. He kept repeating "all the greats have a position, Pujols doesnt" it was sickening

It was pretty sad. Pujols was getting a lot of attention, and I don't think Bonds could stand for it. And Pujols was not bad at the positions that he played. He put in a lot of hard work defensively before his final transition to 1B. He's been a pretty good defender at first, too. With Derrek Lee out for the time being, he probably has a shot at a Gold Glove this year.

Bob Saccomano

04-30-06, 02:58 PM

Damn. He must be a hard man to impress. When did he say this?

It happened some years ago, and it's hard to find the articles detailing it via Google searches. Most of the pages say that the articles are no longer stored. If you try a Google search, you'll be able to see snippets of quotes from the interview in the little descriptions underneath the links. Here are a couple:

"He doesn't run," Bonds told the San ... He plays first base, third base. Pujols, to me, reminds me of Bobby Bonilla, but better"

"Pujols' only detractor this year has been Bonds"

Jete&Tino42

04-30-06, 03:18 PM

Bonds once said that he was unimpressed with Pujols, referring to him as, "A Bobby Bonilla-type player." Guess Barry doesn't have much future as a baseball analyst...

Wow. I don't remember him saying that. Pujols, in my opinion is far and away the best player in the game.

HidekiIrabu

04-30-06, 03:37 PM

With 14 over his first 81 at bats he is on pace for 100s hrs, if he gets his 590 at bats that he has gotten his first 5 seasons. But im guessing he will walk much more

Bob Saccomano

04-30-06, 04:23 PM

With 14 over his first 81 at bats he is on pace for 100s hrs, if he gets his 590 at bats that he has gotten his first 5 seasons. But im guessing he will walk much more

He walked 4 times today. Kind of ironic, considering that after yesterday, Nationals manager Frank Robinson stated something to the effect of, "He's not that hard to pitch to. We did a good job of pitching to him the first 2 games of the series, but you can't make a mistake against him." I guess he reconsidered his position and chose to issue Pujols a free pass today.

Jersey Yankee

05-03-06, 11:52 AM

Someone said that his back was aching recently. Anyone heard this? When I was discussing that Arroyo had him as 0-fer-3, someone mentioned this.

Anyone heard about this?

Bob Saccomano

05-03-06, 05:40 PM

Someone said that his back was aching recently. Anyone heard this? When I was discussing that Arroyo had him as 0-fer-3, someone mentioned this.

Anyone heard about this?

He sat out yesterday due to a stiff back, according to news reports. I think he will be fine...thus far, the Cardinals have not acted like it's a big deal.

BroadwayBomber55

05-03-06, 09:38 PM

HR #15 tonight for Albert Pujols off Roy Oswalt.

Bob Saccomano

05-03-06, 10:50 PM

HR #15 tonight for Albert Pujols off Roy Oswalt.

It was a monster, too. He hit a ball to the warning track in the 9th, all the way out to Tal's Hill in dead center CF, I believe. In another ballpark, would've been a homer by a long shot.

Bob Saccomano

05-03-06, 10:53 PM

Great article about Pujols:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5566624

Dayn Perry is a little flowery and sometimes over-enthusiastic, but if you get past that, sometimes his statistical analysis is actually alright.

Bob Saccomano

05-04-06, 09:12 AM

I'd just like to point out that Pujols alone has as many homers as the entire Kansas City Royals team :P.

Smithers

05-04-06, 11:16 AM

Tal's Hill in dead center CF

is that what they call it? i didn't know they named it.

as mentioned before in this thread, the most amazing thing about pujols is his ability to hit almost any pitch out. i've seen him hit pitches off his shoetops over 400 feet.

Mark19

05-04-06, 11:17 AM

he is on track for somewhere between 80 and 90, I think we can reasonably expect him to top 60 this season

Mezmerize

05-04-06, 11:25 AM

I'd just like to point out that Pujols alone has as many homers as the entire Kansas City Royals team :P.

Well, when you have the likes of Doug Mientkiewicz and Reggie Sanders as your power threats, there is a good chance they won't hit many, aside from being a terrible team.

Bob Saccomano

05-04-06, 01:19 PM

is that what they call it? i didn't know they named it.

as mentioned before in this thread, the most amazing thing about pujols is his ability to hit almost any pitch out. i've seen him hit pitches off his shoetops over 400 feet.

Yep. More on the Juice Box can be found at Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minute_Maid_Park

...it is quite difficult to hit a ball out in center field, though fielding is a challenge there as well, due to the 15-degree steep up-sloped grade, known as Tal's Hill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal%27s_Hill), for team president Tal Smith, an element taken from Crosley Field (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosley_Field) and other historic ballparks (in a bit of gallows humor, the hill is also known as the "Grassy Knoll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dealey_Plaza#The_.22grassy_knoll.22)"), and the flagpole in play, an element taken from Yankee Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Stadium) and Tiger Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Stadium) among others.

Interesting that the flagpole is mentioned with respect to Yankee Stadium. It's been years since I've been to Yankee Stadium, and I never noticed the flagpole on TV. Has it been taken down at YS?

EdRuane

05-04-06, 04:38 PM

Interesting that the flagpole is mentioned with respect to Yankee Stadium. It's been years since I've been to Yankee Stadium, and I never noticed the flagpole on TV. Has it been taken down at YS?
Old Yankee Stadium had the flagpole in play somewhere in left center. Also, the three big monuments (Gehrig,Ruth,Miller Huggins) were in play as well.

kan_t

05-04-06, 07:32 PM

Later people will have a great debate - Who is the best 1B ever.

Being a Yankees friend, my answer won't be changed because of Pujols. ;)

Bob Saccomano

05-04-06, 09:15 PM

Later people will have a great debate - Who is the best 1B ever.

Being a Yankees friend, my answer won't be changed because of Pujols. ;)

My answer to this question is always automatic: Lou Gehrig. For me, no one will ever surpass him. He's my favorite ball player ever, let alone 1B. ;) Though Pujols might get credit as the greatest hitter ever when his career is done, I think Lou is an American icon.

kan_t

05-05-06, 12:36 PM

My answer to this question is always automatic: Lou Gehrig. For me, no one will ever surpass him. He's my favorite ball player ever, let alone 1B. ;) Though Pujols might get credit as the greatest hitter ever when his career is done, I think Lou is an American icon.
Gehrig is my favorite too. I just afraid that later some people will only use number to compare them. Not saying Pujols is not a class, one of the best player, but Gehrig is special.

Bob Saccomano

05-05-06, 05:35 PM

Gehrig is my favorite too. I just afraid that later some people will only use number to compare them. Not saying Pujols is not a class, one of the best player, but Gehrig is special.

