Poignant Pujols Plasters Pitches
So I get in my car at 3:06 pm yesterday afternoon and hear the radio call from St. Louis where Albert Pujols whacked his second homerun of the game against the Mets. The Cardinals slugger signed his first major league contract ten years ago at the ripe young age of 19. He debuted for the redbirds in 2001 and went on to win the Rookie of the Year and finish fourth in NL MVP votes. Albert burned the baseball, clubbing 37 homeruns and driving home 130 in just his first season. Pujols has added two MVPs and 286 long balls, including four already this season, since that time.
I am smitten the way Pujols emits a baseball as if brushing dry dust off a desk. You watch Albert and it’s truly amazing how he preaches patience at the plate and the ball cascades off his bat. He consistently gets on base, whether he works the count to coax walks, spreads the ball around the outfield for extra-base hits, or torches fastballs into the stands. Not only does Pujols perform phenomenally in the regular season but he also has a plethora or post-season praises. The Cardinals first baseman batted over .500 during two playoffs (2004 NLCS & 2005 NLDS). He scored 10 runs, had 9 RBIs and 4 homeruns in 2004 against Houston in 7 games. That one series was his best and indicates how dangerous Pujols’ bat is in the Cardinals lineup. The fine first base defender is the best in all of baseball today. His right-handed stick in 2008 should probably have earned him his third MVP, despite St. Louis missing the playoffs. Albert his .386 last September to lead the Cardinals down the stretch and keep them in contention. He is ever capable of carrying a team on his back and seems immune to slumps.
Pujols came into the league as a ready-made all-star. His head coach, Tony LaRussa, knew right away Albert was a special player and a rare breed. It seems like Pujols will only get better because he continues to improve and impress each season. He has been hindered by injuries and strains that forced him to miss major parts of past seasons. Yet, he still ranks high in all the hitting and fielding categories year in and year out. Pujols’ monster offensive numbers reveal him as one of the greatest hitters of all time. His ridiculous production for St. Louis place him in the top ten in homeruns for players through age 24. The 160 four baggers by Pujols plume only seven other players during similar spans. Eddie Matthews is number one of all time, with 190, and Arod is second with 189. He also ranks in the top ten in doubles, joined by three other players in baseball history at that age. It is pretty telling of how highly-esteemed a player is when today’s prospects are already being compared to Pujols as if that is the highest honor they can attest. Most aspiring athletes subscribe to Albert’s attributes and satiating stats.
Albert is not only a skillful player and smart base runner, but he is well-liked and is always giving back to the community in charitable fashion. Pujols is a compelling figure in baseball but often flies under the radar, perhaps because he plays in the Midwest. He actually came up through the organization as a promising third base prospect from the Dominican Republic. He toyed with tackling the outfield and mashed the heck out of the baseball before LaRussa made him Tino Martinez’s replacement at first base in 2004. Pujols is a power hitter with a big frame, so speed is not going to materialize in his career. But his keen eyesight and ability to pound the baseball are threatening enough for pitchers. As a batter, he does not show a stride when he swings and simply strokes the ball using good balanced and quick hands. Albert never received professional training as a hitter. Instead he learned to play ball where he grew up in Santo Domingo. His relaxed approach to hitting is an art in itself. His uncomplicated swing utilizes the hands at the point of impact, transferring the power from his hips and legs. Many other sluggers have attempted to copy and mimic Albert’s succulent swing since he hit his way into the game. The quick reaction time allows Pujols to drive deep deliveries into the deck.
Only two players have put up comparable numbers to Albert in their first six professional seasons: Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. Albert averaged .300 or above at the plate seven straight years with at least 30 homeruns and 100 RBIs. Some players do not hit 30 dingers in three seasons and can’t ever piece together triple digit RBI seasons, let alone seven. Albert is a deep threat but also a concrete situational hitter, and that’s where his true value resides. He’s an nuisance causing peril to pitchers at the plate.
