Here are his avg. stats thru the first 6 seasons of his career: 125 Runs, 42 HRs, 126 RBIs, .332 BA His lowest runs scored is 112, RBIs at 117, HRs at 34, BA of .314 He suffered his first significant injury this year and rebounded nicely Barring injuries, here are my projected career numbers for him. I have broken it down into his first 6 seasons, his next 6 seasons, which I see as his best and most productive, and his last 6 seasons, where he finally starts to tail off just a bit. Please note that Albert now plays in a much more friendly hitters park at home. First 6 seasons:....... 748 R, 250 HR, 758 RBI, .332 BA Second 6 seasons:... 790 R, 290 HR, 810 RBI, .338 BA Last 6 seasons:....... 690 R, 225 HR, 720 RBI, .315 BA Totals.................... 2228 R, 765 HR, 2288 RBI, .330 BA Pujols would be only 38 years old after his 18th season is complete. He could easily tack on another couple of seasons to these totals if he is still healthy and productive at this point in his career. So 825 home runs, 2400 runs and 2500 RBIs are not out of the question. Here are the all-time record holders: Runs scored:........... Ricky Henderson = 2295 Home Runs:................... Hank Aaron = 755 RBIs:............................ Hank Aaron = 2297 Baseball needs King Albert to stay healthy and take a shot at the record books. He's a great guy and he would at least help overcome, to some degree, the nasty steroid era of baseball. Lord knows we will need someone else to hold the all time home run record besides Barry Bonds.
Sorta related....there's an awesome Cuban restaurant here in Houston called Cafe Piquet. I was there on Saturday, chatting with the owner. Apparently Pujols eats there everytime he's in Houston. The guy said it was common to see Pujols there three times during a four day trip. He also said that Pujols is extremely nice and great with the fans. And if you're ever in Houston, look up Cafe Piquet. It's really, really good.
I know Im a cards fan and it may sound biased, but this guy is the best player overall in the game of baseball. I'd put him up against ARod, Jeter or anyone. He's developing a great glove at first base. He is due for a gold glove this year. He not only hits for power but for average. He isn't one of these 50 HR/ .280 guys. He hits 50 HR's and hits .320. He'll settle for a single the other way as opposed to trying to pull the ball over the fence. He is a good baserunner. He's aggressive. I've also heard good things about his character. You can tell he loves to play the game. I appreciate that about him.
I'll go one better. Albert Pujols, barring injuries, will go down as the best player ever to play the game. He will win 4 or 5 gold gloves, at a minimum. The dude could steal 20-25 bases a year, if he chooses to. He's got it all. And he's a great reflection of a sport that needs it so very badly. The consistency in this guys game is uncanny. Even his playoff numbers project to his annual totals. I have never seen the likes of such a player. And he gets the big hits, when it counts. He led the majors in home runs that gave his team the lead for good. If he doesn't hit that home run against Cla Meredith last week, I don't think the Cardinals make the playoffs.
The best ever is a stretch. There is still a ways to go. He's definately the total package. There have been so many great ball players that it is tough to really say that at this point. He's on his way though. I'd take him over anyone that game has seen in a long time. If I could have Barry in his prime and Albert in his prime, I'd take Albert.
Good analysis but you forgot one thing. Pujols is really about 30 right now. This could impede some of his record chasing.
no, pujols goes by dog years. i was gonna say the exact thing. i've never believed his age from the time he was called up. not even close. obviously he's older, at least 5 years.