I read Lou Gehrig's biography when I was in 5th grade, grew up admiring him, loving him as a baseball player, and still consider him a personal hero. Pujols I respect, admire, and love as a baseball player only. :)

Bob Saccomano

05-05-06, 08:20 PM

Pujols hit his 16th homer of the season. 3 run shot off the Marlins' Sergio Mitre.

Kluivert4Ever

05-05-06, 09:37 PM

Corked bat;).

Bob Saccomano

05-06-06, 03:03 AM

Corked bat;).

I read in a magazine article that corking a bat does not actually improve performance. It's more of a psychological thing.

Sammy Sosa is the only player I remember recently being caught with a corked bat.

JamieMadrox

05-06-06, 03:59 AM

I read in a magazine article that corking a bat does not actually improve performance. It's more of a psychological thing.

Sammy Sosa is the only player I remember recently being caught with a corked bat.

corked bat is a thought of the past--there's a reason why bats are ridiculously light these days, it's all about bat speed.

ryanm1058123

05-06-06, 09:34 AM

I'd say 53.

ChewieTobbacca

05-06-06, 04:30 PM

To put Pujols into perspective:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/05/05/extra.mustard/index.html

Bob Saccomano

05-06-06, 04:40 PM

To put Pujols into perspective:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/05/05/extra.mustard/index.html

As I read it, I kept seeing names like Gehrig, Ruth, and DiMaggio mentioned. *sigh* He should have been a Yankee.

Snatch Catch

05-10-06, 12:46 PM

He has hit his 18th.

Dave Visbeck

05-10-06, 03:16 PM

I'm got my money on ten... the hard way. :)

Dave Visbeck

05-10-06, 03:19 PM

Come to think about it... I wish one more than Bonds had in 01'

Steph19

05-10-06, 10:01 PM

#18 tonight. He is so ridiculous. I hope he hits more then 60 this year.

38Special

05-10-06, 10:02 PM

I wouldnt mind Pujols taking the record from Bonds this year as Bonds passes Ruth :lol:

SoCal Pinstriper

05-10-06, 10:03 PM

#18 tonight. He is so ridiculous. I hope he hits more then 60 this year.I'm pulling for 74. ;)

But seriously, they've got to stop pitching to him.

donniesrecordholdsup

05-10-06, 10:10 PM

i hate to say it but if he hits 70, how do we know hes not on something ? i just dont buy that anybody can hit 70 w/o help. i actually hope he cools off just so that i can keep on thinking he's clean.

BigCheese

05-10-06, 10:13 PM

Man, I'd love to see Pujols face off against Rivera. What a showdown that would be.

Hmmm... Maybe we will get to see it.

Yankees13

05-10-06, 11:46 PM

Man, I'd love to see Pujols face off against Rivera. What a showdown that would be.

Hmmm... Maybe we will get to see it.
I believe it happened last year in the Cards-Yanks series.
Just checked, and apparently he was HBP and had in play out against Rivera, because his average is 000 but his OBP is 500, and he has no walks.

yankeesAZ

05-10-06, 11:49 PM

I'm pulling for 74. ;)

But seriously, they've got to stop pitching to him.

I'm all for 74 steriod-free HRs.

On a side note, please stay healthy A-Rod. 800 steriod-free HRs sound good too.

ChewieTobbacca

05-11-06, 01:56 AM

i hate to say it but if he hits 70, how do we know hes not on something ? i just dont buy that anybody can hit 70 w/o help. i actually hope he cools off just so that i can keep on thinking he's clean.

He did play in the WBC and was clean, has never been named as a possible suspect and he's been doing it since he was called up so its not like he came out of nowhere...

Plus its really hard to hate him so if he got 74, i think most people would easily accept him

NYDCYankee

05-11-06, 02:06 AM

Ten million!

Bob Saccomano

05-11-06, 03:45 AM

I'm pulling for 74. ;)

But seriously, they've got to stop pitching to him.

In some cases they have. A few of his homers have come off of balls. In the case of the 17th, they had 2 on and no out, and they didn't want to load the bases for Edmonds, so they had to pitch to him. He nearly struck out on an 0-2, but ended up homering on, I believe, the 2-2 pitch.

Incidentally, he has one of the sweetest swings I've ever seen. Beautiful wrist action. A-Rod's the only swing I've seen that's as good.

Bob Saccomano

05-11-06, 03:47 AM

Man, I'd love to see Pujols face off against Rivera. What a showdown that would be.

Hmmm... Maybe we will get to see it.

My roommate was playing MLB 06: The Show the other day. They have a "pinball" mode where you play as a pitcher and a hitter, and play 3 innings against another pitcher and a hitter. The game picks the players you match up against, and the highest level pairing was Ichiro hitting, Rivera pitching. My roommate was playing with Pujols. Though my roommate owned every other pitcher he'd faced up to that point, he couldn't hit Mo at all. Every single pitch hit a corner and all but 2 (of 70-some) were strikes.

Not necessarily a realistic simulation, but it was amazing to see. :P

Bob Saccomano

05-11-06, 03:48 AM

I'm all for 74 steriod-free HRs.

On a side note, please stay healthy A-Rod. 800 steriod-free HRs sound good too.

Couldn't agree with you more.

SoCal Pinstriper

05-11-06, 11:49 AM

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols leads the majors in home runs (18) and runs batted in (43) through 35 games and is on pace for 199 RBI. The major-league record is 191 RBI by Hack Wilson with the 1930 Chicago Cubs.

Could Pujols possibly top Wilson? He has good protection behind him in the lineup (Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen), so opponents won't be able to pitch around him a la Barry Bonds. The key is the top two batters in the lineup — leadoff man David Eckstein and new No. 2 hitter John Rodriguez. They'd have to continue to get on base at a high rate to give Pujols a chance. He'd be better off in the American League because there are more big innings and opportunities to drive in runs with DHs in the lineup instead of rally-killing pitchers. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060511/SPORTS0101/605110369/-1/COLUMNS

Workhorse

05-11-06, 12:01 PM

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060511/SPORTS0101/605110369/-1/COLUMNS

How in the world was that article NOT fact-checked? Last I checked, the record was 190 RBI, not 191.

EDITED: Whoa. Baseball-reference now has it listed as 191. When did that get revised? As I kid, I knew that record was 190 for years...

Snatch Catch

05-11-06, 12:04 PM

How in the world was that article NOT fact-checked? Last I checked, the record was 190 RBI, not 191.

EDITED: Whoa. Baseball-reference now has it listed as 191. When did that get revised? As I kid, I knew that record was 190 for years...

They corrected it a couple of years ago to the proper 191.

