Albert Pujols’ recent streak of reaching base nine times in a row just fell short of his career best.
When Albert Pujols grounded into a double play in the fifth inning of Monday’s St. Louis Cardinals win over visiting Cincinnati, it ended his then-current run of reaching base at nine consecutive plate appearances. The streak began with the first baseman’s final at-bat on Saturday, continuing through five PA’s on Sunday and his first three on Monday.
Being the curious sort that I am, I asked Tom Orf if that was Pujols’ longest such stretch. He pulled the detailed data for me, by plate appearance by game for all Pujols streaks of six plate appearances or more.
As it turns out, on Monday Pujols fell just one plate appearance short of his personal best of ten, set in 2001 and tied again in 2003. That streak of nine is his longest in over six seasons, since August 2003.
In his nine-plus year career, Pujols has accumulated 29 streaks of reaching base in six or more consecutive plate appearances. As the table below indicates, Pujols accrued just seven of them over his first five seasons but amassed 22 in the four-plus years that followed.
| Pujols by year | # GT 6 PA OB |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| total | 29 |
As I crawled through the data, I also found it extremely interesting that the only season in which Pujols did not reach base in at least six consecutive plate appearances was also the year in which he was voted his first National League Most Valuable Player Award, 2005.
Despite all the concerns about Pujols’ possible physical ailments currently, it isn’t affecting him getting on base in bunches. With four streaks of six or more plate appearances in the first two months this season, he is on pace for a dozen. That would blow away his career best in one year of seven such runs, set in his second MVP season of 2008.
| Pujols | # Cons PA OB | Month |
| 2001 | 10 | May |
| 2002 | 6 | August |
| 2003 | 6 | April |
| 9 | June | |
| 10 | August | |
| 8 | September | |
| 2004 | 6 | June |
| 2005 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 6 | April |
| 7 | June | |
| 6 | July | |
| 6 | September | |
| 2007 | 8 | May |
| 6 | May | |
| 6 | September | |
| 7 | September | |
| 2008 | 7 | April |
| 6 | April | |
| 7 | August | |
| 8 | August | |
| 6 | August | |
| 7 | August | |
| 6 | September | |
| 2009 | 8 | June-July |
| 6 | July | |
| 8 | August | |
| 2010 | 6 | April |
| 6 | April | |
| 6 | May | |
| 9 | May |
Looking at Pujols’ history of such streaks by month, a more realistic total in 2010 might be 10 or 11. He typically cools off during the summer months, but pours it on during the final two months of the season.
| Pujols by month | # GT 6 PA OB |
| April | 6 |
| May | 5 |
| June | 3.5 |
| July | 2.5 |
| August | 7 |
| September | 5 |
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“Despite all the concerns about Pujols’ possible physical ailments currently, it isn’t affecting him getting on base in bunches. With four streaks of six or more plate appearances in the first two months this season, he is on pace for a dozen. That would blow away his career best in one year of seven such runs, set in his second MVP season of 2008″
What a finding! It presents as much of a paradox as it does irony. It leaves me both very encouraged and utterly flummoxed. When Albert went into the final Chicago game with a .299, I was genuinely concerned; not knowing whether the problem was mental/emotional/spiritual (as WCBW had suggested) or simply physical. All I know now is that he, Matt and the rest of the offense appears to be firing on all cylinders and I won’t care about the causes for the month-long drought and lull for as long as the present happy circumstances persist.
Miles is up huh………….. Interesting entertainment coming…………
“I believe it’s our expectation that he will be able to pitch. The question is do we want to go that route,” Mozeliak said. “We view Kyle as an important part of our team not only for this year. He’s gone through a lot. It’s safe to say we want to be careful and do what’s best for him.”
Few would know the both edges of this silk covered sword………… see if you can understand its utility……..its function. (not you Jumbo)
Any ideas what the Craig one day call up was all about? They could have just called up Miles a day sooner but didn’t. Why?
Yesterday, against the righty I believe it was Freese/Rasmus, today Rasmus/Freese. Why?
Strasburg debut pushed back from the 4th to the 8th. Pitt instead of Cincy.
I think they are exploring BB. The Miles arrival has a little to do with yesterdays game. Take a guess.
Colby is more apt to draw a walk against Cueto. They also saved their lefties yesterday so Tony staggers when he can…………… The Skip to number 2 is interesting. Day off Thursday. Tony denies La Rue is assigned to PJ…………………… ???? Would have been a good day to play with Freese of Mr. single himself MH………………..
Top 0′ the 1st: An otherwise acceptable pitching performance is met with Scott Rolen. Damn it!16 strikes + 7 balls (no walks) = 3 hits and 3 runs. With his 12th homer (equaling Albert’s total), Scott is just the clean-up man that Matt should be! With two men on base and one RISP, what will Matt do?
