SB Nation User Blog: The Duke

Pujols Elbow

The Duke — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:55:56 -0000

Belatedly reading some of the Pujols tributes and noticed a quote from Albert himself on BP saying that the nerve operation was an attempt to fix elbow problems caused by ligament damage but that there was a 25% chance he would need the ligament replacement surgery.

Pujols said. "The doctors are optimistic that this surgery will work and I'll be fine for next season. I know there's a 25 percent chance it might not work, but I'm staying optimistic."

Was that explained at time of surgery? I thought the nerve operation was unrelated to his longer term problem. So, do we really have a 25% chance that Albert can't go out there this year?

Does that make it much less likely the Cards will dive in and make any big acquisitions this winter?

Kozma news fom BP

The Duke — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:05:20 -0000

Many saw Kozma as a bit of an overdraft last summer, but the pool of middle infield talent was anything but deep, and the Cardinals wanted to ensure that they get their guy. So far, he’s looking like a legitimate first-rounder after a 5-for-15 weekend that included his first two home runs of the season. That stretch upped his averages to .322/.420/.492 in 16 games for the River Bandits. The reason Kozma may be underrated is that he lacks that one plus-plus tool to get excited about, but at the same time, he’s one of those players whose greatest strength is a lack of weaknesses. He’s a good hitter, a good fielder, and he has a good arm and runs well. It’s hard to see superstar potential in him, but at the same time, if you’re starting a pool of current 2007 high school draftees who will turn into everyday big league starters, take Kozma early.

Looks like our 2007 draft is looking up

BP: When do the Cards trade Pujols?

The Duke — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:35:40 -0000

"A new front office faces the challenge of a team with one star and one burgeoning one, and little else around which to build. It could be a few years before the Cards contend again, which inspires the question: when does Albert Pujols become a piece to be moved?" This from BP yesterday.

Seems there has been precious little said on this board about the topic. Albert is a hero and they will retire his number at Busch but realistically isn't trading him now for an upgraded system make sense?

Declining production last year with MV3 a distant memory made Albert seem a bit more human
Chronically bad feet -- does anyone think this will ever get better. No, it will get worse.
Likely to miss half a season when his elbow finally goes.
Cards at least two-three years from being a serious contender.
Market is paying up for stars right now. Albert could bring 2-3 young major league players and a couple prospects or a bunch of prospects. Pujols for David Freese II in 5 years sounds unappetizing.
Reasonable contract for one of the top 5 in baseball.
Everyone says Albert is a good baserunner --but it seems to me he runs into a lot of outs. That's my personal pet peeve and certainly not a reason to trade him, just saying.
Josh Phelps -- need I say more.
Cash. Nice way for the owners to line their pockets (let's not forget, they aren't in this for altrusim).
Mo is exactly the kind of temporary GM who can make this trade. He'll disappear into obscurity with the epitaph -- "he traded Pujols". A big name GM could never do it.

Are Albert's best years behind him? I read on a recent thread where his lifetime numbers don't project out all that well.

I'm a win now guy and Albert is a winner, but if we really are going to rebuild shouldn't we go "all-in".

Thoughts?