The last name on the back of the shirt is the same. The number has changed and the presence at the plate is not as dangerous, but the legend inspires respect. Albert Pujols is the same professional who won three Most Valuable Player awards and World Series titles. However, the Dominican has transformed with age.
During the month of April, batter battles could not be ignored. Pujols hit less than .200 in 24 games for the Angels, with poncho numbers increasing rapidly. After Pujols played 10 years in Anaheim, the team made the decision and cut ties with the future Hall of Fame nominee.
At 41, Pujols recognizes that his career is in its final chapters, but feels he can still help a team win the title. Pujols waited two weeks for a team to request his experience in the batter’s box.
The Dodgers, like Pujols, also had their own battles in the first two months of the season. Although they achieved 14 victories in their first 18 games of 2021, they could not find ways to win in the following weeks.
When they fell from the top of the NL West, the Dodgers made a call to acquire Pujols. The veteran signed a contract to join the Dodgers, a team he knows very well.
“Coming here and having the opportunity to wear this uniform is something that makes me very proud and honored,” said Pujols. “Every day, I try to do whatever it takes to help this team win, when I’m on the field, in the lineup or in the dugout, I’m helping the guys or talking to them about the game. I’m having fun”.
Pujols was ready to continue his career. However, he was also ready for the role of being a baseball “teacher”. The Dodgers’ median age was less than 28 years before Pujols arrived, more than 10 years younger than the veteran.
But with the help of the team’s veterans, Pujols has found his way to be a leader with the reigning champions.
“I think that by spending time with the veterans of the team, we have the same mentality about winning and helping the organization,” said Pujols. “He is a good mix of players on the team. I remember my times in San Luis and I felt that when I got to the clubhouse. From my first day, you could feel the good vibes and energy ”.
Young players’ admiration for Pujols is notable when he is the first person they see when they walk into the dugout and give him a hug, or during practice when they are chatting with him.
Pujols’ experience has led his new team to more victories. Although they aren’t ranked first in the division, the Dodgers are one of the most talented teams in the league and Pujols’ presence lifts them up.
“[Pujols]He has certainly added value to the team, ”said Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts. “He’s been productive against left-handed pitchers and that’s why we got him.”
The Dodgers have a batting average of less than .220, behind the Mariners for the least in the majors. Left-handers hitting difficulties have contributed to their losses this year.
But Pujols has solved some of those problems with his swing.
“I always stick to the same routine. I always try to be confident in communicating with the scouting report that we have, ”said Pujols. “I always try to put the same swing, be aggressive, look for a good pitch and try to put a good swing.
“I try not to think too much when I’m at the plate. I think I put a lot of work into the batting cage and [las prácticas de bateo] and I prepare very well for the game ”.
Since putting on the Dodgers uniform, the Dominican is hitting more than .350 against lefties, nearly more than 100 points better than his productivity with the Angels in nearly the same number of games in 2021.
“This is the most fun I’ve had in a little while.” Pujols stated.
Statistics have noted Pujols’ good time with the Dodgers. In 30 games in the blue uniform, the veteran is hitting in the neighborhood of .250 with six home runs and 16 RBIs. On the contrary, in 24 games with the Angels, he had a batting average of less than .200 with 12 RBIs.
An adjustment to his hitting mechanics has led to a resurgence of consistency and strength. They are the same qualities that have led him to lead numerous offensive categories since his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001.
In his first two months with the Dodgers, Pujols surpassed two sports legends Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds. It took Pujols 12 games with the Dodgers to get past Ruth and rank fourth on the extra-base list in Major League history.
The home run on May 30 was his eighth of the season and helped him move Bonds closer on the list of total bases hit, which he managed to surpass four games later.
His two months with the Dodgers have been a reflection of the power that made him one of the best hitters in the sport, as well as a demonstration that he can still make an impact in a game.
“I think he’s having a lot of fun playing, enjoying with his teammates, playing to win every night and recognizing his value with the team on the field,” Roberts said. “He is raising the level of competitiveness in the boys and vice versa. Collectively, it’s a good thing for the Dodgers. “
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