Albert Pujols
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Born: Jan 16, 1980
- Debut: April 2, 2001
SEASON
| AVG | HR | RBI | Runs | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .327 | 47 | 135 | 124 | 16 |
Newsbreakers
November 12, 2009
MLB.com announced the award winners for the NL Silver Slugger. Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols, Phillies' second baseman Chase Utley, Marlins' shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Nationals' third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, Brewers' outfielder Ryan Braun, Dodgers' outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, Braves' catcher Brian McCann, and Cubs' pitcher Carlos Zambrano all took home the award.
Our View:
If there is a NL award, Pujols will most likely be going home with it this season. Both Dodger players were very good this season, and should be for many years to come.
November 1, 2009
Bud Selig announced on Sunday that Albert Pujols won the Hank Aaron Award for the National League, according to TSN. The award is voted on by fans for the most outstanding offensive performer.
Our View:
Pujols hit .327 with a career-best 47 home runs, 135 RBI, 124 runs scored, 45 doubles, and a team-high 16 stolen bases this year. He led the league in homers, runs, on-base percentage (.443) and slugging percentage (.658), while ranking third in RBI.
October 29, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols wants to remain with the team for the rest of his career. "The fans know and the Cardinals know that I want to be a Cardinal for my whole career," Pujols said. "I love this city."
Our View:
Pujols wanted to clarify remarks he made to a Dominican radio station a few weeks ago in which he said he was in no hurry to sign an extension with the team. Pujols said he still has two years left on his deal, and he wants the team to focus on signing their free agents, specifically Matt Holliday. That sound you just heard was the collective exhale of everyone in the city of St. Louis.
October 29, 2009
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Cardina;s' first baseman Albert Pujols has been voted the NL Most Outstanding Player by the MLB Players Association. Pujols hit .327 with 47 homers and 135 RBI for the Cards this season.
Our View:
In other news, the sky is blue and the world is round. Pujols figures to walk away with any award pertaining to being the most outstanding player in his league, so it's good to see the MLBPA got it right. Expect another MVP award to be up on his mantle in a few weeks as well.
October 26, 2009
As expected, retired slugger Mark McGwire has been named as the Cardinals' 2010 hitting coach, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Perhaps the greatest hitter of the "steroid era" will now join forces with the best hitter of the "post-steroid era." It should make for an interesting season, no doubt, and the famously clammy McGwire might end up doing more talking about the past than he, or the team, would like.
October 26, 2009
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has confirmed that manager Tony La Russa will be returning to manage the Cardinals for a 15th season in 2010. It is a one-year deal.
Our View:
The word came straight from GM John Mozeliak's mouth. It is also believed there is a mutual option for 2011. Now all that waits for the Cardinals and their coaching staff is confirmation that Mark McGwire will join the team as its new hitting coach.
October 25, 2009
ESPN's Buster Olney reports that Tony LaRussa's new deal with the Cardinals is for one year with a mutual option for 2011.
Our View:
So Tony will stick it out for one more season in St. Louis before he invariably decides to create more drama next offseason about whether he'll hang around or fly the coop. The mutual option for 2011 means that either party can cut ties and walk away. No telling what to expect now, but LaRussa's tenure in St. Louis has been good to him, and the Cardinals.
October 25, 2009
According to Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse, the Cardinals have hired Mark McGwire as their hitting coach.
Our View:
The man who wanted to leave baseball behind him is now back in the spotlight. The Bash Brother has a great relationship with Tony LaRussa and trains with several of the Cardinal players in the offseason, so this move isn't as shocking as many would think. We know he doesn't like to talk about the past, but he's not on the golf course anymore and will likely have to address some of his past foibles.
October 25, 2009
ESPN is reporting that the Cardinals plan on firing hitting coach Hal McRae with designs on replacing him with famed slugger Mark McGwire.
Our View:
The report comes on the heels of word that manager Tony La Russa is returning to St. Louis. McGwire has long been a favorite of TLR's, and while seemingly out of nowhere, would make a good deal of sense. More as it develops.
October 25, 2009
ESPN reports that manager Tony La Russa has agreed to a new "multiyear contract" with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Our View:
While La Russa himself fueled it, speculation that he was leaving St. Louis appears to have been quite overblown. Now all the teams thinking they had a chance at him either this offseason or next can stop dreaming.
October 23, 2009
Long-time Cardinals manager Tony La Russa again insinuated on Friday that he is leaning toward returning to the team for a 15th season in 2010, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
La Russa has been mulling his future ever since the Cardinals were unceremoniously swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS a few weeks ago, but most signs have him returning to St. Louis.
October 22, 2009
Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal does not envision Cardinals manager Tony La Russa managing a different team next season.
Our View:
He believes it will either be the Cardinals or no one. La Russa has said he will come to a decision in the coming days. While the smart money appears to be on him coming back to St. Louis, he likes to surprise, so you can never be sure.
October 22, 2009
Former Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire has told The Sporting News that first baseman Albert Pujols would be worth "$30 million plus" on the free agent market, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Shh, Mark. They were hoping no one would tell him that. All kidding aside, Pujols is obviously in position to command the largest contract of all time when he becomes a free agent after the 2011 season, but he has claimed repeatedly that winning, and not money, is his number one priority, and hinted he would take less to remain a Cardinal if he could tell they were committed to it. Of course, no one would argue that the Yankees and Red Sox are not committed to winning, either, just as they are committed to handing out gargantuan contracts to whomever will accept them.
October 21, 2009
According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, probable National League MVP Albert Pujols underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to have bone spurs removed from his right elbow.
