Ball or Nuthin' » Cardinals

Could Pujols Be the Greatest Hitter Ever?

T Lamont — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:48:41 +0000

After Game 3 of this year’s Series, there will definitely be a million and one posts – mostly from Cardinals fans – declaring how great Albert Pujols is.

Pujols’ three-homer night ranks with the greatest World Series performances of all time and, truthfully, fans of the game have been awaiting a signature moment like this in the slugger’s career.

Well, he delivered.

The St. Louis’ first baseman has had a stunning career that has been nothing short of phenomenal. But the greatest asset that has assured Pujlos’ entry into Cooperstown has been his uncanny consistency. Thanks to baseball-reference.com, a quick glance at his stats reveal that he has been the most dominant hitter throughout the entire decade.

He’s been given the nickname “The Machine,” and with plenty of justification. Phat Albert has hit no less than .299 (this past year), no fewer than 32 home runs (2007) or 99 runs batted in (this year). In fact, his 162-game average is quite startling to behold:

.328 batting average
42 home runs
126 runs batted in
43 doubles
.617 slugging percentage

An easy call for the Hall of Fame just got a lot easier. Having a night like he did on baseball’s biggest stage cements his case as one of the game’s best.

But his grand evening brings to light another hypothesis: Pujols could very well be regarded as the game’s best right-handed hitter of all time.

The game’s very best, legendary hitters have generally come from the left side of home plate, and with good reason. Historically, most of baseball’s pitchers are right-handers, and that lends itself to the unsaid advantage that left handers have. Atop the list of greatness includes names like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig and Stan Musial – who all happen to be left handed batters. In particular, Ruth, Gehrig and Musial combined averages that were consistently above .300 with considerable power numbers.

Pujols has his work cut out for him against the Rangers.

So, while we can’t distinctly pronounce that Pujols is the greatest hitter of all time, we would be within our rights to suggest that he may be the best handicapped (i.e., right-handed) hitter in history. His consistent combination of power and average haven’t been seen from righties.

Now we all saw that Pujols’ swing-and-miss strikeout in the ninth inning of Game 5, but opponents limit his comfort at the plate by preventing him from getting into any rhythm. The Cardinals slugger was intentional walked three times last night, adding to his career-leading mark of 251 (IBBs have been tracked since 1955). Add to the fact that Pujols has not had any continuous protection around him, and it can be quickly confirmed that his dominance has been even more impressive than many realize.

Pujols’ next challenge? His team is currently mired in a 3-2 World Series deficit against the Rangers. It’s a lead that was achieved in part – after his historic Game 3 – by refusing to give Pujols any semblance of good pitches to hit.

Can Pujols lead his team to two straight World Series game victories without getting any pitches to hit?

If so, he’ll have to do it without getting hits. And consequently, Phat Albert’s legendary status would grow even phatter.

NFL Week 2 – T Lamont’s Thoughts and Rants

T Lamont — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:25:20 +0000

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Week 2 in the NFL is always one filled with loads of intrigue.

In a nutshell, it tells us whether we can believe what happened in Week 1. We either get filled with hope, saddled with pessimism, or swallowed into mediocrity when it comes to our teams. We do have to remember that, after today, only 12.5% of the season will have been played – so there’s time for change. But for teams that get off to a 2-0 start, they have managed to make the postseason 64% of the time. And that’s more than enough reason for fans in Washington, Buffalo, Detroit and Houston to dream big.

Here’s what’s on my mind after Sunday’s Week 2 games:

Detroit is the NFL’s wave of excitement right now. After handling Tamp Bay in their opener, the Lions obliterated a surprisingly weak-looking Kansas City, who somehow appeared to be sorrier than they did last week. Matt Stafford is doing what Detroit hoped he would, and the defense is vastly improved from its previously porous nature. Next week, Detroit will go on the road to face a desperate Vikings team, whose hopes of any optimism in 2011 are quickly taking a turn for the worse.

I was watching the Redskins-Cardinals game this afternoon, and was completely in awe of Kevin Kolb. He clearly has a bond with his teammates, and it showed convincingly after one particular play that put Arizona in position to win its first two games (but, of course, they ended up losing in Washington). On 1st and 15 with Washington lined up in a clear blitz, Kolb displayed his toughness. While he knew that London Fletcher was providing major heat from his backside, the Cardinals QB hung in the pocket and threw a strike to Larry Fitzgerald, who got behind the continuously-gambling DeAngelo Hall for a 73-yard touchdown. Kolb got his bell rung, but upon finding out about the score, found the awareness to celebrate the moment by chest-bumping his peers.

