We are about a quarter of the way through the baseball season and for owners of struggling stars it may be time to start panicking.

Here’s a look at the biggest busts in my eyes to this point to this season, not including players that have been hit by a notable injury that has cost them significant time:

HITTERS
Albert Pujols (ANA) – He got paid, now he needs to produce, just two HR’s and worst April ever
Troy Tulowitzki (COL) – A SS with a .269 BA, 3 HR, 14 RBI isn’t terrible, but he was a top 5 pick
Eric Hosmer (KC) – Yikes a .174/.237/.319 through his first 156 plate appearances is terrible
Brett Lawrie (TOR) – Starting to get hot now, but so far numbers not justifying early hype
Howie Kendrick (ANA) – When the average (.267) is not there, he loses some of his appeal
Alfonso Soriano (CHC) – Finally hit first HR (May 15). Cubs are stuck with own you are not
Drew Stubbs (CIN) – Owners that hoped he’d be a 20/20 guy are stuck with 3/6 thus far
Justin Smoak (SEA) – The primary player in the Cliff Lee deal still not delivering

PITCHERS
Matt Moore (TB) – The 22-year old phenom may not be quite ready to be a fantasy ace
Adam Wainwright (STL) – His return from Tommy Surgery has been a tough one
Max Scherzer (DET) – The strikeouts are there but his ERA and WHIP are killing owners
Justin Masterson (CLE) – Has failed to take advantage of being Tribe’s No. 1 SP
Mat Latos (CIN) – Starting to turn things around after a horrid April, but still a way to go
John Danks (CHW) – ERA has risen to 6.36 and his WHIP is as high as it’s been in five years
Heath Bell (MIA) – Has only converted 3 of his 7 save chances with 9.24 ERA and 2.368 WHIP
Jose Valverde (DET) – Already has blown 2 SVO after going 49/ 49 in 2011
John Axford (MIL) – Has been roughed up a bit, but at least he has a 22:7 strikeout/walk ratio

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Fresh off signing a $240 million free-agent deal with the Angels in the offseason, Albert Pujols just wrapped up the worst month of his career.  The stat line is unbelievably bad - 217 BA, .265 OBP, .304 SLG with 0 HR and just 4 RBI. While he got off to a bad start in 2011, he still managed to hit 7 HR and 18 RBI despite batting just .245 in the opening month of the season.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact problem, but there are certainly several factors.

A new team, a new league and new environment are obvious variables, but there other signs that suggest his skills are slowly declining.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch pointed out some interesting trends in a recent article:

**Over the past three seasons his OBP dipped from .443 to .414 to .366 and his slugging percentage has followed.

**He’s walking less (16.4 percent of plate appearance in 2009 to 6.1 this year) and striking out more often.

**His “chase rate” (swinging at pitches out the strike zone) is up from 27.5 percent in 2012 to over 40 percent this season.

**Pujols fly balls are traveling an average of 266 feet so far this seasson. That's a drop from an average of 313 feet in 2010.

FANTASY SLANT: Pujols can’t plummet much farther than he already has. He is simply too good not to start producing some better numbers. However, at 32 he may never return to the dominating form we’ve seen from him over the past decade.  The Cardinals realized that he was starting to tail off a bit and that’s why they made the tough decision to let him walk. From a fantasy standpoint his value has reached an all-time low which makes it hard to recommend dealing him. If his owner in your league is getting desperate though, he could easily prove to be worth spending pennies on the dollar to acquire.

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The calendar has turned January and the Hot Stove talk is starting to wind down a bit with many of the big names already off the market. While there is still a chance for a team to nab some difference makers to this points these moves stand above all else.

1. Angels Land Pujols, Wilson
The Los Angeles Angels stole the thunder at the Winter Meetings by striking deals with both Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson on the same day.  Pujols, a three-time MVP and two-time World Champion, left St. Louis for a 10-year contract worth $254 million.  Wilson, the top arm on the free-agent market, left the defending AL champion Rangers for a five-year, $77.5 million...MORE

2. Marlins Make Splash With Reyes
Reyes became the first Mets player to win the batting title, coming off his .337 season with a .384 on-base percentage. He parlayed that into a $106 million deal with the Marlins and is the centerpiece of the Miami makeover. The team signed closer Heath Bell, the top saves guy available, one night earlier...MORE

3. Reds Go For It With Latos
With the division up for grabs, the Reds sent four players, including three of the organization’s top 10 prospects, to San Diego for ace lefthander Mat Latos.  Latos, 24, has the front-of-the rotation attributes that the Reds desired deeply.  He burst on to scene in 2010 with a 14-10 record and 2.92 ERA while allowing 150 H, 16 HR, 50 BB, 189 K, 1.083 WHIP in 184.2 innings.  The team gave up a ton, but with the division up for grabs and two more years of Joey Votto, GM Walt Jocketty opted to go for it…MORE

4. Red Sox Acquire Andrew Bailey
In an effort to fill the void left in the bullpen by Jonathan Pablebon’s departure to Philly in free agency, the Boston Red Sox traded for A’s closer Andrew Bailey in a five-player deal.  Bailey was 24-for-26 in save opportunities last season, finishing with a 3.24 ERA after missing the first two months with a strained right forearm. The 27-year old is entering his first arbitration year and remains under club control for three more seasons...MORE

5. Cardinals Look To Beltran
After losing out the Albert Pujols sweepstakes the Cardinals made an effort to fill the hole in the middle of the order by signing free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran to a two-year deal. His .525 slugging percentage in 2011 for the Mets and Giants ranked eighth among NL outfielders. Overall, he batted .300 with 22 homers and 84 RBI in 142 games...MORE

Also Considered…

• Rollins Re-Signs With Philly
• Cahill Headed To Desert
• Nats Add Arm In Gonzalez
• Cubs Makeover Begins

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After days of speculation free-agent Albert Pujols made up his mind on Thursday morning, agreeing to a 10-year deal worth over $250 million to sign with Angels.

MY TAKE: As a Reds' fan I was hoping St. Louis would resign him.  The reason - in three or four years it would screw the team.  Pujols was worth every penny, this past decade. The Angels are paying for the production the Cardinals received. At least in the AL Pujols could move to DH down the road. It does make me wonder if he got this at 32 (next week) what will Joey Votto get at 29 in two years?

Reaction from Twitter...

Pujols to the Angels? This morning's previously scheduled meeting to talk about possibly upgrading our season tickets just got interesting. - @jimrome

10 yrs $250M for a 32-yr old (next month) 1B with declining OBP/BA 3 straight years....good luck. - @LanceMcAlister

Arte Moreno has changed his ways and gets the big fish. pujols deal with #angels changes al west landscape - @Jon_Heyman

Money don't buy Happiness but with 250m you can rent a smile for a long time - @shawnemerriman

Pujols to the Angels. Boom. - @heykayadams

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With the passing of Wednesday’s deadline to sign an extension, it appears that St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols will test the free agent waters at the completion of the 2011 season.  Here are the teams most likely to add him with our corresponding odds:

CARDINALS (3-to-1) – There chances were much better when they weren’t competing with other teams. However, the fact they weren’t even close with Pujols suggests they won’t be near the top of being the highest bidder. The only thing that might keep him in St. Louis is loyalty.

CUBS (5-to-1) – The Cubs need to make a splash and could come up with the cash if needed. They are slowly getting out the hole of bad contract signings and the addition of Pujols would give the give team another draw aside from its stadium. Pujols would crack 50-plus homers a season playing at Wrigley Field.

ANGELS (8-to-1) – It has been a while since the Angels landed a marquee free agent, but they seemingly are always involved in the bidding. It could be the best fit in the A.L. when you consider salary, market, and need.

