What do you think about the decline in statistics by Albert Pujols?

Cardinals fans and those that follow Albert Pujols what do you think has caused his drop in offensive numbers? He is down in HR, RBI, Runs, and his AVE is slightly lower. I hope this is just a phase and he will bounce back soon and maybe next season he will again have his usually high numbers. He has played every game and I can only remember one game he didn't get to bat (he came in late for defense). It does look as though he will have more walks this year than any other year but we are talking about 12-15 more than previous totals. Anybody have any ideas as to what is going on with Pujols?

What do you think about the decline in statistics by Albert Pujols?
I expected a decline from the very start. He's a great hitter, but it helps to be in good lineup. Long gone are Larry Walker, Reggie Sanders and Edmond's ability to put up numbers.





The offense has been getting weaker and weaker over the last few years and finally it's come to the point were it's gets too difficult for one player to carry the load. Last year Pujols was the only player on the team with over 25 Home Run and the only player with 100+ RBI's.





Here's the Cardinals numbers in the first half over the last few years. You can see easily see the decline.





2004 - 108 HR, 455 Runs, .276 AVG


2005 - 97 HR, 447 Runs, .271 AVG


2006 - 87 HR, 440 Runs, .279 AVG


2007 - 70 HR, 368 Runs, .267 AVG
Reply:i just think he's in a bad funk and he'll get out of it. i'm a brewers fan, but i still like albert pujols a little bit b/c he's a good player and i think he did it steroid-free
Reply:All players have slumps and not so good years that they would like to forget about. But next year hes going be to a All Star and MVP!
Reply:I still think Albert Pujols is a top player. His first-half numbers are not Pujolsesque but are still solid. You have to remember no one - not even Ted Williams - started their career with as many awesome seasons as Pujols.





If this is an off year, you still have to take it.
Reply:He has more walks because pitchers know nobody in front of him or behind him in the lineup can hurt them.





His average is "down" for the same reason.





Playing on such a bad luck team like the Cardinals this year has gotten to everybody who was on the squad as of last season. Know why Franklin and Wellemeyer and Percival and Ludwick are doing so well? Because they didn't know what it was like to WIN with this team! Their expectations are as low as the bar goes. They're here to prove themselves and maybe win along the way. If Rolen was the old Rolen, then Pujols would have normal numbers. It's that simple. But not even little Duncan provides enough of a threat to keep pitchers honest when facing Pujols. It may not seem like it, but Albert has had cushy protection his whole career here. Edmonds and Rolen helped immensely, but now Pujols is facing a true challenge, which is carrying a broken down team. He's not pulling an A-Rod, but then again, who can? I think for as poorly as the Cardinals have played this season, Albert's numbers might be a little higher than they should be. Provided that there is one competant bat in front of or behind Pujols, he should resume his history making pace.
Reply:pujols will be fine. his numbers are still great they are down a little because no one else on the cardinals can hit. duncan is all right he is the only one. also don't forget he had a terrible april if you take away that month his numers are better
Reply:Sorry, but I'm not that much into baseball.
Reply:Maybe your expectations are a bit high. Pujols will end the season with 35 home runs, 125 each of rbi %26amp; runs, and still hit over .300. How many guys can do that and have people thinking they are playing bad?
Reply:I know the true source of Pujols power.. HDTV has the answer. I've noticed that every time he's hit a HR, or had a great day at the plate he's had a giant herpe on his upper lip.. Not many people have picked this up.. But if you have an HDTV you can see for yourself.. Just watch the next time he's on TV, if he's hit a homer, I'm sure his little friend will be there.
Reply:Mabye teh ROIDSS worn off.





(sigh)