Same thing with Cobb's hit record.

donniesrecordholdsup

05-11-06, 11:58 PM

He did play in the WBC and was clean, has never been named as a possible suspect and he's been doing it since he was called up so its not like he came out of nowhere...

Plus its really hard to hate him so if he got 74, i think most people would easily accept him
mcgwire was doing it since he came up too. anyway im not accusing him. but what im saying is i find it hard to believe any player can hit 70 homeruns w/o help. plus he came up hitting great but not 70 homeruns. i dont know if i think he will get 70 anyway. but if he does. i dont think anyone will break bonds record w/o also cheating themselves.

ChewieTobbacca

05-12-06, 04:52 AM

mcgwire was doing it since he came up too. anyway im not accusing him. but what im saying is i find it hard to believe any player can hit 70 homeruns w/o help. plus he came up hitting great but not 70 homeruns. i dont know if i think he will get 70 anyway. but if he does. i dont think anyone will break bonds record w/o also cheating themselves.

Lots of people have outstanding seasons out of nowhere and Pujols is 26 this year which is the peak age for a large number of players (along with age 27). I doubt he'd hit 70 this year but if there is one player today who is likely to, it would be him.

JamieMadrox

05-12-06, 09:39 AM

The steroid talk on Pujols is a little ridiculous. I think he's the ONE power hitter that has NEVER been mentioned in steroid accusations. I mean, even people who are completely clean are sometimes even just mentioned. Pujols has never been mentioned AT ALL, and he seems like one of the likely candidates based on his numbers.

Take him for what he is and enjoy it people...the best natural hitter to come to the major leagues in a LONG time, maybe since Mantle? I'd LOVE for Pujols to hit 74 HR, have a non-steroids guy with the record, it would be a great thing.

I can see the jealousy already setting in; nobody can hit that many HR he must be on steroids! You wouldn't be accusing him if he were on the Yankees, that's for sure.

ChewieTobbacca

05-12-06, 05:56 PM

Heres an intersting factoid:

Coming into the Arizona series tonight, Pujols has more home runs than the entire Arizona infield combined - not just starters, but all bench players too - all 9 players!

Bob Saccomano

05-12-06, 06:49 PM

What's really amazing about Pujols is his microscopic K rate. All the other big sluggers in the game are also big at striking out. Pujols has only 10 strikeouts on the year.

The man is an amazing pure hitter. I'm convinced that he's steroid free. He's just that good.

donniesrecordholdsup

05-12-06, 10:10 PM

The steroid talk on Pujols is a little ridiculous. I think he's the ONE power hitter that has NEVER been mentioned in steroid accusations. I mean, even people who are completely clean are sometimes even just mentioned. Pujols has never been mentioned AT ALL, and he seems like one of the likely candidates based on his numbers.

Take him for what he is and enjoy it people...the best natural hitter to come to the major leagues in a LONG time, maybe since Mantle? I'd LOVE for Pujols to hit 74 HR, have a non-steroids guy with the record, it would be a great thing.

I can see the jealousy already setting in; nobody can hit that many HR he must be on steroids! You wouldn't be accusing him if he were on the Yankees, that's for sure.
its not about pujols himself. its that 2 players in history ever hit 60 in almost 100 years. maris hitting just one more in 61. then you have 3 guys already in an 8 year span that hit 65+ and 2 hitting 70. so if a 3rd guy hits 70 (4th guy hitting 65+), im going to be suspicous.

HidekiIrabu

05-13-06, 07:27 PM

Wow, hes now at 19HR's and 46 RBI through 120 at bats...

Bob Saccomano

05-13-06, 09:41 PM

Wow, hes now at 19HR's and 46 RBI through 120 at bats...

Fastest ever to reach 19 homers...I think this is going to be one phenomenal season.

EDIT: Actually, box score lists him at 47 RBI ;).

Bob Saccomano

05-13-06, 09:43 PM

its not about pujols himself. its that 2 players in history ever hit 60 in almost 100 years. maris hitting just one more in 61. then you have 3 guys already in an 8 year span that hit 65+ and 2 hitting 70. so if a 3rd guy hits 70 (4th guy hitting 65+), im going to be suspicous.

By all accounts, Pujols' training regimen is insane. And that was before he stepped it up this offseason, stating that he wanted to "do something special." He wasn't satisfied with his (amazing) production the past 5 years; he wants more, and he looks to be delivering on that. I seriously think he has a shot at the Triple Crown this year. While the achievement might be lengedary, let's not discount the man's intense training, drive, and work ethic.

Roger Clemens had an amazing work ethic, too, and an intense training regimen. He's considered the most dominant pitcher of his day. Does that mean that he was on something? No, it just means that he was great, and worked really hard to be so. I don't think he used steroids just because he was good.

donniesrecordholdsup

05-14-06, 12:01 AM

By all accounts, Pujols' training regimen is insane. And that was before he stepped it up this offseason, stating that he wanted to "do something special." He wasn't satisfied with his (amazing) production the past 5 years; he wants more, and he looks to be delivering on that. I seriously think he has a shot at the Triple Crown this year. While the achievement might be lengedary, let's not discount the man's intense training, drive, and work ethic.

Roger Clemens had an amazing work ethic, too, and an intense training regimen. He's considered the most dominant pitcher of his day. Does that mean that he was on something? No, it just means that he was great, and worked really hard to be so. I don't think he used steroids just because he was good.
clemens didnt do anything on par with hitting 70 homeruns though.

spiritof27

05-14-06, 01:23 AM

clemens didnt do anything on par with hitting 70 homeruns though.

He looked like he was going to challenge Gibson's modern era ERA record there for awhile last season, even with the mounds down from where they were in 68 when Gibson posted a 1.12.

Bob Saccomano

05-14-06, 02:08 AM

He looked like he was going to challenge Gibson's modern era ERA record there for awhile last season, even with the mounds down from where they were in 68 when Gibson posted a 1.12.

...Yeah, and at age 43. It was a pretty dominant season, especially since it was below 1.50 at the ASB. What about RJ's 372 strikeout season? That was also pretty amazing, and I don't think he used PEDs to achieve it.

donniesrecordholdsup

05-14-06, 02:52 AM

even if clemens had beaten the record (which he didnt) it still wouldnt have been the same. clemens wouldve had to have an 0.50 era to compete. hitting 74 isnt beating the record. its obliterating it. (this is counting 61 as the record for non cheaters, not bonds' 73) besides thats the national league for you. clemens was a close to 4 era pitcher in the al his last 2 years.

im not trying to rain on pujols parade. im just saying that youd be a fool to not be a little suspicous if 4 guys hit 65+ homeruns in an 8 year span when only 2 guys ever hit 60 in almost 100 years.

