On March 6, the St Louis Cardinals announced that All-Star first baseman Albert Pujols will forego having a ligament on his right elbow replaced, or what is commonly referred to as “Tommy John” surgery.
Instead, he will play through the pain and swelling that has plagued him since last year and re-evaluate the injury at the end of this season.
If he were to elect to have the procedure now, his entire 2008 season would be lost to recovery and rehabilitation.
The question though is should he wait?
I certainly appreciate his commitment to the team and fans, as do all the fantasy owners who drafted him. But what are the benefits of playing this season as opposed to coming back next year?
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From a team perspective, Pujols would be better off electing to have the surgery now.
The Cardinals are clearly not the same that took the field in 2006 when they won the World Series. Today, there are many questions with the rotation, the outfield will be young and unproven, and the infield (sans Pujols) would have fresh faces at three of four positions.
The reality is they will not be competing for the division title anytime in the near future against the likes of an improved Cubs organization and the more mature Brewers. What we are seeing is a changing of the guard in St Louis.
Stalwarts Rolen, Edmonds, and Eckstein are now in different uniforms. Ace and former Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter is still rehabbing from his own surgery and likely will be nowhere near his old form anytime soon this season.
Well-respected former General Manager Walt Jocketty was told his services were no longer appreciated and one would suspect LaRussa, who has grown more than weary of the local media, more than likely will retire soon.
That leaves the hopes and future of this organization squarely on the shoulders of their most recognized player. It only makes sense for Pujols to undergo the knife now so hope can spring eternal, only it will have to wait until this time next year.
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8 months ago
I don't know, surgery can be a risky proposition but if it's inevitable, and it seems it is based on the docs saying only a complete reconstruction will fix the problem, then I say do it now. I know the NL Central is weak, but it doesn't appear the Cards are going anywhere this year so this way he gets it fixed and can go back to being the feared hitter everyone expects. Good job Steve.
8 months ago
thanks Bob. Apparently Pujols also is suffering from spurs and bone chips, so now I state my case even louder: Get 'er done Albert.
8 months ago
First time reader, first time commentor here. This is an issue that I'm horribly torn on. Your points here are excellent and your argument makes perfect sense. I am a huge fan of Albert's though. In my opinion, Pujols is one of the toughest players in the game today and there's no doubt in my mind why he wants to play through this - he loves his job and would have a difficult time just sitting and watching. That said, a patched-up Pujols in 2009 (and maybe for ten or so years thereafter) would be something to behold - probably more than an achy Pujols in 2008. Well written.
from 8 months ago
Truth be told, I'm a huge fan of Albert's too. He's probably my favorite Cardinal since Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith wore the whites. From what I've read the recovery from TJ surgery is 85-90%, with the concern coming in the rehab. Knowing Albert, the rehab would be the gimme part of this. Ultimately and obviously the choice is his.
from 8 months ago
Truth be told, I'm a huge fan of Albert's too. He's probably my favorite Cardinal since Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith wore the whites. From what I've read the recovery from TJ surgery is 85-90%, with the concern coming in the rehab. Knowing Albert, the rehab would be the gimme part of this. Ultimately and obviously the choice is his.
8 months ago
Thats not a sex change, it is? Just kidding.
Did not know of Pujols' problemas until ahora
8 months ago
It is a tough decision I think it all depends on the health status of the starting pitchers (Carpenter, and Mulder) and how the Cards start out the season. I still don't think that they really stand a good shot at making the playoffs with the depleted offense.
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