Our View:
Both doctors that performed the surgery on Pujols agreed that the elbow did not need ligament reconstruction, and he is expected to be fine for the start of spring training 2010. The team left open the possibility that another more intrusive operation would be necessary, but the Cardinal slugger has been playing with a tear in his elbow ligament since 2003, so there is no reason to expect him to miss any time next season.
October 20, 2009
Albert Pujols will undergo surgery on Wednesday to have five bone spurs removed from his right elbow, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. He is expected to be fully recovered by the start of spring training.
Our View:
Pujols also had a procedure last offseason on the elbow. It is good to know that he isn't expected to miss any regular season time, but you have too wonder how many of these "minor" surgeries he can have before Tommy John is in order.
October 16, 2009
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals' slugger Albert Pujols is scheduled to meet with Dr James Andrews for a second opinion on his fragile right elbow. Pujols underwent surgery last year to transpose a nerve around the same elbow.
Our View:
The Cards don't seem overly concerned by this visit, but they are obviously going to keep an eye on the situation. Surgery isn't expected to be an option, but you never know in these situations. We will make sure to pass along any info from the visit when it is released.
October 15, 2009
Yahoo! Sports reports that perennial MVP candidate Albert Pujols does not want pursue a long-term contract extension this winter.
Our View:
The Cardinals were expected to try and lock up Albert this offseason, but the slugger has decided to wait another year before making a decision. "I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension," Pujols said. "I still have a one year contract in 2010 with a club option for 2011. The rest I leave in God's hands." This year's likely MVP winner still has a desire to stay in St. Louis, but doesn't want to deal with business just yet. Fortunately for Cards fans, all signs still point to him remaining in the Gateway City.
October 13, 2009
Cardinals' chairman Bill DeWitt told Bernie Miklasz on Tuesday that he believes that manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan will both return next season. DeWitt also said that slugger Albert Pujols has communicated a desire to get a long-term deal done this winter.
Our View:
These are all good pieces of news for Cardinal fans, as it was believed that La Russa and Duncan were on the way out. Pujols is still under contract, but it is good to know that he wants to get a long-term deal done to stay in St. Louis. The front office in St. Louis will be busy this offseason with these and other issues.
October 11, 2009
USA Today reports that Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is undecided about returning to the Cardinals next season. La Russa admitted he just started thinking about it following Saturday's loss to the Dodgers that eliminated his team from the postseason.
Our View:
GM John Mozeliak does not seem in any hurry to get him out of town, so this decision will likely come down to La Russa. Given that the Cards have a core of Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright locked up, it seems a good bet that TLR will return.
October 10, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-5 with two singles and an RBI in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS at Busch Stadium.
Our View:
The Cardinals only mustered six hits in the game, and Pujols was their lone source of scoring. The Cardinals were swept in three games after winning the NL Central with a 91-71 mark.
October 10, 2009
SI.com is reporting that Dodgers' manager Joe Torre will not allow Cardinals' slugger Albert Pujols to beat his team in this NLDS series. The Dodgers have pitched around Pujols in the first two games when runners have been on, and they can afford to be even more cautious now that they have a 2-0 series lead.
Our View:
Torre has come out and said that Pujols is getting walked if people are on base, so someone else in the lineup is going to have to step up and get a big hit. The Birds have had a terrible two games at the plate, but a few two out RBI could turn their series around tonight.
October 4, 2009
Albert Pujols ended the regular season on a down note, going just 1-for-5 with a walk in a 9-7, ten-inning loss to the Brewers on Sunday.
Our View:
Still, the games best hitter wound up third in the NL in average (.327), third in RBI (135), and first in home runs (47). He also led the world in on base percentage, slugging percentage, intentional walks and a glut of other statistical categories. He is clearly the National League's most valuable player.
October 2, 2009
Albert Pujols went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in tonight's 12-6 loss to the Brewers at Busch Stadium. He hit a pair of doubles and a single.
Our View:
The elite first baseman raised his batting average to .331, and collected his 135 RBI and scored his MLB-leading 124th run.
October 1, 2009
Updating a previous report, Cardinals' beat writer Matthew Leach is reporting on Twitter that Albert Pujols was a late addition to the Cardinals' lineup on Thursday. Pujols was feeling ill when he came to the park, but he is feeling much better and will play.
Our View:
It seems like the Cards should just sit Pujols today to be safe, but this is great news for fantasy owners. Pujols should be good to go today, so keep him in your lineup or get him back in if you already replaced him.
October 1, 2009
Albert Pujols is not in the Cardinals' lineup for their Thursday afternoon game against the Reds. Pujols will be replaced by David Freese at first base.
Our View:
Albert is just getting a day off to rest before the playoffs, and he is expected to play this weekend. Many of you who are still fighting for a fantasy baseball probably have Pujols on your team, so find another option for today.
September 30, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with his 134th RBI on Wednesday night, but the Cardinals still lost 6-1 in Cincinnati.
Our View:
The 134 RBI are just three off his career high from 2006. He also remains two home runs shy of tying his career best of 49 from that season.
September 29, 2009
Albert Pujols doesn't feel right at the dish so he hopes he can convince Tony LaRussa to just keep playing him over the final week of the season, according to the Cardinals Official Website. "Right now, I don't feel good at the plate," he said. If I play the next -- how many games have we got left? -- if I play them all, I'll take that. Because we've gotten plenty of days off."
Our View:
It's not like anyone was going to take the best fantasy performer in the game out of their lineup anyway, but hopefully this will remove any doubts that Pujols will see plenty of action over the final week of the season.
September 27, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-4 and drove in all three Cardinal runs in a 4-3 loss to the Rockies on Sunday afternoon.
Our View:
Pujols now has 132 RBI on the season, one in which he's a veritable lock to win his third MVP. He's having a nice stretch run to put a cap on it too, hitting .371 with six homers and 22 RBI in September.
September 16, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with his 127th RBI on Wednesday afternoon, but got deprived of trying the game with his sixth grand slam of the season in a 5-1 game in the ninth inning after getting hit by a pitch, as the Cardinals lost 5-2 to the Marlins at home.
Our View:
Pujols has now, at least for the moment, moved one ahead of Prince Fielder in the National League RBI race. It's one of the NL's only races with any drama heading down the the stretch.
September 15, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Brewers.
Our View:
Pujols has all but locked up his third MVP award this season and he's been turning it on down the stretch just to make sure. He's hitting .431 in September with six homers and 16 RBI.
September 9, 2009
Albert Pujols did it again on Wednesday. He led the Cardinals attack with a 3-for-5 performance that included two homers and three RBI in their 5-1 win over the Brewers.
Our View:
After "struggling" a bit by Pujols' standards since the addition of Matt Holliday, King Albert has beefed up his numbers the last 12 games. He's hit safely in 11 of his last 12 contests and has raised his average from .316 to .331. He's also homered seven times over that span and driven in 17. Pujols leads the majors with his 47 long balls and trails Prince Fielder (125) by just one in the RBI department.
September 7, 2009
Albert Pujols stayed hot on Monday in the Cardinals' 3-0 win over the Brewers. Pujols went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and two RBI in the win.
Our View:
Pujols is 6-for-9 over the last two games, and he has driven in three in that time. The best player in the game is on right now, and that has to be scary for opposing pitchers and opposed fantasy owners as well.
September 6, 2009
One day after hitting a game-winning home run in the tenth inning, Albert Pujols went 3-for-5 with an RBI on Sunday, but couldn't help the Cards sweep the Pirates, as Pittsburgh rallied for a 6-5 victory at home.
Our View:
In six September games, El Hombre is batting .409 with three home runs and eight RBI.
September 5, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-1 with a solo homer off Matt Capps in Saturday's 2-1 win at Pittsburgh.
Our View:
Pujols' shot came in the top of the 10th inning, and proved to be a game-winner for St. Louis. He has seven RBI over five games this month, and 117 for 2009.
September 4, 2009
Albert Pujols launched his 43rd home run of the season on Friday night as the Cardinals exploded for 14 runs against the Pirates. Pujols went 2-for-4 with the homer, three runs scored, and three RBI in the 14-7 win.
Our View:
Pujols is a Pirate killer, and he showed why tonight. With the Cards down 6-5 in the sixth inning, Pujols pounded a pitch into the left field stands to put St. Louis up for good. He is leading the league in homers, and his 116 RBI are second to Prince Fielder's 121.
September 1, 2009
Albert Pujols hit his major league leading 42nd home run in the Cardinals' 7-6 win over the Brewers on Tuesday night. He was 1-for-3 on the day with two runs scored and a pair of walks.
Our View:
Tuesday marked the first time that Pujols and newcomer Matt Holliday had homered in the same game. If these two get hot at the same time the rest of the league is in trouble. Pujols' efforts Tuesday also inched him closer to Prince Fielder for the RBI crown, and he now has 111 on the season.
August 30, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 and singled home the game winning run in the Cardinals' 2-1 win over the Nationals on Sunday. He also stole his 14th base of the season.
Our View:
Pujols won Friday's game with a walk-off homer, but got the job done in less dramatic fashion on Sunday. The Cardinals swept the three-game series and Albert was 5-for-11 in the series.
August 28, 2009
Albert Pujols smashed his 41st home run nearly out of the stadium on Friday night, walking the Cardinals off to their 75th win, as St. Louis beat the Nats 3-2 at home.
Our View:
The home run was Pujols' 100th run scored of the season. In eight of his nine seasons in the big leagues, he has now scored 100 runs, driven in 100 runs and swatted 30 home runs.
August 25, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-3 with the only RBI of the game as the Cardinals beat the Astros 1-0 on Tuesday. Pujols doubled home Brendan Ryan in first inning to give starter Adam Wainwright all the offense he would need.
Our View:
Even in a game that featured six hits combined, Albert finds a way to make an impact. He is the best player in baseball, and barring injury he will finish the season as the top fantasy player in the game.
August 23, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-3 with a solo homer off Edward Mujica in Sunday's 5-2 win at San Diego.
Our View:
Pujols crushed his sixth homer of August, and is the first player in the majors to reach 40 this season. He hit at least 40 homers for the fifth time in his nine-year career as well.
August 22, 2009
Albert Pujols broke an 0-for-12 skid with a single in Friday's 4-0 loss to the Padres.
Our View:
Slump buster or not, Albert has not looked himself lately. He finished Friday's game 1-for-4 and is now hitting under .300 for the month. His average is down to a very un-Pujols .317.
August 17, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-4 with a solo homer off Charlie Haeger in tonight's 3-2 win at Los Angeles.
Our View:
Pujols continues to lead the majors with 39 homers, with five coming this month. He also paces the Cardinals with a .325 batting average and 105 RBI. He needs one more homer to reach 40 in a season for the fifth time in his career.
August 8, 2009
Albert Pujols did it again on Saturday. The Machine laced a bases loaded double in the sixth inning to break open a close game against the Pirates that led to a 5-3 Cardinal win. The blast plated RBI number 98, 99 and 100 for the season.
