How long can Pujols play at his current level?
Ok, maybe I am believing my own writings but a serious concern has developed. How long can Albert Pujols play at his current level with his physical concerns? Some believe and I might buy into it that he is 3 years or less away from retirement or physically induced retirement.
When a guy can’t straightened his elbow and has pain that becomes unbearable it no longer is something someone wants to do much longer. That concerns me.
Let’s look at what was written this week.
- Pujols said he decided against offseason surgery on his right elbow, a trouble spot for several years, because he would have had to miss a significant portion if not all the 2008 season. Pujols still is unable to straighten his arm, but team doctors concluded that because he plays first base, an operation can be postponed.He said his elbow bothered him the second half of last season, and said if that happens again he wouldn’t try to soldier through it.
“If the same problem is happening this year, I don’t think I’m to play the whole year the same way,” Pujols said. “I sacrificed my body.”
We may not see him play 120 games this year. He’s a gamer. He will try, but if we are as bad as some forums are making us out to be, then he may “see the light” and get the surgery. I am not his financial advisor but he probably has all the money he needs and could walk away if the pain becomes too severe.
Let’s hope for 10 more productive years in Cardinals uniform for Albert Pujols!
By: motle on Jan 27th, 2008
Tagged as: Cardinal Small Talk, GM Suggestions
I hate to think Albert will ever lose it. But thats unrealistic. I give him 2-3 more years at his current level – then it will taper off. I hope it’s more like 10 though!
Look at what he did last year in pain. Now imagine him in his prime after the surgery.
I expect he’ll have to shut it down sometime this year. But I think he’s still got a long career in front of him.
Yeah, I agree with Daniel. I’m not expecting to see him get a full year in by any means but I think he’ll definitely be back to his prime time numbers fairly quickly after surgery. Last year he played through what sounds like incredible pain and still had an incredible year. I don’t see how anyone could argue he won’t keep producing like this for several years to come.
[...] over at CardinalsGM.com discusses how long Pujols can produce at his current level. We think A LONG [...]
[...] January 28th, 2008 Albert Pujols Club, Sports Tom over at CardinalsGM.com discusses how long Pujols can produce at his current level. We think A LONG [...]