Albert Pujols: 10 Reasons 'The Machine' Is in for a Monster Season in St. Louis
Albert Pujols is set to become a free agent after the 2011 season, as the St. Louis Cardinals' sweet-swinging first baseman's self-imposed contract deadline came and went. No new contract was signed.
Without a new deal, our focus shifts to Pujol's production in the coming season.
Given the unprecedented contract situation, and a dip in Pujols' batting average, there are those who wonder if the megastar can put together another spectacular season in 2011.
However, those arguments don't really hold much water. For instance, why would Pujols stop performing just because of his contract?
Need proof? Here are 10 reasons why you can bet that Albert Pujols about to deliver another season for the ages.
10. Going Out on Top in St. Louis
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Yes, I realize that the Cards already have a World Series title with Pujols at first. But the superstar has talked all year about how much he likes playing in St. Louis, and how much he wants to spend the rest of his career there.
But—if the Cardinals keep lowballing him—don't be surprised to see the slugger walk. With his status in doubt, you can bet he's going to want to give the Cardinal faithful a season to remember.
After all, what better way to leave the only organization you've ever played than doing it on top?
9. Colby Rasmus
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Rasmus had an excellent 2010 season, posting a .276 average, with 23 home runs and 66 RBI, and is poised for a true breakout season in 2011.
Why does his production impact Albert? If he hits the way we think he can, the young center fielder provides the slugger with an added layer of protection in the lineup.
With Rasmus posing a serious threat behind Pujols in the lineup, you can bet that the first baseman is going to see more pitches to hit than ever.
8. Ryan Theriot
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Theriot provides Pujols (and the Cardinals) with something they haven't had much in recent seasons: a top-of-the-order hitter capable of getting on base quite a bit.
Theriot's a career .284 hitter, who has shown solid discipline at the plate over the years, and makes good contact.
The Cards signed the middle infielder for one reason: to get on base and score runs ahead of Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.
More men on base means more RBI for Pujols, and it increases the likelihood of Pujols having a special season.
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7. Albert's Focus
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For many hitters in the big leagues, a contract situation like this could be a distraction, even if they're not negotiating a new deal during the regular season.
After all, the promise of unprecedented dollars hitting their pocket would be a tough prospect to ignore.
But Pujols is a different story entirely. He's famous for his focus and work ethic, capable of tuning out the static and concentrating on his play.
The last thing you need to worry about with a player like Pujols—even in a contract year—is his focus.
6. Last Season
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Relative to production in years past, 2010 was a bit of a down year for the slugger.
Sure, he blasted 42 home runs, but his batting average and slugging percentage were both well beneath his 2009 levels. His batting average of .312 was the lowest of his career.
Moreover, Pujols' batting average on balls in play was just .297, telling us that perhaps the slugger was a little unlucky last year as well.
If Pujol's luck on balls in play can improve, he could deliver a truly special season.
5. His History
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This goes hand-in-hand with number six.
We've already established Pujols' (relative) struggles at the plate in 2010. And another factor to consider is what we've historically seen following Pujols' previous down years.
In 2002, the slugger hit just .314, and had an on-base percentage of just .394.
Then, in 2003, Pujols responded with one of the best statistical season of his career. He hit .359, with an OBP of .431, blasted 43 home runs and drove in 124 runs.
Don't be surprised to see the slugger come back with another fantastic season.
4. Matt Holliday
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Matt Holliday is the best protection Albert Pujols has had in the lineup since Larry Walker showed up for half a season in St. Louis.
The outfielder hits for power, for average, and forces pitchers to respect other hitters besides Pujols in the lineup.
Holiday should continue to provide the kind of protection Pujols needs in the lineup, and could be one of the biggest factors in making next season the first baseman's best.
3. He's Motivated
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Pujols is going to be more motivated than ever to deliver a spectacular season in 2011. Yes, he could be leaving. Yes, he wants to get his stats to their previous levels of dominance.
Most importantly, though, Pujols is playing for a contract. He's asking to be the highest-paid player in history. Logically, the only real way to guarantee that he deserves that is to have a stellar season.
Pujols is not obsessed with the cash; he simply wants to be paid market value. But the only way to ensure that he gets market value from the Cards—or a new team—is to deliver on the field.
2. He's Healthy
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For the first time in three years, Albert Pujols is entering spring training completely healthy.
The slugger had been battling nagging foot issues in 2009 and 2010, but told reporters that he felt better than ever when he arrived at camp Thursday.
If Pujols was producing at elite levels when he was banged up, imagine what he could achieve now, at his healthiest since 2008.
1. He's Albert Pujols
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How do we know Pujols is going to produce this season? Because he's never been unproductive.
He's hit 30 or more homers every season he's been in the majors. He's never hit worse than .312. He's a perennial MVP candidate, a lock for the All-Star Game every year, and has yet to show real signs of struggle.
When one category dips for a season, he boosts another. Barring some sort of amnesia that makes him forget how to play baseball, there is no reason why Albert won't have another season for the ages.
He's never disappointed before, and won't start now.
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