The forgotten man it seems like these days, Albert Pujols may have risen from the dead this season. With 8 home runs already it seems that he may have found that once magical stroke that carried his former St Louis Cardinals to the fall classic on multiple occasions. Since the 10 year 250 million dollar deal with the Angels, Pujols has not been the same player, with his average dropping into the .250 range with decreasing power and run producing ability. Although injuries may have contributed to this decline in recent years, I believe that his approach at the plate may also be a contributing factor.
In his glory days, Albert would mash the ball to all fields with power and for average. Right center used to be a power alley for this great slugger, but is no more. Since joining the Angels in 2012, Pujols has not hit a single homer to the opposite field. This one dimensionality limits the ability to cover the plate and fight off multiple types of pitches. If you watch closely, Pujols struggles on outsides pitches, normally rolling over them and grounding out to the shortstop.
Even with the reduced numbers which were freakish to say the least, averaging 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in his first 12 seasons is inconceivable. Those may be the best starting 10-12 seasons for a career for any player in history. To hit 500 homers has only been accomplished by 25 other men, so with that we welcome Pujols to the club. There have been more players in history to achieve the 3000 hit plateau than to hit 500 home runs. I don't think Albert will be stopping there though, as he is still under contract until 2021. My personal prediction is that he will fall between 640-650 home runs suggesting that he retires after his current deal expires in his 40's.
A tip of the cap to one of my favorite players, and here's to hoping he can keep it up.
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