He’s probably a shoo-in Hall Of Famer but that one lingering question still hangs over him like a dark cloud. Has Pujols used steroids or performance-enhancing drugs? Skeptics seem to think he was on the juice at some time during this remarkable career where he’s put up astronomical stats. Others believe he’s as clean as a whistle and just an incredible talent who works hard. Whatever the truth may be, he will be linked to the steroid era. Either way, I do know how easily I can get engrossed and enamored with the 29 year old’s stinging bat and manipulation of the baseball.
Parting points: Enjoy the Yankees-Red Sox series this weekend and the gorgeous weather.
“There's about 65,000 seats up at that stadium. But I don't want you to get your hopes up, because they're all screwed down.”- from The Dream Team
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Outlasting & Outworking Ovechkin
The New York Rangers are sitting pretty with a 3-1 series lead against the Washington Capitals as Game 5 returns to the D.C. area. In order for New York to win on the road, the intrepid goal play of Henrik Lundqvist must again contain the powerful Capital skaters. Wednesday night, Washington took adamant attempts to the net the entire game, only to be turned back by Lundqvist’s protective shield.
The Rangers were aptly able to bounce back from a home loss two nights ago. The injured, Chris Drury, was on the ice last night in the second period to take a timely cross pass from Derek Morris. Drury attempted a shot against Capitals rookie goalie, Simeon Varlamov and missed. The rebound was slapped in for a wrister though, giving the Blueshirts a 2-0 lead. Lauri Korpikoski poked the puck to Drury on the rebound. That was all the scoring they needed in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. Lundqvist provided the team his best playoff effort, with 38 saves, 19 in the second period alone. He allowed a single goal to Alex Ovechkin. Alex skated in one-on-two after collected the puck from the top of his zone and skating down the ice. He rifled the puck through the Morris’ legs and the crossbars for Washington‘s third period goal.
Paul Mara scored the first Rangers goal in the opening period. He fired a shot that deflected off John Erskine and swept past Varlamov. Varlamov made 19 saves in the tough-luck loss. He struggled to handle the puck between the posts in only his third playoff appearance.
The Rangers captain, Drury, was a warrior with his composed clutch performance last night. The excellent puck handler has been playing with restrictions because of an injured right hand and he sat out Game 1 completely. New York needs his leadership on the road in Game 5 as the 7th seeded Rangers have the Capitals facing elimination. New York received a stellar Game 2 from their net minder. Lundqvist shut out Washington 1-0 then but was even more impassable Wednesday in silencing the sticks again. The gifted Garden goal play wasn’t the only good performance in Game 4. The Rangers penalty-killers did their job in stopping Washington too. Control on puck penetration boosted the Blueshirts as the defense held the Capitals in check.
Washington out-shot the Rangers 39-21 and still find themselves down by two games in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Sooner or later, it seems the offensively-minded Capitals will have an operative outburst. They erupted in Game 3 for the four goal shutout but have struggled to shoot for most of the series. It’s puzzling how invisible Mike Green has been in the playoffs. Green has been held scoreless and Ovechkin finally found the net last night for the first time in the series. Ovechkin led the NHL in the regular season with 56 goals and the sooner he finds his groove, the more trouble he’ll cause the Rangers. It could be too little, too late unless Washington creates some momentum soon.
Washington coach, Bruce Boudreau benched goalie, Jose Theodore after the Game 1 loss. The Rangers were able to solve his replacement once, but 20 year old Varlamov got his team back in the series Monday night. The series certainly is not over for the number two seed Capitals. They can pull off the improbable comeback with a few adjustments and players stepping up. The raw rookie Varlamov settled down after showing a little unbalance early on. The Rangers were smart in creating traffic in front of the goalie in order to test him. They still need to obstruct his view and take even more shots when given the opportunity. Disciplined hockey is something the team needs to enact on the road Friday. They skated in and out of trouble last night and honestly, were lucky to win the game. If not for the same old song and dance and familiar feel of Lundqvist, the Rangers might not have a 3-1 lead.
Washington is the more physical team and their stature cannot be overlooked. The power play opportunities were present and plentiful in Game 4. The Capitals went 0-6 on the power play, including two crucial third period ones with Sean Avery in the box. Sean bloodied Washington defensiveman, Milan Jurcina with a shot to the face and was called for high sticking Brian Pothier to leave the Blue shirts a man short. The emotional Avery seems to rattle easily against Washington. If anything is going to kill the Rangers, it could be the penalties. Avery spent 18 minutes in the penalty box and about 16 on the ice. Avery’s penalties this series have been inexcusable and inappropriate, and include one for misconduct. He cannot keep this up in the remaining games.
The Rangers defense defiled the Capitals scoring chances though, and Washington was unable to tie it up. For a team entering the post-season with the second best power play, Washington was stripped of their splendor. There were too many passes by the Caps and not enough shots. The team was in the Rangers zone for two minutes in the third period with a one-man advantage, but flailed and floundered.
Washington drew their own penalty during the same time after Alexander Semin tripped Avery. Both teams showed plenty of hitting but it was the aggressive Rangers who pinned Washington’s backs against the wall. Even with the earlier penalties the Rangers endured, they were able to counteract the calls, drawing several of their own. The Blueshirts were successful and flourished in coverage. Two keys for New York in Game 4 were winning face-offs (67%) and keeping the Caps out of the Rangers’ crease. Brandon Dubinsky was 15-2 on draws. Marc Staal and the Ranger defensive provided the showering stoppage against the soaring Caps.
New York is still not shooting accurately or taking quality shots. The team tries to be too cute and plays too loose at times. The rebounding could be better and they need more production from Nick Andropov and Nikolai Zherdev. Zherdev put in a whopping six minutes ice time Wednesday. John Tortorella is not inclined to play him but I think he needs to be a Game 5 skater. The blue and white clad fans won’t be at the Verizon Center in Game 5 for an added Rangers advantage. Lundqvist is breath-taking, undulating and undeniable in the net. He is capable of stifling any team on offense and is a game changer. Henrik can bail out his team only if they do not play lazy and rest their legs. They are becoming too comfortable with him in goal. New York has to score some goals and keep the puck deep if they are going to take this series. They need to clamp down on defense, like they did in Game 4. Even though they were outscored, the Rangers minimized the athletically superior Capitals’ quality shots. They need to outlast and outwork Ovechkin one more time.
Parting points: Fantastic finish from the Yankees bullpen yesterday and a nice walkoff shot by Melky. It was Cabrera’s second of the game (one from each side of the plate) and fourth of the year.
Song of the day- “Dosed” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Rangers were aptly able to bounce back from a home loss two nights ago. The injured, Chris Drury, was on the ice last night in the second period to take a timely cross pass from Derek Morris. Drury attempted a shot against Capitals rookie goalie, Simeon Varlamov and missed. The rebound was slapped in for a wrister though, giving the Blueshirts a 2-0 lead. Lauri Korpikoski poked the puck to Drury on the rebound. That was all the scoring they needed in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. Lundqvist provided the team his best playoff effort, with 38 saves, 19 in the second period alone. He allowed a single goal to Alex Ovechkin. Alex skated in one-on-two after collected the puck from the top of his zone and skating down the ice. He rifled the puck through the Morris’ legs and the crossbars for Washington‘s third period goal.
Paul Mara scored the first Rangers goal in the opening period. He fired a shot that deflected off John Erskine and swept past Varlamov. Varlamov made 19 saves in the tough-luck loss. He struggled to handle the puck between the posts in only his third playoff appearance.
The Rangers captain, Drury, was a warrior with his composed clutch performance last night. The excellent puck handler has been playing with restrictions because of an injured right hand and he sat out Game 1 completely. New York needs his leadership on the road in Game 5 as the 7th seeded Rangers have the Capitals facing elimination. New York received a stellar Game 2 from their net minder. Lundqvist shut out Washington 1-0 then but was even more impassable Wednesday in silencing the sticks again. The gifted Garden goal play wasn’t the only good performance in Game 4. The Rangers penalty-killers did their job in stopping Washington too. Control on puck penetration boosted the Blueshirts as the defense held the Capitals in check.