Our View:
It took just 112 games (the fewest in his career) for Albert to reach the century mark for his record-breaking ninth consecutive season to start a career. He also continued his torrid assault on pitchers when hitting with the sacs jammed. He is now 8-for-10 with the bases loaded this season and owns five grand slams and 27 RBI. What's left for us to do but stare in awe?
August 5, 2009
After breaking out of his slump in grand fashion on Tuesday, Cardinals' slugger Albert Pujols kept on rolling Wednesday against the Mets. His two doubles in three at-bats were the lone offensive bright spots in his team's 9-0 loss.
Our View:
After recording just two extra-base hits (no home runs) from July 18th through August 3rd, Pujols now has five in his last three games. His three doubles and two homers should be a sure fire sign that he's back on track.
August 4, 2009
Albert Pujols broke out of his slump on Tuesday as he powered the Cardinals to a come from behind 12-7 win over the Mets. Pujols went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, three runs scored, and five RBI.
Our View:
A hitter as good as Albert can't be kept down for long, and he broke out in a big way against the Mets tonight. His tenth inning grand slam gave the Cards a comfortable lead, and he is now 7-for-9 with five home runs this season with the bases loaded. That's outrageous, we know, but it's Albert.
August 2, 2009
Albert Pujols' struggles continued on Sunday. The game's best hitter went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in a game where the Cardinals desperately needed some offense. They were blanked by the Astros 2-0.
Our View:
Pujols hasn't homered since July 17th and has just two extra base hits over that span. He's seen his average fall to .314 (his career low) and it looks like hopes of a Triple Crown have all but vanished. One has to wonder if the best player in baseball s hiding an injury that's sapping his production.
July 30, 2009
Albert Pujols' walk-off single ended an epic game between the Cardinals and the Dodgers in the bottom of the 15th inning on early Thursday. The Cardinals tied the game 1-1 in the ninth off unhittable closer Jonathan Broxton, while the teams traded runs in the 11th to make it 2-2. In between the 11th and the 15th came two hosed runners at home plate, a missed first base bag on a "double," a number of incredible catches and myriad spectacular relief pitching performances. The Cardinals 3-2 win ensured them a win of the four game series with the Dodgers.
Our View:
Albert did it again. His big hit could not have come at a better time, either. Baseball's best player had just one RBI in his past nine gams, and had seen his average dip to .321, his lowest since early June. Look for this game to potentially jump-start El Hombre.
July 23, 2009
Albert Pujols is out of Thursday's lineup at Washington, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
The elite first baseman is not injured, and is just getting a day off to rest. Mark DeRosa will cover first base in his place.
July 18, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-3 with a single and an RBI in tonight's 4-2 loss to the Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium.
Our View:
The elite first baseman has 13 RBI over 14 games in July, and continues to lead the majors with 90. He also leads with 34 homers and 75 runs scored.
July 18, 2009
Albert Pujols picked up right where he left off in the first half on Friday in the Cardinals' 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks. Pujols went 2-for-4 with two home runs, two runs scored, and two RBI in the game.
Our View:
If anyone thought Albert couldn't keep up his first half pace, he proved them wrong tonight. He homered twice, and he looks to be a legitimate Triple Crown candidate. Obviously, as long as he is healthy he is a top fantasy option in all formats.
July 13, 2009
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that the batting order for Monday night's Home Run Derby has been released. The first hitter will be Rangers' outfielder Nelson Cruz, followed by Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder, Tigers' infielder Brandon Inge, Padres' first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Rays' first baseman Carlos Pena, Phillies' first baseman Ryan Howard, Twins' catcher Joe Mauer, and Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols.
Our View:
Pujols gets to hit last in his home ballpark, which will be rocking when he walks to the plate. The top four will advance to the second round, and Pujols has to be considered the favorite going into the contest.
July 13, 2009
Charlie Manuel has revealed his lineup and batting order for the National League in tomorrow night's All-Star game, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. In order it is, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, second baseman Chase Ultey, first baseman Albert Pujols, right fielder Ryan Braun, left fielder Raul Ibanez, third baseman David Wright, center fielder Shane Victorino, Yadier Molina at catcher and Tim Lincecum starting.
Our View:
Victorino is starting in place of the injured Carlos Beltran. It will the first All-Star starts for Molina, Ibanez and Victornio.
July 12, 2009
Albert Pujols provided most of the Cardinals' offense as usual on Sunday in their 7-3 loss to the Cubs. Pujols went 1-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and two RBI in the game.
Our View:
Pujols is still the best hitter in the game today, and without him the Cardinals would not be in the place they are now. As long as he stays on the field, he will be the top fantasy option in baseball in the second half.
July 11, 2009
Albert Pujols was productive in Saturday's 5-2 loss at Chicago, as he went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Both of his knocks were singles.
Our View:
Pujols raised his season average a few more points to .338, and continues to lead the majors with 72 runs scored. The elite first baseman has two hits in three straight games.
July 10, 2009
Albert Pujols enjoyed another strong outing at the plate, as he went 2-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored in Friday's 8-3 win at Chicago. He had a triple and a solo homer off Rich Harden.
Our View:
Pujols continues to lead the majors with 32 homers, 85 RBI and 71 runs scored, and raised his batting average a few points to .336. He collected his first triple of the season today as well.
July 9, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 5-1 win at Milwaukee. He hit a single and a double.
Our View:
Pujols is hitting .332, and continues to lead the majors with 83 RBI and 68 runs scored.
July 5, 2009
Cardinals' first baseman Albert Pujols was the leading vote-getter for the NL's All-Star team, according to MLB.com. He will be joined in the starting lineup by catcher Yadier Molina, infielders Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, and David Wright, and outfielders Ryan Braun, Carlos Beltran, and Raul Ibanez.
Our View:
Pujols was the leading vote-getter in the entire league, and received the second most votes of all time, second only to Ken Griffey Jr who achieved the feat earlier in his career. Ibanez and Beltran are currently injured, and are questionable for the game.
July 3, 2009
Albert Pujols did it again on Friday night. The game's best player put the Cardinals on his back and stole a game from the Cincinnati Reds. Trailing 3-0 in the seventh, Pujols hit his fourth grand slam of the season to give the Cards a 4-3 lead. They never looked back, winning the game 7-4 and Albert finished the day 2-for-5 with five RBI.
Our View:
The NL player of the month for June is already getting it done in July. Pujols leads the majors in homers (31) and RBI (82) and has been insane with the bases loaded. He is now 6-for-7 with four grand slams and 20 RBI with the sacks juiced this season. Friday's salami was also his 350th career home run. He's the third youngest player to reach that mark.
July 3, 2009
The Miami Herald is reporting that Cardinals' slugger Albert Pujols has been named the NL player of the month for June. Pujols batted .320 with a league-leading 14 homers and 35 RBI during the month. He also had 10 doubles and scored 19 times.
Our View:
Pujols has pretty much carried the Cards' offense in June, so this award is well deserved. He is the best hitter in the game, and the top fantasy player in baseball.
June 30, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Giants at Busch Stadium. He swatted two homers off Randy Johnson.
Our View:
Pujols continues to pad his MLB lead in home runs with 30, and also leads with 77 RBI. Fourteen of his homers were launched in June.
June 29, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-3 with a double in tonight's 10-0 loss to the Giants at Busch Stadium.
Our View:
The Cardinals only mustered two hits in the game against opposing ace hurler Tim Lincecum. Pujols has a five-game hitting streak, and his season average remains at .328.
June 27, 2009
Albert Pujols did it all again on Saturday. The games best player crushed two more home runs, walked twice, drove in four and flashed some impressive leather in the Cardinals' 5-4 win over the Twins.
Our View:
Why teams continue to pitch to Albert is mystery. He created all the offense the Cards needed on Saturday and extended his major league lead in homers and RBI. The Machine now has 28 bombs and 74 RBI to go along with his .328 average. Don't look now, but a triple crown season is within reach.
June 23, 2009
The reigning NL MVP did it again on Tuesday, ripping a bases loaded two-run single in the seventh inning to cushion the Cardinals 3-0 victory over the Mets at Citi Field.
Our View:
El Hombre now has 70 RBIs in 71 games and is on pace for his best season yet.
June 23, 2009
It has been announced that President Barack Obama will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the this season's All-Star game on July 14 in St. Louis, according to MLB.com.
Our View:
Obama will be the fourth U.S. President to throw out the first pitch at the Midsummer Classic, and the first since Gerald Ford.
June 22, 2009
Albert Pujols has been named the National League player of the week for the week ending June 21, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Even though Albert Pujols is the National Player of the week every week, what he did between last Monday and Sunday merited special consideration. The slugging first baseman went 7-for-18 with four home runs, six runs scored and 11 RBIs. It was also announced on Monday that Pujols has retaken the overall vote getting lead in the National League for the All-Star game, edging past Phillies second baseman Chase Utley.
June 21, 2009
Albert Pujols enjoyed another great day at the ballpark, as he went 4-for-6 with six RBI in Sunday's 12-5 win at Kansas City. He hit a single, double and two homers.
Our View:
Pujols now has 10 homers in June, and continues to lead the majors with 26. He has 10 RBI over his last three games as well.
June 20, 2009
Albert Pujols bombed his 24th homer of the season on Saturday as the Cardinals beat the Royals 7-1. Pujols went 1-for-4 with the homer, a run scored, and two RBI in the game.
Our View:
There is nothing else to be said about Albert that hasn't already been said a hundred times over. He is the best player in the game, and he is without a doubt the best fantasy player available. Those of you who drafted Pujols first overall over Hanley in your drafts can feel free to gloat at this point.
June 20, 2009
According to the Post Dispatch, Albert Pujols was removed from Friday's contest in the seventh inning due to dehydration and right hamstring soreness.
Our View:
These issues don't sound too serious, but when you're dealing with the best player in the game even a sneeze gets people worried. Manager Tony LaRussa has yet to make a decision on whether Pujols will start Saturday's game. Odds are that he will, but we'll keep you posted.
June 18, 2009
Albert Pujols has been given the day off on Thursday.
Our View:
Be sure to sit him in daily leagues if you have someone to start in his place.
June 16, 2009
Albert Pujols hit his league leading 23rd home run of the season on Tuesday night in the Cardinals 11-2 win over Detroit.
Our View:
Pujols continues to be incomparable. He is once again a leading MVP candidate and the likely starter at first base for the National League in next month's All-Star game.
June 13, 2009
Albert Pujols went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs off Tom Ohka in Saturday's 3-1 win at Cleveland. His other hit was a double.
Our View:
The elite first baseman has homered in three straight games, and now has 22 for the season - currently tying him with Adrian Gonzalez for the MLB lead.
June 12, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Friday's 7-3 loss at Cleveland. He hit a solo homer off Davd Huff, and also had a single.
Our View:
Pujols has homered in back-to-back games, and collected his 20th of the season. He also has 55 RBI, with 13 coming so far in June.
June 11, 2009
Albert Pujols hit his first home run since June 5 in the Cardinals 6-5 win over the Marlins on Thursday. The slugger also snapped a 1-for-16 slump by going 1-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs.
Our View:
El Hombre's mini slump appears to be over. Bad news for the Indians pitchers he'll be facing this weekend, great news for your fantasy team.
