Albert Pujols Takes Ownership of Milwaukee Brewers Head Space

Although Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder have commanded most of the headline real estate during the regular season, a new owner has arrived for the National League Championship Series. Namely, one Albert Pujols.

For the entire 2011 season Pujols has lurked. Not among the league leaders, but just outside. His "career worst" season would have been a "career best" for most players, and many teams discounted Pujols abilities and determination. Now in the National League Championship Series, King Albert has re-emerged. In the last seven days Pujols is hitting .500, four runs, four doubles, six RBI's and three walks. 

Brewers manager, Ron Roenicke, made every attempt to pretend he wasn't afraid of Pujols. By continuing to pitch to him, rather than pitching to the young Cardinals bats, he allowed his pride to nearly let the games premier player beat the Brewers single-handedly. But, by apparently coming to his senses, he has since taken the smart position of pitching around Pujols rather than further padding the Pujols Foundation coffers this offseason with yet more postseason productivity.

The strategy may be working, for now anyway. The Brewers and Cardinals are tied 2-2 in the NLCS. But Pujols is no longer lurking. He's kicked in the door of the house, thrown out the old owners and begun to re-decorate, reclaiming his crown, daring anyone to take it.

The Brewers may have won the division handily. And either Braun or Fielder may have one of their names on the MVP trophy at the end of the season, but now they can't get the fear out of their heads, they're thinking about Pujols...and they're worried. Will he ruin their dream season? No matter the outcome of this series he already has. 

As a wise man once said, "their name may be on the lease, but they don't own it anymore, at this point they're just renting."