Albert Pujols: Why Slow Start Should Have Angels Fans Panicking

Los Angeles Angles fans need to be seriously panicking over Albert Pujols’ laughably bad start to the 2012 season.

This isn’t just a slump for the slugger, it’s a natural decline that the Angels organization should have seen coming from a mile away. Pujols has been declining for years, but the Angels’ brass elected to invest $24 million a year in him anyway.

They should already be taking heat from the fanbase for that misguided decision.

So far, Pujols has seen 126 at-bats and produced a .198 average, one home run and 11 RBI. He’s been a bust of massive proportions, and it’s something that isn’t going to change anytime soon.

This isn’t the Albert Pujols that hit 40 or more home runs four years in a row. It’s the Pujols who has seen his average decline every year since 2008. That year, he hit .357. Fast-forward to 2010, when he hit .312. Finally, last season, Pujols only hit .299.

Since 2009, his RBI count has dropped drastically. That year, he recorded 135. Last season, he only had 99.

He’s also only walked six times so far this season. Six. We’re talking about a guy who typically walks close to or over 100 times a year. In over 30 games, he’s only been walked six times.

His inability to get on base via a walk or a hit is something that is going to handicap the club moving forward if he doesn’t figure things out.

Statistics aren’t the only reason Angels fans should be freaking out. Add in the fact he’s playing in a new league, new ballpark and attempting to live up to $254 million worth of expectations, and you can see why this isn’t just a simple slump.

Pujols isn’t anywhere close to returning to form, and at the age of 32, that’s bad news for the Angels. He was brought in to help the club compete for championships, not hold it hostage with mediocre play and a massive contract.

It’s still early in the season, but it’s time to hit the panic button for Angels fans. History isn’t on their side, and the Albert of old isn’t making a comeback. 

Follow @Chris_Roling