June 7, 2009
Albert Pujols didn't record a hit on Sunday, but still drove in the Cardinals' only two runs of the game with a sacrifice fly in the first inning. The Rockies clobbered the Redbirds 7-2.
Our View:
Pujols' average fell to .333, but the two RBI put him over the 50 mark for the season. He is zero for his last six following an eight game hitting streak that raised his average almost 30 points.
June 4, 2009
Albert Pujols led the Cardinals offensively in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Reds at Busch Stadium, as he went 2-for-4 with three RBI. He hit a two-run homer and a double.
Our View:
The elite first baseman was the only source of scoring for St. Louis. He extended his hitting streak to seven games, with 11 total hits and eight RBI over the span. He also collected his 17th homer of the season.
June 2, 2009
Albert Pujols helped lead the Cardinals in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Reds at Busch Stadium, as he went 1-for-3 with a two-run double.
Our View:
The elite first baseman extended his hitting streak to five games, with nine hits and five RBI over the span.
June 2, 2009
Albert Pujols told reporters on Monday night that he would be in Tuesday's lineup after rolling his ankle sliding awkwardly into second base, according to MLBlogs.com. Pujols was checked out by the team trainer but remained in the game.
Our View:
The ankle looked like it would be in bad shape, but after a few minutes of sitting on the field Pujols got up and stayed in the game. He looked to be fine the rest of the night, so expect him to play tonight and have no complications.
May 30, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with two solo home runs in Saturday's 6-2 win at San Francisco.
Our View:
Pujols ended a seven-game drought without a homer, and clubbed two homers in a game for the third time this season.
May 30, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-4 with a run scored in the Cardinals' 4-2 loss to the Giants on Friday night.
Our View:
Pujols hit the ball to the warning track in his first at-bat and was robbed in his fourth by a diving stop at third. He could very easily have gone 4-for-4 and he looked more comfortable at the plate with Ryan Ludwick back in the lineup and hitting behind him once again. Expect Albert to heat up.
May 22, 2009
Albert Pujols was 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored as the Cardinals defeated the Royals 5-0 on Friday.
Our View:
This is among the first baseman's least spectacular games, but he was still effective. A big portion of what makes Pujols so good is that he doesn't try and do to much. He has 28 walks against just 12 strikeouts on the season.
May 21, 2009
Albert Pujols hit his 14th home run of the season in the first inning of the Cardinals' 3-1 series sweeping win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. It was a solo shot and Pujols' only hit in three at-bats.
Our View:
The home run Albert blasted was still going up when it crashed into Big Mac Land and destroyed the lights that kept the "I" lit up and glowing. We doubt they'll make Albert pay for it, as he is king in St. Louis and you'd be hard pressed to find someone who'll complain about one of his immaculate homers. He's hitting .326 on the season with 14 bombs and 38 RBI and appears to be pulling out of his recent skid.
May 15, 2009
The Cardinals-Brewers game that was rained out Friday will be made up Monday at 7:15.
Our View:
There was some speculation that they would wait until the end of August to make it up, but it was decided that Monday was a better option.
May 15, 2009
The Cardinals-Brewers game has been postponed tonight due to inclement weather.
Our View:
No make-up date has been officially announced, but it is believed the game will be made up on August 31. We will keep you updated when we find out for sure.
May 12, 2009
Albert Pujols hit his 13th home run of the season on Tuesday. It was his only hit in four at bats and accounted for all of the Cardinals' offense as the fell 7-1 to the Pirates.
Our View:
Pujols is having a monster season once again, but is in a bit of a slump. He has only two hits in his last 17 at-bats and has seen his average fall from .364 to .328 in his last five games. However, both of his hits over that span left the park. Expect him to turn it up soon as Pujols rarely slumps at all and when he does it never lasts long.
May 10, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-3 with three walks, a home run, three runs scored, and an RBI as the Cardinals defeated the Reds 8-7 on Sunday.
Our View:
Pujols had gone without a hit in three straight games. His home run today was his NL-leading 12th of the season. He has drawn 22 walks, plus three HBPs, against only 11 strike outs.
May 9, 2009
Albert Pujols started Friday's game, but noted that he was dealing with some discomfort after being struck in the left ribcage by a Ross Ohlendorf pitch in Thursday's outing with Pittsburgh, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
The team or Pujols did not state that he may sit out to rest the ailment, and the elite first baseman should be penciled into fantasy lineups as usual for Saturday's game against the Reds at the Great American Ballpark.
May 8, 2009
Albert Pujols was sore after being struck by a Ross Ohlendorf pitch in the left rib-cage during Thursday's battle with the Pirates, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Pujols said, "You have to be careful."
Our View:
Pujols was struck in an area sensitive to his swing, but the elite first baseman should be fine. The Cardinals start a three-game set against the Reds at the Great American Ballpark Friday.
May 6, 2009
Albert Pujols went 4-for-4 with his eleventh home run, two runs scored, and an RBI as the Cardinals defeated the Pirates 4-2 on Wednesday.
Our View:
Pujols continues to dominate, but he had just one hit in his last eight at bats coming into tonight. That could be considered a slump for the game's best hitter. Tonight was his first four-hit game of the season.
May 5, 2009
According to MLB.com, Cardinal slugger Albert Pujols has been named the NL's Player of the Month for April.
Our View:
Arguably baseball's best player, Pujols was on top of his game in the season's first month. He hit .337 with eight home runs, 28 RBI and 22 runs scored. He drew 18 walks against just seven strikeouts and stole an uncharacteristic four bases.
May 3, 2009
The Cardinals-Nationals Sunday afternoon game has been postponed due to rain. No make-up date has been announced.
Our View:
The teams may have problems making this game up, as the Cards don't visit D.C. again this season. They may play the game when the Nats come to St. Louis in late August, or they coud make it up if necessary after the season is over. We will keep you updated when the game will be made up.
May 2, 2009
Albert Pujols will sit out Saturday's game against the Nationals. Manager Tony La Russa is giving him his first rest of the season, MLB.com reports. Chris Duncan will start at first base.
Our View:
The Cardinals have played 11 straight days and aren't off until May 11. We hate to see Albert on the bench, especially given his recent production, but we can tolerate one day off.
May 1, 2009
Albert Pujols continued his blazing start to the season on Friday as he went 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored, and an RBI. The Cardinals beat the Nationals 6-2.
Our View:
Pujols is simply the best hitter in baseball. His home run tonight was his ninth of the year, and his 29 RBI are the most in baseball. He is really good.
April 30, 2009
Albert Pujols was 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk, two RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base as the Cardinals beat the Nationals 9-4 on Thursday.
Our View:
Pujols has now cracked eight home runs on the season, but maybe more impressively is the fact that he has already swiped four bases. He did steal 16 bags in 2005, but has never stolen more than seven in any other season.
April 27, 2009
Albert Pujols has been named the NL Player of the Week, according to the Sports Network. Pujols earned the honor by hitting .450 with an NL-best 11 RBI. He also swiped a base in three straight games.
Our View:
Pujols led the Cardinals to a 5-1 mark last week, as the club ranks atop the NL Central standings. He will try to remain hot tonight when St. Louis starts a three-game series at Atlanta.
April 25, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-4 with a grand slam as the Cardinals beat the Cubs 8-2 on Saturday. He finished the game with 1,002 RBI.
Our View:
Pujols has been on fire this week with three home runs and 11 RBI in his last five games. He has been locked in and looks poised to make another run at the NL MVP in 2009. He already has 25 RBI and seven through 18 games.
April 24, 2009
The game's best player continues to find ways to steal wins for his team. Albert Pujols, besides going 2-for-4 in the game, stole second in the ninth inning to get himself into scoring position and was instantly driven home on a single by Ryan Ludwick as the Cardinals beat the rival Cubs 4-3 on Friday.
Our View:
There is nothing this man can't do. He now has steals in three consecutive games and with Friday's 2-for-4 performance he raised his average to .355. He also lead the NL with six homers and 21 RBI.
April 23, 2009
Albert Pujols was in top form once again on Thursday. He blasted two home runs, scored four times and drove in three as the Cards swept a three game series against the Mets. The finale was a slug fest, but the Birds ended up on top 12-8.
Our View:
The reigning National League MVP is now hitting .345 with six home runs and 21 RBI. He leads the league in the two aforementioned categories and even gave fantasy owners a boost with stolen bases in his last two games. They don't make them much better than Albert.
April 22, 2009
Albert Pujols was 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, two RBI and a stolen base as the Cardinals beat the Mets 5-2 on Wednesday.
Our View:
To no one's surprise, Pujols currently leads the league in RBI (18). The majority of St. Louis' offense is hitting well and Pujols' numbers will be even better than usual as long as they are.
April 15, 2009
Albert Pujols was 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI on Tuesday, but the Cardinals bullpen familiarly failed again and they fell to the Diamondbacks in 7-6 ten innings.
Our View:
Albert raised his average to .364 and the game's best player now has 11 RBI in his first nine games. He's a big reason the Cards are in first place in the NL Central.
April 13, 2009
Albert Pujols cranked out his fourth home run of the season on Monday in the Cardinals' 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks. It was the reigning MVP's only hit in four at bats.
Our View:
Pujols is off to another great start through eight games as he has 10 RBI and eight runs scored. Just as impressive is that he has drawn six walks against just one strike out.
April 11, 2009
Albert Pujols had a monster game on Saturday, swatting two home runs and driving in seven in the Cardinals' 11-2 battering of the Astros. Pujols hit a grand slam in the fifth inning and a three-run shot in the seventh.
Our View:
The best player in the game stepped up in a big way on Saturday, and turned a close 2-0 game into a blowout with two lightning-quick swings. If you have Albert in a head to head league he likely put you over the top in your RBI category today.
April 7, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, and a pair of walks in St. Louis' 9-3 rout of the Pirates on Tuesday.
Our View:
Pujols is now 5-for-7 this season and his average stands at an ungodly .714. He also scored three runs on Tuesday, his first of the season.
April 6, 2009
Albert Pujols went 3-for-4 with a double and a walk in Monday's loss to the Pirates. He did not collect a run or RBI in the game.
Our View:
Brendan Ryan and Rick Ankiel combined to go just 1-for-9 ahead of Pujols. The team will need to solve that issue in order for Pujols to live up to his elite fantasy potential.
April 3, 2009
Albert Pujols was 3-for-5 with a home run, a pair of doubles, and six RBI Friday night in the Cards' 13-1 win over their Triple-A affiliate from Memphis.
Our View:
Albert claims he hasn't been his normal self this spring, but his average is around .300. I suppose the fans are not the only ones putting him on a high pedestal.
April 1, 2009
Albert Pujols was 2-for-3 with a walk, a strikeout, and two doubles as the Cardinals fell to the Mets on Wednesday.
Our View:
The performance brings his spring batting average up to .292. He admits that he had not felt zoned in at the plate for much of spring training, but we still expect him to make another run at the NL MVP in 2009.
March 18, 2009
Albert Pujols went 1-for-4 with an RBI double in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Baltimore.