METS (10-to-1) – Despite the team’s current financial woes, they are only a couple minor investors away from getting back on track. Competing with the Yankees inside the market was tough enough. Now the Mets must match a Phillies’ team that has one of baseball’s best rotations of all-time and a killer offense.

DODGERS (12-to-1) – Assuming the dust settles on the nasty divorce between the team’s owners in time, the Dodgers could open up the check books. However, signing Pujols at a large contract could mean the departure of several of the team’s young stars who are nearing the end of their arbitration years.

TIGERS (12-to-1) – The Tigers are known for breaking out the wallet which makes them a player here. However, they currently have Miguel Cabrera playing the position, so that could lower their desire.

WHITE SOX (12-to-1) – They seem like a long shot, but they play in a market to support the move. Adding Pujols would help the break out of the Cubs’ shadow a bit and make them perennial contenders in the AL Central.

RED SOX (12-to-1) – It appears as if the team will lock up newly acquired Adrian Gonzalez. However, you can’t dispel the Red Sox from getting involved, especially if talks with Gonzalez break down.

YANKEES (15-to-1) – With Mark Teixeira locked up long term with a no-trade clause, it would be hard for the Yankees to get involved and with their rotation in shambles they need to focus on spending their money there for now.

GIANTS (18-to-1) – The Giants aren’t typically known for being big players in free agency, but their market and fan base can support the signing of Pujols and few teams on the list have a bigger need to add a big bat in the lineup.

RANGERS (20-to-1) – They were ready to break the bank for Cliff Lee and lost out. It’s going to be tough enough to keep Josh Hamilton around, so making a real run at Pujols is unlikely. However, they will likely at least strongly consider it.

ORIOLES (20-to-1) – A long shot to land Pujols, the Orioles need him more than any other team on the list. The team hasn’t been relevant in over a decade, but does boast great tradition. The franchise has some young talent and improving, but to compete in the AL East they need to make a big splash.

PHILLIES (25-to-1) – It is clear that Philly will shell out the cash, but with Ryan Howard locked up and no DH spot in the batting order they don’t appear to be a good fit.

BRAVES (30-to-1) – The team has several young pieces in place and resurfacing from a slight rebuild mode.  With Chipper Jones in the twilight, the club needs a new veteran to build around and lead the young team.  Pujols would be the perfect piece to put next to Jason Heyward for the next decade or so.

MLB st. louis cardinals, albert pujols, 2010 mlb offseason

from ESPN.com's Buster Olney...

Other teams have asked the Cardinals about Albert Pujols in the past, making sure that if St. Louis ever thought about dealing the perennial MVP candidate, the inquiring team's interest was established.

The Cardinals have never really pursued any of that trade discussion.

But no matter what happens in the last days of negotiations before Pujols arrives at the Cardinals' camp in spring training, the slugger will not be traded.
 
The understanding within the St. Louis front office is that Pujols will not accept any trade going forward, according to sources. He has the right to veto any trade proposal, and would do so.

COMPLETE ARTICLE

MLB st. louis carindals, albert pujols, 2010 mlb offseason

The MLB regular season came to end Sunday which also indicates the end of the race for National League MVP. Most figure that the race is down the three players - Carlos Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, and Joey Votto. Pujols has the name recognition and that will be tough to overcome, but Votto is the only candidate to actually advance to the postseason and has a distinct advantage in two popular statistical categories with and OBP and slugging percentage.

The final voting takes place now, but the winner will not be annoucned for nearly a month from now.

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There’s no doubt the guy is great. But how great is he? BaseballDailyDigest.com put it in some context:

--Pujols’ career-low in wOBA is .402 in 2002. By comparison, Chase Utley, Miguel Cabrera, Mark Teixeira, and Adrian Gonzalez had wOBA’s of .402 in 2009. That’s right: Pujols at his worth is only playing at the level of Miguel Cabrera.

