Pujols..ha

[Socnorb11]

Albert separates himself from these guys by striking out less, walking more, and hitting for a higher average. Not by hitting more homers than them, necessarily. Albert could very well hit 10 fewer homers than Prince Fielder this year, but still be a more valuable player than Prince.

Well, Albert hit 1 fewer homer than Fielder last year, and Albert was less valuable (according to Fangraphs). I think it's going to be difficult for him to hit 10 fewer homers and be more valuable.

[Jocephus]

Major League Baseball and the Players Association have informed teams and agents that they will no longer approve personal-service deals and special "milestone" bonus clauses similar to those contained in Albert Pujols' contract with the Angels, officials of both agencies told ESPN.com.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/78361 ... als-future

[Joe Shlabotnik]

Major League Baseball and the Players Association have informed teams and agents that they will no longer approve personal-service deals and special "milestone" bonus clauses similar to those contained in Albert Pujols' contract with the Angels, officials of both agencies told ESPN.com.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/78361 ... als-future

Now that's interesting. Wonder what the Players Association's beef is?

[Felix The Cat]

Perhaps they're afraid of a slippery slope situation where the bulk of a contract's money is tied up in such clauses? Isn't it the PA that opposes clauses that award money for reaching performance thresholds (extra million for hitting 30 HR in a season, etc)?

[jim]

He's begging. He hit one to the track, the fans got up with raised arms, Pujols did the watch and stare bat flip thing, and then .... two outs. F7. Pujols threw his head back in disbelief.

That's what happens when you get old Albert, they just don't go as far as they used to.

He's made at least two plays in the field tonight though that were pretty sweet.

[go birds]

Chemistry issues concern Angels?

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumo ... itter_feed

What's funny about this blog post is that there is a picture of the prodigal child, but the actual post makes no mention of Albert.

I can't help but feel as if Albert was at the center of most of whatever clubhouse issues were plaguing the Cardinals.

I do kinda question how it translates to the field though, considering the run we had with Pujols and LaRussa.

Makes you wonder though.

[slide_into_first]

6-14.

That's what the Angels started the season they won the World Series.

[JoeMcKim]

Pujols did the watch and stare bat flip thing, and then .... two outs. F7. Pujols threw his head back in disbelief.

I hate when players stand there and admire their long hits. What happens if the OF drops the ball and you're only a few feet away from home plate and would only wind up at 1B after that? Albert hustles so much when it comes to ignoring 3B coaches signs but not so much when it's him running from home plate to 1B whether it's him admiring his home runs or running out ground balls.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I tend to agree...

>> Rangers HAVE IT!
> Yes they do, but unfortunately the "IT" is "World Series chokatosis"..............
If Nelson Cruz could catch a routine fly ball, they'd be World Series Champions right now.

[Radbird]

6-14.

That's what the Angels started the season they won the World Series.

From the same poster:

I doubt the Nationals maintain their 11-4 start.

And the response:

You don't think they'll win 119 games this year?

Which helps to keep things in perspective. And Matt Kemp won't hit 92 home runs. It's still April. My guess is that once he hits his first homer he goes on a HR tear. When all is said and done, Albert will have a very good season - and a few more after that. But continuing to put up the numbers he did in St. Louis as he reaches his mid and late 30's? Outside of Bonds, age-based decline happens to everyone - Stan, Willie, Mickey, Hank, even the Babe.

What Joe and Beerstrike said about his inevitable decline being tolerated by his adoring STL fanbase is true. I don't see that happening in Anaheim.

I'm still an Albert fan and hope he does well and retires as an all-time HoF great. I also think that the Cardinals will fare better over the next 10 years without him. I'm not expecting the 2001 Mariners without A-Rod, but remember that the Cards did not win anything the last half of Stan's career.