Is Pujols Already HOF-Worthy?
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I had an argument with a co-worker that I believe I'm correct on.
Albert Pujols would be in the Baseball Hall of Fame if he never played another game.
My friends believe that you have to play a certain number of games or seasons to be eligible, but no such rule exists. The HOF simply invites the best players in baseball history to become a member of their elite club.
My argument is that even though Prince Albert has only played a little more than five seasons, he's already the greatest right-handed hitter baseball has seen in a long time. Throwing out the 2006 season, let's look at his first five years...
batting average = .332
home runs = 201
runs batted in = 621
slugging percentage = .621
on base percentage = .416
walks = 401
strikeouts = 344
runs = 629
hits = 982
Let's assume Albert really is only 26 years old; what kind of pace is this? If he continues his average seasonal output just until he's 32, he'll be at 482 HR and almost 1500 RBI. If he averages 35 HR per season until he's 38, he'll be the all-time HR leader, and probably be near the top in every major offensive category.
That's not the argument, but it lends to it. I'm saying that if Pujols never puts on a uniform again, his first five years in the league should cement his place in Cooperstown. It's a silly argument, but it's been fun...
Any thoughts?
Source
- www.baseballreference.com
Date
Wed 07/12/06, 9:24 am EST