I’ll take the single (and resultant run) and be thankful…
Congratulations, Colby! A two-run homer sends Dusty’s mind games to where the Sun don’t shine…
With his 13th homer (eclipsing Albert’s total), Scott is just the clean-up man that Matt should be!
Is Tony going to play to win? Pj is getting some strike outs but is getting bent over otherwise. If we don’t answer it starts to get dicey. If he gives up another.
Took the words right out of my mouth 57.
Wonder if they will continue pitching to Albert. Interesting. Holliday is heating up.
Schu will have to dig a little deeper with Miles sitting there ready to take reps.
No answer by the Cards. PJ probably doesn’t go 5.
If he’s going to be the Lohse replacement he can’t be coddled. If he gets brutalized, there’s always Looper out there. Probably Suppan soon. MacLane maybe. PJ’s not looking too sharp.
After 3 innings…
ab-r-h-rbi
4 – 4-4-5 Votto/Rolen
4 – 2-2-1 Pujols/Holliday
With regard to Lohse’s replacement, I firmly believe that Looper is no improvement and Suppan’s career is finished. Let Duncan work with Willis!
His last batter one way or another.
Willis signs with AZ……
After 4 innings, P.J’s outing is an absolute disaster. The 4 run deficit, however, should be nothing that our offense cannot overcome in just a couple of innings.
The Reds figured that base hit to left center as a double all the way. Make Colby throw him out. We’ve seen examples of what an outfield arm can mean, good and bad.
Holliday is heating up but someone cut his hair. His power has been sapped.
Uh oh! I think Lohse is the team barber…
Why in hell is Tony leaving P.J. in? With the sole exception of Jay and LaRue, our line-up really sucked the 2nd time through: Perhaps the 3rd time will be a charm…
So PJ pinch hits for himself.
Rolen is the ultimate ML player. Too bad TLR disssed Scott. Clever of Uncle Walter to get him back.
Glad we did not send Rasmus to AAA just to placate fans.
I used to think Walters could be the new Bob Tewksbury. Maybe PJ needs still another year at AAA. Tewksbury spent a lot of time training at AAA and finally his career took off.
Reasons PJ stays in the game:
1. We are down anyway, so why waste another pitcher today? Save your pen for tomorrow.
2. Walters needs experience.
Rolen is going into a slump: He hit only a measly double!
wow, cannot believe LaRussa doesn’t pinch hit for Walters there, yeah it is early in the game but PJ isn’t even back out to pitch !
Tewksbury spent 3 years at AAA. Got a break with the Cards at age 29 (shades of Dick Hughes). The Cards were so bad at cultivating pitchers, they had to give someone the ball and took a chance on Tewskbury. He was a mainstay for a few years.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/T/Bob-Tewksbury.shtml
Trevor damned near gave me a heart attack: He loaded the bases (with the help of Flip), but he struck out 2 and got us through the inning. Whew!
I don’t know what the inside story is on the field, but from my vantage point; ’twas lame to allow P.J. to hit for himself and ’twas lame to replace Flip with Brendan…
Luddy must be unavailable, leaving the bench short.
Patience Jumbo. In the end, the customer is always right.
With regard to P.J’s at bat, your explanation is the only viable one that I can think of, blingboy. Thank God that Mitch didn’t stink it up! Now, we have only 3 runs to make-up for and 12 outs to work with…
Thanks to Matt, Colby and David; we have only 2 runs to make-up for and 12 outs to work with…
Thanks to Matt, Colby, David and our phenomenal Jon Jay; we now have only 1 run to make-up for and 12 outs to work with…
Tony did the impossible with the Walters at bat, left Westy speachless.
Good thing for us Dusty has a slow trigger.
speechless
Being sent to the showers with 10 hits and 6 earned runs, their veteran Cueto didn’t fair much better than our rookie Walters…
CardsFanSince57: You are a genuine Cards fan, no ifs ands or buts. Excellent outlooks.
He only had Molina who he wouldn’t risk and his late inning pinch hitters. He will use a pinch hitter here.
Playin’ a great game of “small ball”, the third time through our line-up was indeed a charm!
I am honored, Jumbo. Thank you!
Brendan the Man. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.
Well… shut my mouth! What did I say about the “lame” move of putting Brendan in?
12 outs is for sissies 57.
Roster topics:
Ludwick is probably available tonight. TLR wanted to give Jay some at bats, sent him out there against the RHP for the favorable matchup. It paid off.
Lopez made an error and Ryan pinch hit. This does not bode well. Lopez probably still has a sore arm. You do not pinch hit Ryan for Lopez unless Felipe is hurting. Ugh.
Promoting Craig one day, replacing him with Miles the next, is also not a positive indicator. I dont know what cover story the Cards are going to cook up. Probably Mo wanted to get Craig ML experience, but TLR rebelled. Miles is the right guy, for the job, pinch-hitter. Mo and TLR need to coordinate better.