RhodeyYankee2638

05-14-06, 03:01 PM

Wow, he is already 4th on the Carinals all time HR list with 220 bombs. This kid is amazing

The Comic Book Guy

05-15-06, 10:21 AM

im not trying to rain on pujols parade. im just saying that youd be a fool to not be a little suspicous if 4 guys hit 65+ homeruns in an 8 year span when only 2 guys ever hit 60 in almost 100 years.

Except people are suspicious. Most fans assume that McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds were all juicing.

Let's just say that Mac, Sammy, and Barry were all on PEDs when they hit their 60+ homers. Let's assume Pujols is not. Consider the lower mound, smaller parks, lighter bats, and watered down pitching. Is it that unreasonable to think that one player in a span of 40+ years would be able to hit 60+ HRs naturally? Especially when that player is in his prime and is considered by many to already be the greated RHB of his generation?

YankeePride1967

05-15-06, 05:27 PM

Hopefully 74 or more.

JamieMadrox

05-17-06, 08:33 AM

its not about pujols himself. its that 2 players in history ever hit 60 in almost 100 years. maris hitting just one more in 61. then you have 3 guys already in an 8 year span that hit 65+ and 2 hitting 70. so if a 3rd guy hits 70 (4th guy hitting 65+), im going to be suspicous.

2 players in history without help ever hit that many...pujols can be the 3rd :)

everyone else had help. since barry bonds hit his 73, it's not like any player has even been coming close to hitting 60...

not to mention pujols probably gets tested all the time.

Stan Musial

05-17-06, 11:15 PM

With a name like Stan Musial...you can guess where my loyalties lie. I watch every single Cards game..and can say with certainty, there is not a better overall hitter in baseball than Albert Pujols. He makes great pitchers look bad and mediocre pitcher look like A-ballers.

By the time he is done, he will surpass the Donora Flash as the greatest Cardinal..and I can tell you that if there is any town (outside of NYC) that idolizes their baseball legends, it is St. Louis. I only hope that when it is all said and done he has a ring to show for it, for that is his biggest motivation.

I think he'll post a line of..

.335/.460/.815/1.275, 65 HR's, 150rbis, 160 runs scored..

Not a better player in baseball than Mr. Pujols.

flymick24

05-18-06, 04:26 AM

i will amend my first answer and now say he'll hit in the high 50's

Bob Saccomano

05-18-06, 12:58 PM

Pujols said in the current climate, players seem to be guilty until proven innocent.
...
Pujols added that Major League Baseball could test him for illegal drugs "every day if they want."

"I don't need any type of things like that to help me out with my game," said. "I don't need to do anything more than what I've done in the past or doing right now.
"I'm happy with my career so far and what I've done in my career, and I don't need anything extra."

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5598426

HidekiIrabu

05-19-06, 01:08 AM

Damn 0 hits this week for Pujols on my fantasy team, I think he slipped and hurt his back in the rain too but he should be ok.

How many RBI's do you think he will get this year? His RBI totals have gone down every year he has been in the majors.

JamieMadrox

05-19-06, 12:47 PM

Damn 0 hits this week for Pujols on my fantasy team, I think he slipped and hurt his back in the rain too but he should be ok.

How many RBI's do you think he will get this year? His RBI totals have gone down every year he has been in the majors.

i think this has more to do with the lineup around him...look at his worst (.314/.394/.561 in his 2nd year is his worst), he had the 2nd most RBIs of his career.

Either way, I doubt he goes down in RBI from last year.

Bob Saccomano

05-19-06, 09:34 PM

Damn 0 hits this week for Pujols on my fantasy team, I think he slipped and hurt his back in the rain too but he should be ok.

How many RBI's do you think he will get this year? His RBI totals have gone down every year he has been in the majors.

He's gonna get a ton. They have J-Rod and Eckstein hitting ahead of him, and both those guys get on base at a pretty good rate.

Bob Saccomano

05-19-06, 09:34 PM

And #20 came tonight... still on pace for an insane number.

Rocketman

05-20-06, 03:29 AM

Pujols is extremely overrated.

Rocketman

05-20-06, 09:58 PM

Supporting my conclusion: Pujols hit his 21st jack tonight, on pace for 82, knocking in three runs in the Cardinals 4-2 victory over KC. He has 53 RBI, on pace for 207.

ChewieTobbacca

05-20-06, 10:12 PM

Pujols has a gigantic gap in between him and the next player in RBI's and HR's - ridiculous

Bob Saccomano

05-20-06, 11:32 PM

Pujols is extremely overrated.

Sarcasm? :P

ChewieTobbacca

05-21-06, 02:21 AM

Supporting my conclusion: Pujols hit his 21st jack tonight, on pace for 82, knocking in three runs in the Cardinals 4-2 victory over KC. He has 53 RBI, on pace for 207.

Yeah he's the most unclutch choker ever

Yankee Bulldawg

05-21-06, 10:04 AM

Pujols so far this year has put up insane numbers this season and it will be interesting to see how many jacks he'll hit this season

TripleG23

05-21-06, 02:54 PM

Pujols now has 22 HRs .. :lol: He is on a tear this weekend against KC

nnysiny

05-21-06, 03:01 PM

22 out of his 46 hits have been HRs (47.8%)
when Bonds hit 73 he did it with 156 hits (46.8%)

so hes on pace for more HRs and with a better rate

Boricua21

05-21-06, 03:06 PM

This guy is a monster. Can we get him after Giambi retires? :lol:

ChewieTobbacca

05-21-06, 03:07 PM

Well his contract w/ STL is up at 2011 and he'll be only 31...

TripleG23

05-21-06, 03:15 PM

I don't think he will hit anymore HRs today. They had bases loaded with one out and Rodriguez grounded out to second leaving 1B open which made them walk Pujols. Damn, I was hoping he would have another shot. Is it wrong for me to want Rodriguez to strike out so Pujols could have another AB? :lol:

Edmonds just got a hit... 8-2 Cardinals now... Guess you can't walk Pujols! :D

Boricua21

05-21-06, 03:15 PM

Well his contract w/ STL is up at 2011 and he'll be only 31...

...good point. We have stranglehold on players over the hill. :D

HidekiIrabu

05-21-06, 05:09 PM

22 out of his 46 hits have been HRs (47.8%)
when Bonds hit 73 he did it with 156 hits (46.8%)

so hes on pace for more HRs and with a better rate

Pujols is an amazing hitter too, getting 190-200 hits a season. He also usually gets more doubles than HR's but I doubt that will happen this season with 22hrs and 6 doubles.

He really annihalated KC pitching this weekend

Rocketman

05-21-06, 05:44 PM

He's a terrible hitter. Pujols only had one RBI today during his solo shot. Before the game he was on pace for 207 RBI. Now, he's only set to have 206.

