Back in December Albert Pujols came to the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent, signed a 10 year $240 million deal.
Pujols hit his first home run of the 2012 season on May 6th, and the naysayers came out in mass.
What was wrong with Pujols? Could Pujols still hit? Things were not going well for the Angels. Longtime hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was fired. Torii Hunter had an extended leave to take care of family business.
Pujols didn’t make the All-Star team. When asked Pujols modestly stated he didn’t have the numbers to go to the All-Star game, instead deflecting praise the rookie outfielder Mike Trout.
“I think there are so many guys in this clubhouse who deserve that more than me” Trout was called up on May 5th. That was then.
Pujols Finds His Stroke
Last night Pujols hit two home runs in a loss to the Texas Rangers. That makes four home runs in the past two games for Pujols.
Since the All-Star break in 73 at-bats Pujols has hit eight home runs, has 20 RBI, and his batting slash line is a remarkable .357/.379/.781 . Pujols has an OPS of 1.201 since the break.
.Pujols now has 22 home runs, 71 RBI and a slash line of .284/.350/.519 and OPS of .868 for the season.
Pujols leads the American League in home runs, RBI, and OPS since the middle of May.
Mark Trumbo leads the team with 27 home runs. Trout leads the team in most every other offensive category, except RBI’s.
The Angels have Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and added Zack Greinke at the trade deadline.
The Angels are now just four games behind the American League Western division leading Texas Rangers.
Pujols hit that first home run on May 6, and things haven’t been the same for the Angels since. Yes Pujols can still hit, as if there was ever a doubt. One more thing, is it fair to have Pujols and Trout on the same team?