Washington out-shot the Rangers 39-21 and still find themselves down by two games in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Sooner or later, it seems the offensively-minded Capitals will have an operative outburst. They erupted in Game 3 for the four goal shutout but have struggled to shoot for most of the series. It’s puzzling how invisible Mike Green has been in the playoffs. Green has been held scoreless and Ovechkin finally found the net last night for the first time in the series. Ovechkin led the NHL in the regular season with 56 goals and the sooner he finds his groove, the more trouble he’ll cause the Rangers. It could be too little, too late unless Washington creates some momentum soon.
Washington coach, Bruce Boudreau benched goalie, Jose Theodore after the Game 1 loss. The Rangers were able to solve his replacement once, but 20 year old Varlamov got his team back in the series Monday night. The series certainly is not over for the number two seed Capitals. They can pull off the improbable comeback with a few adjustments and players stepping up. The raw rookie Varlamov settled down after showing a little unbalance early on. The Rangers were smart in creating traffic in front of the goalie in order to test him. They still need to obstruct his view and take even more shots when given the opportunity. Disciplined hockey is something the team needs to enact on the road Friday. They skated in and out of trouble last night and honestly, were lucky to win the game. If not for the same old song and dance and familiar feel of Lundqvist, the Rangers might not have a 3-1 lead.
Washington is the more physical team and their stature cannot be overlooked. The power play opportunities were present and plentiful in Game 4. The Capitals went 0-6 on the power play, including two crucial third period ones with Sean Avery in the box. Sean bloodied Washington defensiveman, Milan Jurcina with a shot to the face and was called for high sticking Brian Pothier to leave the Blue shirts a man short. The emotional Avery seems to rattle easily against Washington. If anything is going to kill the Rangers, it could be the penalties. Avery spent 18 minutes in the penalty box and about 16 on the ice. Avery’s penalties this series have been inexcusable and inappropriate, and include one for misconduct. He cannot keep this up in the remaining games.
The Rangers defense defiled the Capitals scoring chances though, and Washington was unable to tie it up. For a team entering the post-season with the second best power play, Washington was stripped of their splendor. There were too many passes by the Caps and not enough shots. The team was in the Rangers zone for two minutes in the third period with a one-man advantage, but flailed and floundered.
Washington drew their own penalty during the same time after Alexander Semin tripped Avery. Both teams showed plenty of hitting but it was the aggressive Rangers who pinned Washington’s backs against the wall. Even with the earlier penalties the Rangers endured, they were able to counteract the calls, drawing several of their own. The Blueshirts were successful and flourished in coverage. Two keys for New York in Game 4 were winning face-offs (67%) and keeping the Caps out of the Rangers’ crease. Brandon Dubinsky was 15-2 on draws. Marc Staal and the Ranger defensive provided the showering stoppage against the soaring Caps.
New York is still not shooting accurately or taking quality shots. The team tries to be too cute and plays too loose at times. The rebounding could be better and they need more production from Nick Andropov and Nikolai Zherdev. Zherdev put in a whopping six minutes ice time Wednesday. John Tortorella is not inclined to play him but I think he needs to be a Game 5 skater. The blue and white clad fans won’t be at the Verizon Center in Game 5 for an added Rangers advantage. Lundqvist is breath-taking, undulating and undeniable in the net. He is capable of stifling any team on offense and is a game changer. Henrik can bail out his team only if they do not play lazy and rest their legs. They are becoming too comfortable with him in goal. New York has to score some goals and keep the puck deep if they are going to take this series. They need to clamp down on defense, like they did in Game 4. Even though they were outscored, the Rangers minimized the athletically superior Capitals’ quality shots. They need to outlast and outwork Ovechkin one more time.
Parting points: Fantastic finish from the Yankees bullpen yesterday and a nice walkoff shot by Melky. It was Cabrera’s second of the game (one from each side of the plate) and fourth of the year.
Song of the day- “Dosed” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Clean Changes
Here are a few ways athletes, coaches and sports fans can make some clean changes on this Earth Day.
Re-use knowledge. Go to the library and check out a book on the best “clean-up” hitter ever--Lou Gehrig. Or, try digging up any “dirt” on the do-good Latino great, Roberto Clemente.
Reduce your electric bill. Turn off the air conditioner and go to the local YMCA for a swim. You will be supporting the neighborhood and staying cool. It’s a win-win.
Turn off those engines. Bike to work once a week and you won’t be polluting the air. Plus, you will save money on gas and get some exercise.
Save paper. Read about your favorite team or scroll the box scores online.
Develop a reputation as the team captain for recycling and saving the planet.
Clean up the game if you coach baseball at any level. Discourage steroid use.
If you are on a traveling soccer team, car pool to away games. It isn’t necessary for each player to arrive in separate cars. Quality team bonding time is an added bonus.
Football fans who tailgate before their team kicks off: use silverware and dishes from your kitchen instead of plastic cutlery and paper plates.
Share a tennis court. Play doubles instead of singles. You might also spend less on court rentals this way. And you can mix and match partners.
Instead of throwing away golf balls after a round of 18 holes, save the used balls for the driving range when you want to get out your anger.
Don’t toss tennis balls in the trash, even if they are dead. Nursing homes use old balls on the bottoms of chairs for handicapped residents. Teachers also like to collect them for classroom chairs.
Snack on organic and eco-friendly cereal as pre-workout fuel before hitting the gym. Try any variety of the Nature’s Path brand.
Take a walk on the beach. While you sweat it out, pick up any trash you come across too. You will be helping the sea creatures and cleaning up the beach. You might find some nifty seashells as well.
Donate old bikes or baseball gloves to kids who are financially unable to afford them.
College athletic directors: cut travel costs and save the environment by scheduling a few volleyball or baseball doubleheaders each year.
Turn off the lights. Instead of shooting hoops inside, head for the park and challenge the local kids to a game of H.O.R.S.E..
Be smart. Keep your sporting equipment in tip-top shape so it will last longer. Most sports do not require brand new equipment every season.
Persuade your teammates to use water bottles whenever they can. A lot of players rely too much on carbonated beverages and sports drinks from vending machines. It’s bad enough they spending loose change, but most don’t think about recycling the containers afterwards. Water bottles can be washed out and used time and again. Hey, you might even discover a new good luck charm in your signature water bottle.
If you’re a retired professional athlete, it is semi-popular to “recycle” your career. Announce your return to the game!
Be a creative fan. Don’t toss worn out baseball cards, postcards or snapshots. Make a scrapbook or keepsake to remember your team for years to come.
Listen to environmentally-friendly, R.E.M., on a battery-powered Discman while lifting weights.
Shut down the treadmill and jog outside. Find a trail or take a hike while enjoying nature.
Be a clean hockey fan. Don’t litter the aisle with hotdog wrappers or leave your empty soda cup under your arena seat.
Become a savvy athlete by hitting up thrift stores for warm up pants or offer to sell outgrown uniforms to others.
Make changes where everyone benefits. Plant a tree near your favorite skateboard park.
Parting points: Far from the “cleanest” television show, but Happy Birthday to the late, Aaron Spelling, producer of 90210.
Re-use knowledge. Go to the library and check out a book on the best “clean-up” hitter ever--Lou Gehrig. Or, try digging up any “dirt” on the do-good Latino great, Roberto Clemente.
Reduce your electric bill. Turn off the air conditioner and go to the local YMCA for a swim. You will be supporting the neighborhood and staying cool. It’s a win-win.
Turn off those engines. Bike to work once a week and you won’t be polluting the air. Plus, you will save money on gas and get some exercise.
