Enough is Enough

by nzach54 on May 15, 2007 2:48 AM EDT

The St. Louis Cardinals are the defending World Series Champions. This is a fact. Despite the team's mediocre 83-79 record, our beloved Red Birds caught fire at the absolute right time and delivered when it counted.

Now, coming into 2007, I was never under the pretense that this season would bring the same kind of success that we enjoyed last fall.

However, the one thing I have looked forward to and could count on year in and year out was the performance of one man.... Albert Pujols. Now, in a few weeks, this could look very stupid, but I just wanted to share with you a breakdown of the first 36 games from every season of his career:

2B HR RBI BB SO AVG OBP SLG
2001 8 13 42 16 23 .370 .443 .733
2002 12 5 21 26 16 .280 .396 .485
2003 8 9 26 15 9 .325 .400 .624
2004 11 9 23 22 8 .277 .377 .555
2005 11 9 29 18 14 .327 .408 .585
2006 6 19 47 32 11 .341 .478 .854
2007 5 6 19 18 16 .239 .335 .410

Now, I'm not some stupid, irrational fan who expects results like 2006 every year... but this is by FAR the worst start of Albert's career.

Like I said, in a few weeks, this could all look very stupid and I will openly welcome the ridicule... but Albert... please start hitting like we all know you can!

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I'm actually surprised

that his OBP and slugging has been UNDER .400 AND .500, respectively, for ANY span of 30+ games. That's how amazingly consistent the man has been.

The numbers don't lie. But I think Albert is injured and could use an extra game off per week. I figure Duncan could play 1st and Ludwick could see more time in the OF.

That's my solution.

by silent_bob on May 15, 2007 10:06 AM EDT reply actions

Albert's been struggling?

Who knew? I guess I didn't notice since his teammates have picked up the slack with the bats.

by Zubin on May 15, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

Don't blame Albert

If he had anyone hitting behind him that hit better than .205, maybe he'd see some better pitches to hit. No wonder he seems to be 'impatient'! Rolen and Edmonds are the real story behind the Cardinals struggles - the cardinals can't survive as a one-trick pony - Pujols can't do it on his own.

by cardsfaninmass on May 16, 2007 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

I Agree

He is doing what most super stars do when his supporting cast is not producing--he's pressing, trying to do to much.

When the rest of the team starts to hit their offensive stride, Albert will rise to the occasion.

In April '06 is it any surprise he started so hot. It was the best the team played all year minus the playoffs. It will get better, he's El Hombre for gosh darn sake!!!

Love comes mostly in RED!

by bleedred06 on May 16, 2007 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions