Respect for Pujols

As a Cardinals fan, maybe choosing to live within a mile of Wrigley Field wasn't the best choice. Regardless, I think it's interesting to listen to Cubs fans talk about the Cardinals, especially Albert Pujols. Here are just a few examples...

I recently went to a Cards/Cubs game at Wrigley and every time Albert stepped to the plate, I heard people accusing him of being "on the juice". Now I realize too many great players have used steroids, HGH, etc in the past 1-2 decades, but unless Albert has been juicing since day one, I highly doubt he's using anything. From the day he came to the majors, he's been the same size and hit .300+ with 30+ homers and 100+ RBIs. Bonds, A-Rod, McGwire, Sosa, Canseco...all those players that have been accused or found guilty of using steroids had huge changes in performance. Bonds, A-Rod and Sosa were 30/30 or 40/40 players and then all of a sudden became 50+ HR sluggers. McGwire put on 30+ pounds and Canseco...well, he's his own story. Maybe I'm biased, but I say Albert is clean and definitely should be considered innocent until proven guilty.

"I hate Albert Pujols"...I've heard people say that too here in Chicago. Why? Because he's good? The man is easily one of the most humble players of his generation, donates a HUGE amount of money to charity and is probably the greatest player of his generation. Instead of saying you hate him, just be honest and admit you wish your team hadn't passed on Albert Pujols in the 1999 MLB draft...13 times! The man was chosen 402nd overall in the 13th round...unbelievable!

Now, I understand the power of rivalries like the one the Cards have with the Cubs. I understand it's hard for people to admit an opponent is amazing. But come on! Players like Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr, Ivan Rodriguez and Greg Maddux only come around every decade or so. Their talent and character are unmatched and deserve your respect. But if you insist on being stubborn, don't worry. It doesn't seem to affect these players. Albert got three RBIs in the Cards/Cubs game I went to at Wrigley...in the face of all that jeering!

 Pujols for MVP!!!