Our View:
He is hitting .350 in spring training, with 10 RBI. The elite first baseman should not slip past the third pick in fantasy drafts.
March 16, 2009
Albert Pujols hit his first home run of the spring and finished Monday's 7-6 loss to the Tigers 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored, and two RBI.
Our View:
It took Pujols 36 at-bats to put one over the fence, but it's really no reason for concern. As usual, he has not had many pitches to hit this spring, but his overall numbers remain very good. Drafting Pujols is a good start to finishing near the top of your league's standings.
March 11, 2009
Albert Pujols went 2-for-3 Wednesday with an RBI in an 8-4 win over the Marlins. He continues to hit consistently as his average sits at a cool .348 this spring.
Our View:
Albert could probably hit .800 in spring if he wanted to, but chances are he's tinkering with his swing and working on weak spots. Expect him to be locked in once the season starts, and consider yourself blessed if you are lucky enough to draft him.
March 9, 2009
Albert Pujols is fine after getting kicked in the head by Wes Helms during an exhibition game against the Marlins, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He walked and singled after the collision and he said, "I got hit in the head, I stayed in the game. That is all it was. I am OK."
Our View:
The incident gave skipper Tony LaRussa and the Cardinals a scare, but he is fine and should continue to be drafted at the top of the first round.
March 2, 2009
Albert Pujols had a rare 0-fer at the plate Monday vs the Tampa Bay Rays. He failed to get a hit in four at-bats, lowering his average to .375.
Our View:
You never really have to worry about Albert's production. Especially in exhibition play.
March 2, 2009
The Associated Press reports that Albert Pujols will not play against the Dominican Republic's WBC squad. The reigning NL MVP will sit out the exhibition match because according to him, "It's all about respect." Pujols told the St. Louis Post Dispatch Sunday, "I don't want to play against them. I don't feel comfortable with it and that's it."
Our View:
This shouldn't affect Pujols' total number of spring at-bats. He appears to be locked every year at the start of the regular season anyway, so as long as the elbow isn't bothering him there's no reason to sweat the small stuff.
February 28, 2009
Albert Pujols had a productive day on Saturday for St. Louis, going 1-for-1 with two walks, one run, and one RBI.
Our View:
Pujols is hitting .750 so far this spring, so he's picking it up where he left off after winning the MVP in 2008.
February 25, 2009
Albert Pujols reached bas in all three of his plate appearances on Monday as the Cardinals tied the Marlins 5-5. He singled and walked twice.
Our View:
Even when the games do not really matter, nobody wants to pitch to the NL MVP. He will need Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick to hit above expectations again if he wants to see more hittable pitches. Last season, he walked 104 times against just 54 strikeouts.
February 16, 2009
The AP reports that Albert Pujols will not take part in the World Baseball Classic. He played for the Dominican Republic in 2006.
Our View:
Pujols had surgery in the offseason, and cited that his insurance did not want to cover him for the tournament. There have been similar red flags surrounding Pujols' health for the past three or four years, but he consistently ranks as one of the top fantasy players in the league. We fully expect him to do so again this season.
February 15, 2009
USA Today reports that Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols will let the club's commitment to winning a championship dictate whether he will re-sign with St. Louis when his contract expires after the 2010 season. "It's not about the money all the time," Pujols said Sunday. "It's about being in a place to win and being in a position to win."
Our View:
Pujols has stated he is currently satisfied with the commitment the cash-strapped Cardinals have made to capturing a division title in 2009. To date, shortstop Khalil Greene remains the only significant offseason acquisition in St. Louis.
February 15, 2009
Reigning National League MVP Albert Pujols showed up for spring training a few days early, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The slugger reported to the Cardinals camp in Jupiter, Florida on Saturday.
Our View:
Perhaps the best things about Pujols are his humility and his work ethic. If there were statistics that rated such things, we expect No. 5 would dominate those categories as well. If your fantasy baseball goals include winning your league, Pujols might be the best guy to have on your roster.
February 14, 2009
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa would like to see a zero-tolerance policy with regard to performance enhancing drugs, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:
This would be a big turn around for La Russa, who has been Mark McGwire's biggest defender. La Russa may not have encouraged the steroid use while with Oakland, but he didn't stop it either.
January 20, 2009
Albert Pujols feels fully recovered from his October surgery on his right elbow, according to the SF Chronicle. Pujols said, "I'm 100 percent healthy. With my elbow, obviously, there's some scar tissue there. I didn't do anything for two months as I was rehabbing. I don't feel any pain around my elbow."
Our View:
Pujols was not hindered by the ailment in 2008 as he crushed 37 homers with 116 RBI and a .357 average and .462 OBP. The elite first baseman should be fine to pull off the board in the first round of fantasy drafts.
January 16, 2009
Albert Pujols, who had minor offseason surgery on his troublesome elbow, has begun throwing, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss on 1380 AM in St. Louis.
Our View:
All is well so far with Prince Albert. There are still worries that the elbow will eventually require Tommy John surgery, but everyone was worried last year and he ended up winning the NL MVP.
Quick Links
Tools
Draft Kit
NFL
Crushing hits. Explosive separation. Hail Mary bombs to streaking receivers. For that and fantasy analysis for all things football turn to Owners Edge NFL every week on your way to the championship.
NHL
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
NBA
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
PGA
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
NASCAR
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.
About Us | Advertise With Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Customer Service
FUN Sports Network Partners: CDMSports.com | Rototimes.com | TQStats.com | FantasyCup.com
© 2004 - 2009 CDM Fantasy Sports Corp. dba Fanball, A FUN Technologies Company. All Rights Reserved