Save paper. Read about your favorite team or scroll the box scores online.
Develop a reputation as the team captain for recycling and saving the planet.
Clean up the game if you coach baseball at any level. Discourage steroid use.
If you are on a traveling soccer team, car pool to away games. It isn’t necessary for each player to arrive in separate cars. Quality team bonding time is an added bonus.
Football fans who tailgate before their team kicks off: use silverware and dishes from your kitchen instead of plastic cutlery and paper plates.
Share a tennis court. Play doubles instead of singles. You might also spend less on court rentals this way. And you can mix and match partners.
Instead of throwing away golf balls after a round of 18 holes, save the used balls for the driving range when you want to get out your anger.
Don’t toss tennis balls in the trash, even if they are dead. Nursing homes use old balls on the bottoms of chairs for handicapped residents. Teachers also like to collect them for classroom chairs.
Snack on organic and eco-friendly cereal as pre-workout fuel before hitting the gym. Try any variety of the Nature’s Path brand.
Take a walk on the beach. While you sweat it out, pick up any trash you come across too. You will be helping the sea creatures and cleaning up the beach. You might find some nifty seashells as well.
Donate old bikes or baseball gloves to kids who are financially unable to afford them.
College athletic directors: cut travel costs and save the environment by scheduling a few volleyball or baseball doubleheaders each year.
Turn off the lights. Instead of shooting hoops inside, head for the park and challenge the local kids to a game of H.O.R.S.E..
Be smart. Keep your sporting equipment in tip-top shape so it will last longer. Most sports do not require brand new equipment every season.
Persuade your teammates to use water bottles whenever they can. A lot of players rely too much on carbonated beverages and sports drinks from vending machines. It’s bad enough they spending loose change, but most don’t think about recycling the containers afterwards. Water bottles can be washed out and used time and again. Hey, you might even discover a new good luck charm in your signature water bottle.
If you’re a retired professional athlete, it is semi-popular to “recycle” your career. Announce your return to the game!
Be a creative fan. Don’t toss worn out baseball cards, postcards or snapshots. Make a scrapbook or keepsake to remember your team for years to come.
Listen to environmentally-friendly, R.E.M., on a battery-powered Discman while lifting weights.
Shut down the treadmill and jog outside. Find a trail or take a hike while enjoying nature.
Be a clean hockey fan. Don’t litter the aisle with hotdog wrappers or leave your empty soda cup under your arena seat.
Become a savvy athlete by hitting up thrift stores for warm up pants or offer to sell outgrown uniforms to others.
Make changes where everyone benefits. Plant a tree near your favorite skateboard park.
Parting points: Far from the “cleanest” television show, but Happy Birthday to the late, Aaron Spelling, producer of 90210.
Mariano Rivera enters the game in the Yankees’ 9th following his fourth save yesterday. Mo gets Ryan Sweeney to pop up for out number one. Cabrera hits a one out single. Giambi reaches base safely on a force at second. The ball was hit to Jeter on what should have been a double play. Jason remains on first but now there are two outs. Cano makes the put out on a rolling grounder and throw over to first for the final out and the Yankees have a chance to win it in the ninth.
I am trying some live blogging this afternoon while listening to the Yankees-A's game. The scored is tied at 7 headed into the bottom of the 8th inning. The Yankees wasted a huge opportunity with Russ Springer on the mound for Oakland in the 7th. The Bombers had the bases loaded with nobody out. Springer allowed the first three hitters on base but struck out Melky Cabrera. Then he got Brett Gardner, pinch hitting for Cody Random, to fly out. Derek Jeter came up with two outs and three on and found himself ahead in the count 2-0. Springer fired two straight strikes and Jeter fouled off another pitch only to end the inning on an easy infield dinker. We will see what happens from here. The Yankee bullpen seems to be handling things so far. Phil Coke was effective in relief of C.C. Sabathia and Jonathan Albaladejo managed the 8th inning.
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