Cardinal Sin: Is Albert Pujols the Elephant in MLB's Scandal-Filled Room?

As more and more players fall off the high wire in baseball’s three-ring circus, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols continues to keep fans at the edge of their seats.

While the “anonymous” names of MLB players that tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 are persistently and patiently released, Pujols has become a main attraction, the elephant in a room open to the entire world.

Under MLB’s protective tent, the inevitable reservation that accompanies every great player of this era has loomed large for a very likable superstar.

Pujols has been on an absolute rampage this season, intimidating pitchers across the National League and enjoying the best first half of his career, batting .322 and leading the senior circuit with 92 RBI and 32 home runs.

Much like the ringmaster slowly but reliably announcing and presenting acts, those responsible for divulging the names of those who tested positive for PEDs may be saving their biggest victim for last.

A two-time NL MVP, Pujols probably has no reason to worry, as he’s proven himself to be a consistent all-around player. Unlike other sluggers who’ve watched their batting averages, slugging percentages, and home run totals plunge in 2009, Pujols is having his best season, and his power numbers are higher than ever at this point in the season.  

He’s played in St. Louis his entire career, and unlike other alleged PED users, he’s not fighting for a new contract. He’s also already played in two World Series, winning the championship in 2006.

For the sake of baseball and for the trust of the fans, no one wants to believe that Pujols has fallen victim to the allure of PEDs.

But we also wanted to believe that a PED-free Alex Rodriguez would break Barry Bonds' home run record. Or that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were clean when they helped break the curse and proudly brought championship glory to the Red Sox Nation in 2004 and 2007.

In February, the PED circus rolled into town when the New York Yankees' third baseman and three-time AL MVP Rodriguez confessed to past PED use after vehemently denying any involvement with PEDs.

In March, Ramirez signed a two-year $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two months later, Ramirez admitted using banned substances and was suspended 50 games for violating MLB’s drug policy.

Suspicion has followed Boston’s Ortiz all season—and for good reason.

The Boston Red Sox designated hitter has had his worst season ever, currently batting .228. He’s only hit 14 home runs this year, and his slugging and on-base percentages have plunged to career-low levels.

Yet Pujols is much different from Ramirez, Ortiz, and Rodriguez: He came into the league with a muscular physique, and his power numbers haven’t fluctuated dramatically since he arrived on the Cards' big league roster in 2001. His second season was the worst of his nine-year career—The Machine “only” batted .314 and hit 34 home runs in 2002.

Until the entire list of more than 100 players who tested positive during the 2003 season is released, doubt will be cast on every productive, powerful hitter.

Baseball can be healed with better testing protocol, and the release of every name on the 2003 list may bring closure to a period defined by controversy.

Pending those actions, we'll continue to be entertained by major league shenanigans.

Peanuts, anyone?