I just can’t believe that Pujols is on something. His head fits his body, and he’s always been big and scary-good. This isn’t anything like Bonds’ weird acceleration in talent when he “should” have been tailing off. You have to say that batting .305 and being on target for 40 HR is his bad, off-roids talent, which isn’t saying much. That could easily be an “off” year for many other reasons.
Looking back in the 1980s “WhiteyBall” error which concentrated on speed and little home run, the Cardinals were erratic year to year. In 1985 the team hit .264, ist in the NL. 1986 they hit .236…12th in the NL… But in 1987 they were back to .263, this time 5th in the league. Go figure.
And, quite frankly, a lot of that was luck.
Batting AV on Balls in Play:
1985: .298
1986: .272
1987: .300
When your entire team philosophy is built around contact hitters, a lousy BABIP will destroy your offense. If you can get on base and hit for a bit of power then you are somewhat more immune to these fluctuations.
Also, thanks to everyone for not commenting on the Cards game last night… I’m not ready to talk about it yet. :mad: