If it's not Pujols, who?

[josh24]

Let's say that Albert Pujols never get a Triple Crown.
Who do you think will have the best chance over the next years to do it? (We're not including A-Rod in this thread)

Maybe David Wright...:noidea

[NYMets523]

Wright could never lead the league in HRs playing 81 games at Citi Field.

[rsuriyop]

Probably either Ryan Braun or Hanley Ramirez, although their chances of making it are close to zero.

[KevinWI]

Let's say that Albert Pujols never get a Triple Crown.
Who do you think will have the best chance over the next years to do it? (We're not including A-Rod in this thread)

Maybe David Wright...:noidea

Taking out A-Rod and Pujols... doesn't leave much after that.

[josh24]

Taking out A-Rod and Pujols... doesn't leave much after that.

Anyways, A-Rod will not do it. He has not the AVG to compete against Ichiro.

[Buczilla]

Taking out A-Rod and Pujols... doesn't leave much after that.

After Pujols, the next name that comes to mind is Miguel Cabrera.

[STLCards2]

You need a great hitter in a power-friendly environment with big OB guys in front of him. If Braun and Fielder switch spots, with Braun hitting after Fielder, I could see Braun giving it a ride before his career is over.

[Otis Nixon's Bodyguard]

After Pujols, the next name that comes to mind is Miguel Cabrera.

My thoughts exactly.

[cardsfanatic]

Justin Morneau might have a shot. He'd need a career year in HR but it's the Triple Crown. They pretty much require career years, no? I mean, Morneau already has 30-35 HR power, all it would take is a good 45 HR year and he could be in the running for a triple crown. His RBI and AVG numbers are usually there. .315-.320 and 120 RBI.

He has a shot.

I don't find much value on the Triple Crown, though. I mean, it's rare and all but the best baseball seasons in the history of the game almost never were accompanied by a Triple Crown. It's a special season but y'know, I'd take a Bonds/Babe type season from Pujols over a Yaz or Frank Robinson year. Even if it means he doesn't win the Triple Crown. :P

[RubeBaker]

Justin Morneau might have a shot. He'd need a career year in HR but it's the Triple Crown. They pretty much require career years, no? I mean, Morneau already has 30-35 HR power, all it would take is a good 45 HR year and he could be in the running for a triple crown. His RBI and AVG numbers are usually there. .315-.320 and 120 RBI.

His career BA is .285, while he is hitting very well now, his BA will probably drop by the end of the season. Plus, his career high in hr is 34, I can picture him maybe hitting 40, but I don't see him ever leading the league in either category. Sorry, but I think Morneau is a poor candidate.

No problem with removing A-Rod. He just doesn't hit for average like he used to.

I am going to have to go with the majority here and say Miguel Cabrera.

[cardsfanatic]

His career BA is .285, while he is hitting very well now, his BA will probably drop by the end of the season.


Ummm, he had two terrible seasons to start his career which drops his average. If you're going to use numbers it might help if you actually look at them a littler closer than a quick cursory glance. Since turning 25 the guy is a .300+ hitter.


Plus, his career high in hr is 34, I can picture him maybe hitting 40, but I don't see him ever leading the league in either category.


You mean like Miguel Cabrera who's career high in HR is 37? Considering Cabrera was actually able to lead the AL in HR last year with his 37 mark, I find it comical that you don't think Morneau could lead the league in HR.

That, by the way, was the first time Cabrera has ever led a league in any Triple Crown stat.

[KCGHOST]

Whoever it is it will be a fluke season. You have to have a lot of stars align to pull this off.

[ol' aches and pains]

Cabrera has to play 81 games in Comerica Park, not the most HR-friendly environment.

A dark horse candidate could be Kevin Youkilis. His BA, HR, and RBI have increased every year, and he's on pace to hit 36 home runs this year. He's only 30, so he should have a few years in the league after Ichiro retires.

I know we've eliminated Pujols for the purpose of this exercise, but if anybody does it in the next decade, it will be him.

[Imgran]

It's going to be someone we never heard of. Carl Yastrzemski has the last triple crown, at least in the AL, back in 1967 and he only approached that level of performance one other time, in 1970.

It's going to be an otherwise very talented hitter, but it could be anyone who can hit for power and average. That means anyone from Jason Bay to Ryan Braun to heck, Billy Butler or one of the up and coming kids we see out there.

[Captain Cold Nose]

It's going to be someone we never heard of. Carl Yastrzemski has the last triple crown, at least in the AL, back in 1967 and he only approached that level of performance one other time, in 1970.

It's going to be an otherwise very talented hitter, but it could be anyone who can hit for power and average. That means anyone from Jason Bay to Ryan Braun to heck, Billy Butler or one of the up and coming kids we see out there.

So Yaz was unknown when he won the triple crown?

[Ace Venom]

I'd say no one. The Triple Crown has gone the way of the .400 hitter. I don't see either one happening again.

[Rich the Giants fan]

In a few years, Pablo Sandoval could be a threat.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Evan Longoria comes to mind.

[Rich the Giants fan]

Even Longoria comes to mind.

Longoria indeed.

[redban]

I'll say Miguel Cabrera. He led the league in homers last year, and he came extremely close to winning the Batting title in 2006. Aside from Pujols, he's got the best shot.

If Wright was more of a homerun hitter, then he'd be the man.

It's too early to say Longoria.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

I'll say Miguel Cabrera. He led the league in homers last year, and he came extremely close to winning the Batting title in 2006. Aside from Pujols, he's got the best shot.

If Wright was more of a homerun hitter, then he'd be the man.

It's too early to say Longoria.
I don't think it's too early to think of Longoria. I'm not saying today, perhaps, but in 4-5 years when Longoria is in his prime I can envision him being a .340 hitter with 45+ HR power.

[YankeeDJW]

Longoria is as good a pick as any, and if I had to pick, it would be him. Like others have said though, it almost has to be a complete fluke. Someone could have a Brady Anderson type year and somehow pull it off, if the rest of the competition has a down year.