A Sports Illustrated report from earlier this week announced that Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez could return to his team sometime during the first week of May. This is just the latest development in a tumultuous offseason for Rodriguez, who admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs last February and, just weeks later, underwent surgery for torn cartilage in his right hip. Without a doubt, Rodriguez's return will receive plenty of attention given his damaged reputation and the Yankees' slow start.
Before this offseason, Rodriguez seemed like the obvious candidate to break Barry Bonds' all-time home run record in legitimate fashion, something that the sport desperately needs to help ease the pain of a dark steroids era, but with one report and confession, that possibility was quickly put to rest.
Many fans—not just of the Yankees, but baseball fans in general—were devastated by the news. Instead of living in the past, the baseball world should put its concentration towards a new hope: The rising career of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.
Pujols' start to his eight-plus-year career has been one of the most impressive in baseball history. From the get-go, he has been nothing short of spectacular. Pujols was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2001, when he hit .329 with 37 home runs and 130 RBIs. At just 29 years of age, he's already had seven all-star appearances and won two MVP awards, plus a World Series title in 2006.
So far, Pujols has been the model of consistency—he's the only player in baseball history to start a career with eight consecutive seasons with at least a .300 batting average, 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. His averages during this time are astounding—a .334 batting average with 40 home runs and 122 RBIs. As of last Wednesday, Pujols was off to another blazing start this season, among the National League's leaders, with a .326 batting average, seven home runs and 26 RBIs.
It's far down the road, but if Pujols is able to maintain a pace relatively close to this and stay healthy, then he could be a serious contender for the record. It should be noted that, despite a recent surgery, Pujols has still never missed more than 20 games in a season.
Perhaps some people think Rodriguez's biggest mistake was the act of taking performance-enhancing drugs. But in reality, I think this isn't the most important issue. Rodriguez admitted to using banned substances from 2001 to 2003, and at the time, drug testing was hardly enforced and did not expose the player or provide punishment. So the blame there should be placed not on Rodriguez, but on the league for failing to make drug testing a bigger priority.
However, Rodriguez should still be held fully accountable for his poor character, which has been exposed over the last few years. In 2007, A-Rod denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs in an interview with CBS. Even recently, in an interview with ESPN shortly after the report of his failed test, he lied about not knowing what kind of steroid he used. And lastly, he lied when he claimed that the reporter who broke the story of his failed drug test also tried to break into his home in Miami.
Records and Hall of Fame inductions are most glorified when held by elite players who not only establish themselves through their play, but also conduct themselves in an honest and civilized manner. This cannot be said for A-Rod, but Pujols' charity work has certainly backed up his reputation as a morally sound individual.
Last year, Pujols won the Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who ""best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."" Inspired by his 10-year-old daughter's struggle with Down syndrome, Albert started the Pujols Family Foundation in 2005. The organization has helped improve the lives of more than 500 families affected by Down syndrome around St. Louis. Although this work doesn't guarantee that Pujols is clean, it certainly shows a commitment to the importance of good character.
Rodriguez cannot take back his steroid use or lies that disappointed fans everywhere. Even if he breaks the record, it will once again be tainted by deceit and controversy. One can only hope that Pujols has not already taken the same route and is actually as upstanding as he appears to be.
Who do you think is the biggest contender for breaking Bonds' home run record? Tell Matt what you think by e-mailing him at mfox2@wisc.edu.