Awful ;)

adamf11

05-21-06, 07:14 PM

You know I think all of us have taken Albert Pujols for granted, especially me. I said yeah, Albert is good but hes not that great. Then I went and looked at his strats..wow. He hits well over .300 every year, over 30 HR every year, over 100 RBI every year..even his rookie season. It appears now he is only getting better, and hes only 26 years old (I think). I think baring a serious injurie/injuries that could hurt his numbers. I think we are looking at one of the greatest players of all time on the scale of Ruth, Aaron, Gehrig, Williams. I want to know all these scouts who had no idea who Albert Pujols was, shows how flawed the system is.

Stick Michael

05-21-06, 08:16 PM

Pujols is quite possibly MLB's most marketable star, and as much I would like love to see him in pinstripes I hope he plays his entire career in St. Louis. He's revered there, for good reason obviously. He's a level-headed guy, incredible hitter playing in a great baseball market, and his good name has remained untarnished throughout all of the steroid accusations that have come out. There's really nothing not to like about him. Personally, I already think of him as Ripken, Gwynn, Mattingly, etc. in the sense that he should never be booed even in an opposing team's ballpark.

James

The Sox Kid

05-21-06, 08:20 PM

I agree. Pujols is just a joy to see hit, his swing is basically perfection! I'd never boo him, because if I had him on the Sox I know I wouldn't want others booing him around. Man, how many home runs is he on pace for now though? It's just crazy! I'd rather see him hit a bit more for average than for power, but, whatever he does suits me fine.

Stan Musial

05-21-06, 11:39 PM

El Hombre stikes again..

3 HR's in the Royals series...

He's on fire...

VanHalen5150

05-22-06, 12:01 AM

I think Pujols needs a 20-homer month to break the record, which is very hard to do.

Boricua21

05-22-06, 12:16 AM

He's a terrible hitter. Pujols only had one RBI today during his solo shot. Before the game he was on pace for 207 RBI. Now, he's only set to have 206.

Awful ;)

:lol: I know. Poor guy. He might only end up with 98 home runs as well, unable to break that 100 hr mark. He's horrible! :D

Rocketman

05-22-06, 01:40 AM

I hate when people say "Pujols has hit .300/30/100 every year? Amazing, right?"

Guys, .300/30/100 makes you good, not great. If Carlos Delgado hit .300 with only 30 HR and only 100 RBI, he'd have a disappointing season. For many years, it was that way with Helton, Giambi, and most other good hitters in the late 1990s. This is how I view Pujols: .332 lifetime BA before this season. An average of 41 HR per year over the first five years of his career (over 162 games per season - he's never played less than 154). An average of 127 RBI per season. An average of 129 runs scored per season. That's not good, that's not great, that's incredible. That's tip-top-tier HOF worthy.

That's from age 21-25. Now that he's really hitting his peak, we're bound to see even greater performance from one of the greatest hitters of all time.

Mattpat11

05-22-06, 01:40 AM

Pujols is quite possibly MLB's most marketable star, and as much I would like love to see him in pinstripes I hope he plays his entire career in St. Louis. He's revered there, for good reason obviously. He's a level-headed guy, incredible hitter playing in a great baseball market, and his good name has remained untarnished throughout all of the steroid accusations that have come out. There's really nothing not to like about him. Personally, I already think of him as Ripken, Gwynn, Mattingly, etc. in the sense that he should never be booed even in an opposing team's ballpark.

JamesI agree with this. With the possible exception of Derek Jeter and eventually David Wright, he's the most likable superstar in baseball today with a built in Latino market as well. Baseball would be well advised to try to build around him.

ChewieTobbacca

05-22-06, 03:01 AM

I hate when people say "Pujols has hit .300/30/100 every year? Amazing, right?"

Guys, .300/30/100 makes you good, not great. If Carlos Delgado hit .300 with only 30 HR and only 100 RBI, he'd have a disappointing season. For many years, it was that way with Helton, Giambi, and most other good hitters in the late 1990s. This is how I view Pujols: .332 lifetime BA before this season. An average of 41 HR per year over the first five years of his career (over 162 games per season - he's never played less than 154). An average of 127 RBI per season. An average of 129 runs scored per season. That's not good, that's not great, that's incredible. That's tip-top-tier HOF worthy.

That's from age 21-25. Now that he's really hitting his peak, we're bound to see even greater performance from one of the greatest hitters of all time.

If not for Bonds, he would be on his way to MVP #4 right now...

And as this article: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/05/05/extra.mustard/index.html

shows, when your company includes DiMaggio, Gehrig, Ruth, and Williams - you're in the elite of elite

adamf11

05-22-06, 11:29 AM

Again, if he doesnt get bit by the injury bug, the MVP this year is his.

RhodeyYankee2638

05-22-06, 11:38 AM

Again, if he doesnt get bit by the injury bug, the MVP this year is his.

Theres a chance, by the All-Star Break, he will have 35 HR's and 100 RBI's. He'd have MVP locked up then

nnysiny

05-22-06, 06:08 PM

I think Pujols needs a 20-homer month to break the record, which is very hard to do.

why would he need a 20 HR month? is the record 100 HRs?

Stan Musial

05-23-06, 09:30 PM

El Hombre goes yard (#23) w/ a 3-run dinger against the Giants..not only that, but against Matt Morris, the ex-Cardinal and team mate of AP.

He continues to impress...

Jace

05-23-06, 11:24 PM

how many HR wont Pujols hit

HidekiIrabu

05-24-06, 12:02 AM

Theres a chance, by the All-Star Break, he will have 35 HR's and 100 RBI's. He'd have MVP locked up then

Got his 57th RBI today. Whats the most RBI's ever at the break?

ChewieTobbacca

05-24-06, 12:07 AM

Watching replays of his home run, it was amazing watching him pull that ball from the other half of the plate and line it over the wall (over Barry no less..)

I too would like to know the most # of RBI's at break..

DontHateOnNumber2

05-24-06, 01:00 AM

What's Albert on pace for now? Isn't it something like 82? Crap, I think he'll end up hitting 64. Seriously.

dabomb2045

05-24-06, 01:02 AM

Best player in baseball....hands down

ChewieTobbacca

05-24-06, 01:35 AM

Pujols is just so damn consistent

After hitting 23 home runs in 46 team games, he's had only 2 multi-HR games this year - for a total of 3 extra home runs
gamelog: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/gamelog?playerId=4574

That's just damn consistent

ChewieTobbacca

05-24-06, 02:20 AM

Best player in baseball....hands down

if there were any questions about that coming in this year, they've been wiped out

Yankeees

05-24-06, 02:40 AM

It's Hank Greenberg with 103 RBI's prior to the all star break. Delgado, came close a couple years ago with 97 RBI's.

Mark Mcgwire holds the record for most homeruns before the All Star Game, with 37, in 1998.

Rocketman

05-24-06, 03:05 AM

Bonds had 39 HR before the break in 2001. Juan Gonzalez had 100 or so before the break during his 157 RBI season.

If he doesn't get hurt, he'll EASILY have 150 RBI and could approach 150 runs scored. I expect over 60 HR now, as well.

ChewieTobbacca

05-24-06, 03:08 AM

The scary part is.. his average is currently below his career average of .330... and he's always been a second-half player...

This could get interesting...

And not just this year either - if he is 26, and it seems like he is given the year so far, his peak should be coming up soon - and players develop power last, with lots of doubles turning into HR's...

I've noticed that a lot of his HR's are the line drive type and not the large flyball type - a lot of those doubles he used to hit are turning into HR's now.

And how many players in history can you say that at age 26 have a foot in the Hall of Fame already? Heres to hoping for many more years:gulp:

RhodeyYankee2638

05-24-06, 05:21 AM

im surprised no one is talking Triple Crown. It is almost a certainty that he will lead the NL in HR's and RBI's. As we've seen before, he has no problem hitting 330

VanHalen5150

05-24-06, 04:08 PM

why would he need a 20 HR month? is the record 100 HRs?

Cause a 20 hr month would help him greatly. The 20 hr month would allow him to go on a little slump and still be at a good pace. I remember in 1998 Sosa came out of no where and hit 20 home runs in June and was able to keep pace for the rest of the season.

Mezmerize

05-26-06, 02:34 PM

im surprised no one is talking Triple Crown. It is almost a certainty that he will lead the NL in HR's and RBI's. As we've seen before, he has no problem hitting 330

Wayyyyy too early, but not out of the realm of possibility. Let us not forget Derrek Lee of 2005.

metalyank

05-26-06, 04:53 PM

Not sure how many HR's Pujols will hit this year but one thing is certain: If he hits more than 73, Bonds will hit a gazillion next year!

Steph19

05-29-06, 12:07 AM

Jacked #24 in the Cards loss tonight.

He's on pace for 78, by my math (which is usually wrong)

Yankeeah

05-29-06, 12:29 AM

Jacked #24 in the Cards loss tonight.

He's on pace for 78, by my math (which is usually wrong)

ESPN has him projected at 80.

Currently, according to math, he is on pace to play 155 games, which would put him at 78 home runs. Good work.

Murderers Row

05-29-06, 05:34 PM

He just hit #25. :eek:

Oh yeah, he's got 64 ribbies too.

Infreakincredible.

RhodeyYankee2638

05-29-06, 05:39 PM

Right now, he's on pace for 160 games, 80 HR and 205 RBI

nnysiny

05-29-06, 05:54 PM

3 run shot to boot. its like he either goes 2 for 4, or 1 for 4 with a HR

ChewieTobbacca

05-29-06, 10:41 PM

Another game winning HR.. talk about clutch

montyque

05-29-06, 10:42 PM

This guy is sick. I wonder if I'll be telling my grandkids about Pujols, the way my grandparents can tell me about The Babe and Ted Williams...

MassNYYfan

05-29-06, 10:58 PM

I'm pulling more and more for 74.

HidekiIrabu

05-31-06, 12:31 PM

Albert Pujols is currently batting .535/.656/1.070 with runners in scoring position. If he keeps up this pace, he wil set a new major league record in each of those categories. The current record was set by former Kansas City Royals IF George Brett during the 1980 season.

hunter05

05-31-06, 01:05 PM

I really hope he breaks the record.

AnibalTheCannibal

05-31-06, 02:02 PM

Albert Pujols is currently batting .535/.656/1.070 with runners in scoring position. If he keeps up this pace, he wil set a new major league record in each of those categories. The current record was set by former Kansas City Royals IF George Brett during the 1980 season.

Holy crap, I thought those numbers were OBP/SLG/OPS not AVG/OBP/SLG. Wow.

Cardinal Fan

09-04-06, 04:17 PM

FYI not only is Pujols hitting homers at the highest rate of his career by far (once every 10.38 at-bats), he's also striking out less than ever (once every 11.18 at-bats; once every 13.28 plate appearances). It's hugely impressive for a top power hitter to homer more often than whiff in any era, but especially so in the modern era.

So I decided to look up all 30+ homer seasons dating back to 1922 (when sluggers other than Ruth started to knock balls out at a rate that wouldn't look uncommon today) and see who homered as or more often than striking out. Here's what I found; don't think I missed anybody.

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="90%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Code:</TD></TR><TR><TD class=code>+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Player | Year | HR | SO | Ratio |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Ken Williams | 1922 | 39 | 31 | 1.258 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Rogers Hornsby | 1925 | 39 | 39 | 1.000 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Mel Ott | 1929 | 42 | 38 | 1.105 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Lefty O'Doul | 1929 | 32 | 19 | 1.684 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Al Simmons | 1930 | 36 | 34 | 1.059 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Lou Gehrig | 1934 | 49 | 31 | 1.581 |
| Lou Gehrig | 1936 | 49 | 46 | 1.065 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Joe DiMaggio | 1937 | 46 | 37 | 1.243 |
| Joe DiMaggio | 1938 | 32 | 21 | 1.524 |
| Joe DiMaggio | 1939 | 30 | 20 | 1.500 |
| Joe DiMaggio | 1940 | 31 | 30 | 1.033 |
| Joe DiMaggio | 1941 | 30 | 13 | 2.308 |
| Joe DiMaggio | 1948 | 39 | 30 | 1.300 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Ted Williams | 1941 | 37 | 27 | 1.370 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Willard Marshall | 1947 | 36 | 30 | 1.200 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Johnny Mize | 1947 | 51 | 42 | 1.214 |
| Johnny Mize | 1948 | 40 | 37 | 1.081 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Stan Musial | 1948 | 39 | 34 | 1.147 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Andy Pafko | 1950 | 36 | 32 | 1.125 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Yogi Berra | 1952 | 30 | 24 | 1.250 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Ted Kluszewski | 1953 | 40 | 34 | 1.176 |
| Ted Kluszewski | 1954 | 49 | 35 | 1.400 |
| Ted Kluszewski | 1955 | 47 | 40 | 1.175 |
| Ted Kluszewski | 1956 | 35 | 31 | 1.129 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
| Barry Bonds | 2004 | 45 | 41 | 1.098 |
+------------------+------+----+----+-------+
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Pretty short list, eh? DiMaggio was amazing in this regard. And, whoa, Ted Kluszewski but that's an impressive run. Some nice names on there.

