Albert Pujols, 34, hopes he can bounce back after a horrible 2013 season.
Pujols had career lows in batting average (.258) home runs (17) runs batted in (64) hits (101) runs (49) and games played (99). He was plagued a injured left foot, something he said in November was "99.9 percent healed."
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim went 78-84 in 2013, far below expectations after signing outfielder Josh Hamilton in the off-season. Hamilton and Pujols were not up to par in 2013 and Pujols wants to change that.
"You're going to see it when I run and move around," Pujols told the LA Times. "I'll let your eyes be the judge. I might steal five or six bags this year."
Pujols credits his shape due to off-season workouts. He was able to swing in the cages earlier and get his bat back up to speed.
"But as long as I stay healthy, I know I'm going to hit and I'm going to play this game as hard as I can and try to have a big smile and try to help this organization win a championship," Pujols stated. "This is not about Albert Pujols."
While fans want to see Pujols be the Hall of Fame hitter of old, that may not be possible. Like it or not, Pujols is getting older. He's coming off a hefty foot injury and hasn't been the same since 2011 (other than the 2011 World Series). 2011 was the first season Pujols failed to hit .300 or drive in 100 runs (.299 and 99 RBI).
Over his last three seasons, the three-time NL MVP has averaged 28 home runs and 89 runs batted in per season. Those are good numbers, but nowhere near the production fans are used to from Pujols. His statistics are going down with age, even in the American League. Pujols only played 34 games at first base in 2013. The other 65 games were spent as the Angels' Designated Hitter.
"It was a great off-season," Pujols told reporters. "Like I told you guys at the end of the season last year, everything happens for a reason. It stunk sitting on the bench for almost 2 1/2 months last year, as competitive an athlete as I am. But at the same time, it happened for the best, because I was able to not have the surgery on my heel and miss maybe some of my off-season training."
As Pujols gets older, he will DH more often. His time in Major League Baseball is dwindling. Simply look at Pujols' statistics to see the truth. He is eight home runs away from 500. No "spring chicken" in baseball reaches 500 home runs. Should he remain healthy, Pujols will finish 2014 with 500 home runs, more than 2500 career hits and possibly 1600 RBI. While those numbers show greatness, they also show a superstar past his prime.
Albert Pujols has a Hall of Fame legacy, but is no longer a Hall of Fame player. I don't believe he's an all-star at this point. There is only one thing guaranteed for Pujols during the 2014 season, a chance at redemption. He can stop doubters like myself and reclaim his title as baseball's greatest player, an honor that may already belong to his teammate, Mike Trout.
Trout, 21, hit .323 with 27 home runs and 93 runs batted in during the 2013 season. He led the American League in runs (109) and walks (110). He is already drawing comparisons to the start of Pujols' career and has received praise from the 9x all-star. MLB.com also reported that Trout and Pujols would bat back-to-back in 2014, ironic considering the constant comparisons made about the two.
"He acts like a veteran guy," said Pujols. "The way he runs the bases, the way he goes after the ball, he knows the game. And when he's on base, you know he's going to score."
Only time will tell if Pujols regains his old form as a Hall of Fame hitter. However one thing is certain.
He will give 2014 everything he has. We can doubt Pujols' skill, but not his heart or will to win.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
