Why Albert Pujols is Not an All-Star

Albert Pujols, 32, signed a 10 year, $254 million deal, this past off-season with the Angels. For the second consecutive year Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols is not an All-Star.

Now to be fair, every year major league baseball has to deal with deserving players that are left off rosters of their respective All-Star teams.  But Pujols? Let’s take a look at why Albert Pujols is not an All-Star.

Albert  Pujols angelsPujols began the season with a homerless stretch that was making everyone nervous.

He has since recovered, but for now, his numbers aren’t Pujols like and he may just be a victim of his own high standards.

Pujols is hitting, .271 this year, which is not bad, however, his career average is .326. He is on pace to hit 25 home runs, and knocked in 100 RBI.

Again, those are numbers that would put him well above average among first basemen. But , they aren’t Pujols like

He ranks seventh in OPS (.799) among all major league first baseman and third among American League first baseman.

Again, good numbers, but not what All-Star voters have come to expect from Pujols.

Pujols has been as classy as ever in response to not making the All-Star game. “It’s great to be an All-Star, but you have to put up the numbers to be an All-Star,” Pujols said. “I don’t think I have the numbers.

I think there are so many guys in this clubhouse who deserve that more than me. Obviously, a reference to rookie outfielder Mike Trout.

Pujols wont be going to Kansas City for the All-Star game, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. “Every All-Star Game is great, no matter what city it’s in,” Pujols said. “I’m pretty sure (Kansas City) is going to do a great job.

Major League Baseball is going to put on a great event. In the nine All-Star Games I’ve been in, it’s always pretty special.

I’m pretty sure it’s going to be special in Kansas City.”

Pujols has set his own standard that he must reach to be voted into the All-Star game. Essentially, he is a victim of his own standard.

By any other standard, Pujols may have been chosen