Pujols has, at the moment, 42-39 (1.077). He's on pace for 52-48 (1.083), which, if he manages, would make him only the second player in history after fellow Cardinal Johnny Mize to have 50+ homers with more homers than strikeouts (though Mize was a Giant when he did this).

Think he can manage?

Bob Saccomano

09-04-06, 11:13 PM

Think he can manage?

I think he absolutely can.

It's too bad Pujols had that injury earlier... he hasn't been swinging as hard as he was (until recently) and said that he still felt some discomfort as recently as last week. He was on pace for a legendary season, but now is on pace for just a very, very good one. Hopefully next year - when he turns 27 - he'll be at a peak that is unparalleled with anything we've seen before.

Cardinal Fan

09-05-06, 06:12 PM

Albert Pujols hit home run #44 on a line drive to left field at RFK stadium.

shot went off the upper deck and rebounded back to the field.

5 in three days

ChewieTobbacca

09-07-06, 06:25 AM

In terms of pure skill, Pujols is probably one of the best hitters in MLB in decades...

I saw this article on ESPN a while back but Pujols aced the same mental and physical tests that The Babe did 80 years ago
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2557786

Bob Saccomano

09-07-06, 07:37 AM

In terms of pure skill, Pujols is probably one of the best hitters in MLB in decades...

I saw this article on ESPN a while back but Pujols aced the same mental and physical tests that The Babe did 80 years ago
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2557786

I heard about this also. One thing not mentioned in the article is that Pujols did a test by of fast twitch ability by pressing a button on a clicker, which recorded how many times the button was pressed in a period of ten seconds.

Pujols hit the button 68 times in 10 seconds. Not even 1 in 100 humans has the capability to be that fast. Additionally, he was hitting the button so hard that he broke their apparatus.

Cardinal Fan

09-10-06, 05:11 PM

Albert Pujols Hits a 2 Run homer (#45) on a fly ball to left field.

Cardinal Fan

09-12-06, 10:18 PM

Brad lidge: Who's your daddy?

AustinTXHorn

09-12-06, 10:19 PM

Why does Garner keep doing that?

Cardinal Fan

09-12-06, 10:25 PM

Why does Garner keep doing that?

Albert absolutely devastates Lidge on a regular basis...it's inconceivable. Poor guy. I actually feel bad for him. lidge should beg garner to let him file that restraining order that keeps him away from pujols

Bob Saccomano

09-12-06, 11:30 PM

Why does Garner keep doing that?

:lol: He wanted Lidge to regain his confidence against the hitter that broke him. Instead, Lidge only ended up getting re-broken. :lol:

EDIT: That's all sepculation/facetiousness, natch.

ryanm1058123

09-13-06, 03:12 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/digital_engineer77/pujols.gif

Cardinal Fan

09-16-06, 11:49 AM

Chris Duncan hit two home runs Friday, giving him 18 this season including 15 since the All-Star break. The only other rookie in Cardinals history who hit as many as 15 homers after the break was Albert Pujols, who had 16 in 2001.

Cardinal Fan

09-18-06, 09:28 PM

Albert Pujols homers (46) on a line drive to left field. Aaron Miles scores. So Taguchi scores.

ties game up 3-3 in the 7th

Cardinal Fan

09-20-06, 09:50 PM

From Jason Stark

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=stark_jayson

46 home runs, 44 strikeouts.

Only six times in history, in fact, has any player hit as many homers as Pujols and still had more home runs than whiffs. It's kind of notable that none of those More HRsThan Ks performances has taken place during the lifetime of Julio Franco.
Even more fascinating to those of us who think about the historical-type stuff that could still happen between now and the end of this season, just once has a player hit 50 home runs in a season featuring more homers than strikeouts. And Sir Albert has a very real chance to pull off that feat.
So here's the club Pujols is aspiring to join: Johnny Mize (1947), 51 homers, 42 strikeouts
Lou Gehrig (1934), 49 homers, 31 strikeouts
Lou Gehrig (1936), 49 homers, 46 strikeouts
Ted Kluszewski (1954), 49 homers, 35 strikeouts
Ted Kluszewski (1955), 47 homers, 40 strikeouts
Joe DiMaggio (1937), 46 homers, 37 strikeouts

anyoneseenthebridge

09-20-06, 11:55 PM

From Jason Stark

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=stark_jayson
I was going to post something yesterday about this. Then I saw Bonds did it in 2004 (45 HRs, 41 Ks), yet Stark doesn't mention him.:dunno:

Cardinal Fan

09-29-06, 08:53 PM

Albert Pujols homers (48) on a line drive to left center field. Jeff Weaver scores. So Taguchi scores.

MVP MVP MVP

Bob Saccomano

09-29-06, 09:20 PM

The whole MVP discussion took a brand new twist when it looked like the Cards might well collapse. If the Cards and the Phillies missed the postseason, I think Lance Berkman would have swooped in to steal the award. As it is, he is responsible for a greater percentage of RBIs of the team as a whole than any other player in MLB. However, Pujols certainly strengthened his case tonight, and I think he's the odds on favorite now.

nnysiny

09-30-06, 12:14 AM

I was going to post something yesterday about this. Then I saw Bonds did it in 2004 (45 HRs, 41 Ks), yet Stark doesn't mention him.:dunno:

thats because 45 is less than 46

anyoneseenthebridge

09-30-06, 11:52 AM

thats because 45 is less than 46
I see :thatsodd:

DontHateOnNumber2

09-30-06, 11:59 AM

Knowing Pujols I bet he'll hit a homer on his last AB of the last regular season Cards game to win it.

Cardinal Fan

10-01-06, 04:04 PM

Knowing Pujols I bet he'll hit a homer on his last AB of the last regular season Cards game to win it.

Albert Pujols homers (49) on a fly ball to left field.

Did noty win the game, but you where on target with the HR

BTW Pujols' first and last at-bats of the season were homers.

Cheers!

ChewieTobbacca

10-01-06, 04:11 PM

Doesn't STL have one more game w/ SF as a make-up?

anyoneseenthebridge

10-01-06, 04:13 PM

Doesn't STL have one more game w/ SF as a make-up?

Not now, only if it had playoff implications.

ChewieTobbacca

10-01-06, 04:17 PM

Ah I see.... I wonder how many players in the history of the game have started and ended a season with a HR...

Cardinal Fan

10-01-06, 04:44 PM

BTW Pujols finishes with NL lead in OBP and SLG

.431 to .430 over Miguel Cabrera; .671 to .659 over Ryan Howard.

