Card's Recent Power Trio Outshining Pujols for Moment!

[Steve Mac]

Whoddathunk that Albert Pujols would become only the 4th best power threat for the time being in the St Louis line-up? After all, we're talking the only living, breathing challenge to A-Rod's eventual career HR crown, Pujols having compiled 300 already at age 28 in a little over 7 1/2 years. Yet Sir Albert has only 2 dingers in 17 games since returning from the DL on June 26. During that same time, slow-starting Troy Glaus has hit 5 out in 16 games, modern-day fairy tale hero Rick Ankiel has gone ballpark 6 times in those 17 games, and red-hot Ryan Ludwick has gone yard in 5 of the last seven games since breaking a 21-game homerless streak on July 6.

The good news is, once Pujols' power swing gets in synch again (he's still hitting for an astronomical average), and if Chris Duncan ever regains his 2006-07 form, the Cards could find themselves with 5 dangerous power threats. Now if they could just find a dependable bullpen (they blew a lead of 10-4 after 7 1/2, 10-6 after 8 1/2 and 11-10 after 9 1/2 yesterday--ouch!)

[bob]

he's getting a hell of alot of IBB's (not bondsesque, but on course for over 40 which would be up there with the best of the rest), despite having power around him in the lineup, which he hasnt had in previous years. Not sure why this years he's been getting more, especially since he's been injured.

And for what its worth i dont think Pujols will challenge A-rod's HR total, but he could end up being one of the best hitters since Williams and Mays.

[STLCards2]

A couple of things working against Pujols' power numbers:

1. He hit one opening day, that was taken away because of a rain-out

2. He missed 15 games with injury

3. He plays in a pitchers' park

4. He is leading the majors in BB/PA

Given a normal nuetral park, no DL, and fewer walks, and he would have 23-24 dingers now. Nothing wrong with Albert's power. He is still in the top 10 in HR/AB.

[Hendo]

I expect him to go on a tear right after the All-Star break. In the past handful of games, he's hit a few monster shots foul and a couple to the warning track... yes, that's purely anecdotal evidence, but it seems like he's timing is just off by a sliver, and that he's poised to go on a power run here.

[numchuckskillz]

A couple of things working against Pujols' power numbers:

1. He hit one opening day, that was taken away because of a rain-out

2. He missed 15 games with injury

3. He plays in a pitchers' park

4. He is leading the majors in BB/PA

Given a normal nuetral park, no DL, and fewer walks, and he would have 23-24 dingers now. Nothing wrong with Albert's power. He is still in the top 10 in HR/AB.

Pujols doesn't see nearly as many good pitches as Ludwick, Ankiel, and Glaus. If pitchers pitched him the same as those guys, we would see lots more home runs.

[StanTheMan]

The more these four hit, and in bunches as well, the better pitches Pujols will see. Glaus especially, methinks.