Kolb made a huge, game-changing play under pressure on Sunday.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, the second best quarterback in the AFC East? Two starts, two wins, seven TDs, no INTs. We know who’s the best, and everyone else is a distant second – including Mark Sanchez. The Jets quarterback has played favorably in the early going, but Fitzpatrick has been the unquestionable force behind the Bills’ 2-0 beginning – and did it again today, snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat in today’s 38-35 decision over Oakland.

In the past, Baltimore has been known to play up and down to its competition. After such a commanding beatdown of the AFC North kingpin Pittsburgh Steelers last week, the Ravens ate crow against the Titans. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 358 yards, exposing the injuries that have crept up to cripple the Ravens defense. Looks like the division is up for grabs again…

I’ve never been too high nor too low on Tony Romo. Last week, it seemed as if I had more Facebook friends who were Dallas fans than I realized, because my feed was bombarded with Romo-bashing status updates. I haven’t taken a peek at my feed today, so I should see nothing but positive vibes based on what Romo did today. It would have been easy to roll over and play dead after hurting his ribs early versus the Niners, but Romo reached back, sucked it up, and led the Cowboys to an overtime win on the road.

If I’m Arian Foster, I’m not as comfortable as I was at the start of the season. Foster suffered another setback as he left today’s game with a hamstring injury. Ben Tate has proven that he can handle the full-time running back responsibilities (back-to-back 100+ yard games), and the Texans have not missed a beat with Foster watching the action…

It’s Week 2, and the Eagles’ protection (or lack thereof) has already caused Vick to suffer what will probably be the first of (at least) a few dings this season. With Vince Young looking clueless on the sidelines, Mike Kafka handled himself well (7-9, 72 yards) when a dropped pass ended what could have been a game-winning touchdown drive. However, the Eagles’ “Super Bowl or bust” mantra will go up in smoke fats within #7 behind center. Double tight ends and and two backs. Philadelphia, you need to do whatever you can to protect your $100 million man.

Give Derek Anderson A Break…

T Lamont — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:51:47 +0000

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Some hotshot press room reporter got his opportunity of a lifetime last night. And he made the most of it.

After the Arizona Cardinals humiliating 27-6 loss at home to the San Francisco 49ers, there wasn’t much that the home team could say to defend its poor performance. The performance looked so poor that most found it hard to fathom that the Cardinal players were fully invested in the game. Outside of a field goal block and an attempt to make an amazing touchdown grab by Larry Fitzgerald, it’s very easy to agree with that sentiment.

So, after the game, into the press room saundered Arizona quarterback Derek Anderson – fresh off of a non-impressive 16-of-35-for-196-yards-and-a-pick game. And the reporter’s eyes lit up…

Anderson was asked why he was smiling on the sidelines as his team was getting handled. The former Cleveland Pro Bowler was caught on video chatting with offensive lineman Deuce Lutui, when the two seemed to be laughing - including Anderson clearly displaying his pearly white teeth.

Of course, Anderson denied that he was laughing or smiling…and then relented. And then went off…

In light of Anderson’s defensive stance on the matter, the situation brings up a topic of interest. Just how are athlete’s supposed to act when they are being beaten like they stole something on national television? Or at any point when they are in the middle of doing their jobs?

LeBron James – who was vilified by the media over the summer – was often seen hamming it up on the sidelines after big plays by his teammates. Last year in Cleveland, King James had the other Cavaliers executing dance moves, kick steps…you name it. However, I am pretty sure that he did refrain from doing those Kid ‘n’ Play routines during blowout losses.

Where does Derek Anderson’s smile rank in comparison?

For us that have jobs that don’t involve professional sports, are we chastised for smiling in the midst of adversity? Don’t we have moments that aren’t dedicated to the stewardship of work? Perhaps we all are familiar with laughing with a co-worker over a non-office related incident? Or from time to time, don’t some of the crazy friends of yours forward a (not-so) humorous email to your inbox? Notice that Anderson wasn’t smiling on the football after he was intercepted by Takeo Spikes, but rather when he was temporarily relieved from the action of having 300-pound gladiators trying to remove his head from his body.

