He wasn't this good, this long, without help. He also wasn't as good as a 21 year old. Bonds was a better overall player... but it would depend on when you think he started using to automatically say he was the better hitter.
He's okay, nothing special. Hitters have gotten some good wood on his pitches just been hitting them right at the fielders.
It's so hard to agree especially with Bonds definitely roiding it up. My uncle use to say all the old timers did it on hot dogs and beer
Yeah Bonds allegedly cheated which has tarnished his legacy but the guy could flat out hit. I remember teams intentionally walking him with the bases load just to not pitch to him.
Even if you suspect that Bonds didn't touch "anything" till 1998, when he saw what Sosa and McGwire did (which is still a stretch).... Pujols' age 21-31 years stack right up (and likely exceeds) with Bonds' prime years (25-33... "pre-roids"). Again, just looking at hitting. Pujols was better for longer. His numbers have now predictably declined with age... like they're supposed to (as opposed to Bonds who started forming statistical outliers past age 35).
You are assuming Albert has been clean..which I know a number of players did not believe to be the case. I will take Bonds period, help or no help. Barry faced pitchers that were enhanced and a vast majority of his contemporaries were using something. Some players were caught and others were not and now get a free ride... Regardless, Pujols has had a great career but I will take Barry, to each their own.
Fair enough... But if you suspect Pujols, you basically implicate Bagwell and every other suspected user that never tested positive nor was ever named in any reports. Pujols also faced those same pitchers...
I don't specifically suspect Pujols... I suspect a vast majority of players. It was not a big deal, players openly did them and discussed them in warm ups, in the bullpen and clubhouse with me and others around. As far as implicating Bagwell, I am not sure why you specifically mentioned him. I never specifically heard him discuss PED usage but his party buddy on the team was notorious for abusing as were several franchise "good guys" and cornerstones. Whether Bagwell or Pujols or Bonds used steroids is irrelevant to me because it was so common place, similar to Greenie abuse and the like. Regardless I will move on.
It's just not our night. Up against an ace pitcher and vs a very tough Angels team. Can't be too frustrated if we fall short.