MVP MVP MVP

Bob Saccomano

10-01-06, 05:38 PM

Albert Pujols homers (49) on a fly ball to left field.

Did noty win the game, but you where on target with the HR

BTW Pujols' first and last at-bats of the season were homers.

Cheers!

Awesome! Too bad that he didn't break 50. Maybe next year he'll pick up that opening half tear and continue it to season's end for the finest hitting season ever.

Cardinal Fan

10-01-06, 08:40 PM

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20061001/capt.07bac21c922c4efc8438256a7c74d775.brewers_cardinals_baseball_motg115.jpg

jonnyc39

10-01-06, 08:53 PM

I honestly feel lucky to be able to watch Pujols play. I just hope that he is able to stay healthy throughout his entire career. We are watching what could be one of the best hitters ever.

This year, despite his injury, he set career highs in HR (49), RBI (137), came close in BB (92, as opposed to his high of 97 last year), and tied his high in slugging (.667). He is still getting better.

Similar batters through age 25, from Baseball Reference (http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/pujolal01.shtml):

1. Joe DiMaggio
2. Frank Robinson
3. Jimmie Foxx
4. Hank Aaron
5. Hal Trosky
6. Vladimir Guerrero
7. Orlando Cepeda
8. Ken Griffey
9. Mickey Mantle
10. Joe Medwick

If he played in the Northeast, he would be the biggest superstar in the country.

Babe Rules

10-01-06, 08:58 PM

More than 50 IMO. Almost...

Screech

10-01-06, 08:59 PM

I love Pujols as much as the next guy, but Cardinal Fan seems to love plugging his 83-win Cardinals anywhere he can.

Cardinal Fan

10-01-06, 09:01 PM

I love Pujols as much as the next guy, but Cardinal Fan seems to love plugging his 83-win Cardinals anywhere he can.

Just happy to be invited to the Party.

Anything can happen now...

jonnyc39

10-01-06, 09:03 PM

I love Pujols as much as the next guy, but Cardinal Fan seems to love plugging his 83-win Cardinals anywhere he can. Look in the mirror, dude. :)

Cardinal Fan

10-01-06, 09:11 PM

You know....who cares if we backed in to the playoffs. Saw this on ESPN.com. Makes me proud. Another thing...been a fan for 35 years...didn't realize we've been in existence longer than the Yanks.

Playoff appearances of 2006 teams
Team Team History Times In Pennants Titles
Yankees 1913-2005 45 39 26
Cardinals 1900-2005 21 16 9
L.A. Dodgers 1958-2005 14 9 5
Oakland A's 1968-2005 14 6 4
Tigers 1901-2005 11 9 4
Mets 1962-2005 6 4 2
Twins 1961-2005 8 3 2
Padres 1969-2005 4 2 0

Cardinal Fan

10-01-06, 10:06 PM

Albert's all time ranks in Cardinal history
(just completed his sixth season)

GAMES
1)Stan Musial 3026
2)Lou Brock 2289
3)Ozzie Smith 1990
4)Enos Slaughter 1820
5)Red Schoendienst 1795

29)Jim Edmonds 989
31)Albert Pujols 933

AT BATS
1)Stan Musial 10972
2)Lou Brock 9125
3)Ozzie Smith 7160
4)Red Schoendienst 6841
5)Enos Slaughter 6775

29)Albert Pujols 3489
36)Jim Edmonds 3263

RUNS
1)Stan Musial 1949
2)Lou Brock 1427
3)Rogers Hornsby 1089
4)Enos Slaughter 1071
5)Red Schoendienst 1025

17)Albert Pujols 748
24)Jim Edmonds 651

HITS
1)Stan Musial 3630
2)Lou Brock 2713
3)Rogers Hornsby 2110
4)Enos Slaughter 2064
5)Red Schoendienst 1980

22)Albert Pujols 1159
36)Jim Edmonds 941

DOUBLES
1)Stan Musial 725
2)Lou Brock 434
3)Joe Medwick 377
4)Rogers Hornsby 367
5)Enos Slaughter 366

18)Albert Pujols 260
21)Jim Edmonds 219

HOMERUNS
1)Stan Musial 475
2)Ken Boyer 255
3)Albert Pujols 250
4)Jim Edmonds 229
5)Ray Lankford 228

RBI
1)Stan Musial 1951
2)Enos Slaughter 1148
3)Jim Bottomley 1105
4)Rogers Hornsby 1072
5)Ken Boyer 1001

10)Albert Pujols 758
15)Jim Edmonds 660

Cardinal Fan

10-03-06, 04:03 PM

Albert Pujols homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field. Chris Duncan scores.

2-0 cardinals #50 for me

Cardinal Fan

11-29-06, 07:48 PM

Snubbed Pujols says MVP should be on playoff team

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Albert Pujols (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6619) thinks he was snubbed.
The St. Louis Cardinals (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=stl)' slugger is upset he lost out to Philadelphia's Ryan Howard (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7437) for the National League MVP award, saying Wednesday the honor should go to someone on a playoff team.

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said in Spanish at a news conference organized by the Dominican Republic's sports ministry.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2680495

jonnyc39

11-29-06, 08:01 PM

I've always liked Pujols, but judging by some of his comments this season, the award last year went right to his head.

JDPNYY

11-29-06, 08:02 PM

I hope he hits 80 home runs next year.

JeterRodriguezSheff

11-29-06, 08:05 PM

he did deserve the award though imo.

Yankeeah

11-29-06, 08:07 PM

While I do generally agree, I think he should shut up. His team almost completly collapsed and they limped into the playoffs.

stephsamps

11-29-06, 08:07 PM

he did deserve the award though imo.

Probably, but I wonder what he thought of AROD winning the award for a last place team when he was in TX? My guess is he didnt care b/c it didn't involve him. Sucks for him that he didn't win, but talking really says nothing good at this point.

JeterRodriguezSheff

11-29-06, 08:19 PM

Oh I agree he should have kept his mouth shut about it, I just agree with the thought that he got snubbed. However I dont think he got snubbed because of his team's performance, he got snubbed because Howard had the 58 homers and that was more important to the voters than Pujols advantage in average, obp, slugging and superior defense.

26 and counting

11-29-06, 08:20 PM

I've always liked Pujols, but judging by some of his comments this season, the award last year went right to his head.

Some guy on the radio said that Pujols is turning into a new version of Bonds - the way that he addresses the media, the things that he says, etc. Basically Pujols has been acting like kind of a jerk recently.

Rice14

11-29-06, 08:29 PM

Of course Howard's Phillies did win two more games than Pujols' Cards did. ;)

Seriously, it's bad form to lobby for an award and even worse form to complain about it afterwards.