People want to hold athletes, like Anderson, to a higher standard than they would hold themselves. The character of a person is refined through their actions in adverse circumstances. The next steps should require logic based on the principles and lessons learned from the initial failure. But at the time is there no room for a few seconds of laughter?

At the end of it all, athletes (and people) should realize that they can’t take back what has already happened. For the media to assume that a cameraman’s 10-second shot of a losing quarterback smiling sums up the degree of his seriousness is certainly off par. We all need to be careful not to fall into the trap being set by the media.

And then give Derek Anderson the memo not to fall for it either.

Young in Command in Titans’ Preseason Win Over Arizona

T Lamont — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:56:54 +0000

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The enigma of Vince Young continues.

The former Texas Longhorn looked to be in total command of the Titan offense during Tennessee’s 24-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Young was 9-13 for 128 yards passing. He also added a 10-yard run.

In limited action, Chris Johnson scored a touchdown on an 8-yard scamper.

The Titans seemed to pick right where they left off last season. After losing their first six games of 2009, Tennessee won eight of their last ten regular season contests to end the season at 8-8. Young looked like the player that Tennessee thought it was getting when it drafted him. But there has been times where he has doubted himself, which ultimately led to the veteran Kerry Collins gaining the starting nod.

Vince Young is still playing with the confidence that he displayed in 2009.

But after last season’s horrific start, the Titans were left with no choice but to call on Young – and the Titans have been rolling ever since.

Arizona, however, finds itself on the opposite end of the spectrum. They’ve lost their starting quarterback, a big-name receiver, a fearless linebacker and a safety. Last season they won the NFC West, and won a playoff game before folding to the New Orleans Saints. But this year, the fans may have to prepare themselves for a big drop-off in wins.

Tonight’s game gave us a glimpse at an interesting unexpected battle for the quarterback position. Prior to the preseason, all accounts pointed to the assumption that Matt Leinart would be the man behind center for Arizona. But tonight, he delivered a quick, wishy-washy performance.

Former Cleveland Brown Derek Anderson slung the ball well (11-19, 105 yards)…as did fellow backup Max Hall. Anderson is streaky and can look extremely good when he’s not overthinking things. I’m almost sure that when the Cardinals signed Anderson, Leinart probably breathed a sigh of relief.

If he’s not careful, it could end of being a sigh of grief.

Free Agency Proves to Be a Cardinal-Killer

T Lamont — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:18:38 +0000

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The first day of uncapped NFL free agency went as expected – with many productive players achieving their goal of a highly anticipated payday.

But the more pertinent question may be this:

What should we expect of the Arizona Cardinals this year?

The Cardinals, who entertained us with one of the most thrilling playoff games this past year, will have their work cut out for them as they enter the 2010 NFL season. On Friday, the defending NFC West champions lost some notable players including:

- LB Karlos Dansby appeared on NFL Live about 15 minutes after free agency had officially begun (that would be at approximately 12:15am Thursday night/Friday morning), announcing that Miami was showing some interest in him. Turns out that he was right, as the Dolphins signed him to a 5-year/$42 million contract ($22 million guaranteed) later in the day.

Rolle should pair with Kenny Phillips to make a dynamic safety tandem in New York.

- On Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a bonus payout, Arizona released S Antrel Rolle. On Friday, he signed a $37 million deal over 5 years with the New York Giants. The deal is the biggest ever given to an NFL safety. It was basically their desire to keep SS Adrian Wilson happy by not giving Rolle more money than him that put the former first round draft pick on the open market.

- Finally, in a move that had been long-awaited, the Cardinals traded outspoken WR Anquan Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens. Arizona also packaged a fifth round selection in this year’s draft and received a third and fourth round pick from the Ravens. After the trade, Boldin reached a 3-year, $25 million extension with Baltimore.

Quite an action-packed day – and not a good one - if you are an Arizona fan. Prior to these (lack of) moves, QB Kurt Warner had announced his retirement from the league. A team captain and emotional leader in the locker room, Warner’s absence will open a huge wound that cannot be fully filled by Matt Leinhart.

So, what’s left you ask?

That remains to be seen. The only star-studded attraction around is Larry Fitzgerald, and without an established signal caller you gotta wonder how long he’ll want to stay around…

Just two days ago, Arizona’s personnel would have classified them as a favorite in their division. But now….who knows? Playing in the weakest division in the NFL, the Cards could still conceivably make the playoffs.

However, I’m betting that they won’t achieve what I can conceive.