Albert has been bashing ‘em hard, but the old adage rings true; “Ya gotta hit ‘em where they ain’t”!
Jumbo, I think Flip got that bad hop off his throwing hand, the thumb I think.
If Reyes is able to throw for grounders, we’d have an opportunity for a double play…
Its a good game. Isn’t Ryan the antithesis of the cool collect Miles………..I though he was going to blow a gasket up there.
Pujols agent Dan Lozano to start new agency: link
Now Tony looks smart saving his bench earlier.
To bad he sent up that chump
Men against boys with Stava………… he figures he is going to get a fear pitch to start…….. doesn’t, and falls in a completely predictable sequence. All based on him hitting the ball in the stands.
Pre-game, Miles joked he’d get the game winning hit and then collect his paycheck from the Reds.
Thanks for the link Brian. Didn’t list Lopez as going with him.
Hey, blingboy! If “12 outs is for sissies” indeed, making-up for a one run deficit should be absolutely no problem, with 6 outs to work with!
While Albert is getting the singles and Matt is getting the walks, Rasmus is driving them in!
Well… most of the time.
We have 6-7-8-P and no bench. Piece of cake 57. Frankie’s got to hold them. Playing for first place you know.
Whats he using for a closer tomorrow.? Motte I guess.
Hitting one player and throwing a wild pitch to the next… Damn! I’m not feeling very comfortable about holding them.
Carp tomorrow Westy. Just need a mop up guy.
Damn! Now, it all rests upon our .192 LaRue…
Hey! Pinch-hitting for him, none other than .291 Ludwick!
Oh, well… Our guys really battled and we’ll take the series with a win tomorrow.
Good game………. I was listening to the Reds feed. They were scratching their heads over Tony’s moves too…………… Can’t help but like the match up tomorrow………I hope.
“I have the best agent in sports and a guy that I trust with my life,” Pujols said in the release, “what more can you ask for?”
Curious……………………. There is more of a story here that is obvious. I don’t know. But I bet I could guess it………………………….. any peripheral stories here Brian, state of the remaining group, names etc;
This is an interesting historical dynamic.
http://www.prosportsgroup.com/SportsAgentNews/Nov2003/News/bhsc.htm
“Wouldn’t it be nice to have the ability to look at Lozano’s employment contract with BHSC? I wonder what kind of noncompete clause was written into the agreement. Will BHSC just let Lozano leave and join another agency or set up shop on his own without any kind of fight? If there is a noncompete, does it even matter? California rarely enforces such clauses as the state is very anti restraining employment.”
A few interesting statements here…………
http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2009/04/10/desi-relaford-bashes-beverly-hills-sports-council/
From the way-back machine. Funny but relevant.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1138685/3/index.htm
“Danny Lozano has left Beverly Hills Sports Council, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” said agent Jeff Borris.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5220159
Some very interesting statements.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/albert-pujols-agent-leaves-beverly-hills-sports-council.html.php
If you’ve gotten this far……………. some questions might arise;
1) at what point would Lozano and partners have reworked their partnership arrangements to allow a walk?
2) What exactly is the change in philosophy, or difference in philosophy that arose?
3) What in the hell does Lozano have on Jeff Boris that would suggest that a few tears and waving hands and an occasional bon voyage is all that is relevant about his departure?
??????………………. who got to Jeff…… who then brought that influential message to Lozano…….. that became justification for this move…………. and was controversial enough by its nature, to become a free pass to dissolve a lucrative partnership with no retribution? (Keep in mind that there are more attorneys involved here than flees on Jumbo’s dog)
One tidbit to factor in Westy, Lozano is on the board of Pujols Family Foundation. I wouldn’t think anything unusual about that.
At least there’s a day off before Otto’s next start. After that last debacle I would rather see MacLane. I hope Mo doesn’t jump the gun on going out there for one of the retreads, but somehow we need a long term answer to Lohse problem. Can’t keep having a train wreck every fifth day.
blingboy: I am persuaded that we would have walked away from the latest wreck with a win, had Matt launched at least one long ball. As soon as we have him behaving as a clean-up man (a la Rolen), the prospect of “a train wreck every fifth day” would not be so dreadful. But, alas, great pitching ultimately trumps the best of hitting; so I believe that the yearning for “a long term answer to the Lohse problem” is definitely warranted. If we had the addition of an Oswalt or a Duncan-doctored Willis, we would be unstoppable!
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. ~Albert Einstein
Brief summation then…………. If Lozano tries building an island in the Mississippi, using the same “tool” that he used to free himself from the Hillbillies, he is liable to find that “dangerous” work. Real hardball.
What the heck are you talking about Westy.
No arguement 57. I am persuaded that if Matt hits nothing but singles for 8 years, we will have a singles hitting cleanup man for 8 years.
Its just a little puzzle exercise BB. You have to read all the articles with for clues. Don’t worry it.
I’m just picking low hanging fruit these days, Westy. Nothing lofty.