How long can Pujols play at his current level?

• Posted by motle on January 27th, 2008 filed in Cardinal Small Talk, GM Suggestions

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!