--Pujols’ career-high in wOBA is .462 in 2003. Since 2001, only Barry Bonds has had a higher wOBA (2002-04, of course).

--Pujols hit 47 HR, drove in 135 runs, and stole 16 bases in 2009. There are only been 13 other player-seasons that have matched those numbers (at least 45 HR, 130 RBI, and 15 SB). Ken Griffey, Jr. had four such seasons, Alex Rodriguez three, and Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Andres Galarraga, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, and Babe Ruth one apiece.

--Pujols’ career-low in OPS+ is 151 in 2002. That season alone would place him in a tie for 30th on the all-time leaderboard in career OPS+ with Gavvy Cravath.

--Pujols’ career average OPS is 172. He is currently tied with Mickey Mantle for sixth all-time, behind only Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Barry Bonds, Lou Gehrig, and Rogers Hornsby

--The Cardinals have paid Pujols $76.3 million since 2002. According to FanGraphs, he has been worth nearly $230 million in that same span of time. The Cards have theoretically gotten triple their investment, and they still have two more seasons in which they control him (club option in 2011).

Pujols is no stranger to MVP consideration. He has now won it three times and finished in the top four of the voting in eight of his nine MLB seasons. A look at his numbers in his three winning years

Year   G   HR RBI  AVG OBP  SLG
2005 161 41 117 .330 .430 .609
2008 148 37 116 .357 .462 .653
2009 160 47 135 .327 .443 .658

COMPLETE AWARD WINNERS

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It's time to announce my fantasy all-stars, we start with a look at the hitters...

C – Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
.381 BA, 15 HR, 49 RBI
Mauer has been one of the most valued commodities in all of baseball. His production gets a hike when you consider he is doing it as a catcher, one of fantasy’s scarcest positions.

Biggest Surprise: Kurt Suzuki (OAK); Biggest Bust: Geovany Soto – CHC;

1B – Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
.338 BA, 32 HR, 85 RBI, 72 R, 10 SB
Nobody is even close to Pujols this year as he is hands down fantasy baseball’s top producer. He has a legitimate shot to become baseball’s first Triple Crown winner since 1967.

Biggest Surprise: Todd Helton (COL); Biggest Bust: David Ortiz (BOS)

2B – Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
.310 BA, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 61 R, 9 SB
Utley is healthy and producing as normal for the Phillies and fantasy owners alike. He gets the slight nod over Ian Kinsler, who also has been lights out.

Biggest Surprise: Ben Zobrist (TB); Biggest Bust: Placido Polanco (DET)

3B – Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
.286 BA, 17 HR, 66 RBI, 48 R
The hot corner offers up plenty of options, but Longoria has been as productive as any and still the most dangerous threat at the position.

Biggest Surprise: Russell Branyan (SEA); Biggest Bust: Garrett Atkins (COL)

SS – Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
.345 BA, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 51 R, 12 SB
Ramirez is one of the game’s top performers and a five-category producer for owners at a position that offers few options.

Biggest Surprise: Marco Scutaro (TOR); Biggest Bust: Jhonny Peralta (CLE)

OF – Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
.315 BA, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 61 R, 7 SB

OF – Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays
.310 BA, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 58 R, 44 SB

OF – Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
.361 BA, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 44 R, 19 SB

Picking three outfielders is a challenge, but I would put these three up against any other three that could be offered up. Braun offers the most balance of power and average. Crawford is producing in all categories, but has separated himself from the pack with his production on the base paths and Suzuki is as consistent as they come.

Biggest Surprise: Adam Lind (TOR); Biggest Bust: Manny Ramirez (LA)

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The All-Star rosters were announced by Major League Baseball on Sunday. Here are few notes of interest:

REDS - Closer Francisco Cordero gets the nod and is the team's lone representative. The right-hander will be making his third trip to the mid-summer classic. He made it in 2004 as a Texas Ranger and then again while playing for the Brewers in 2007. There was speculation that Johnny Cueto would be the choice from the team, but a deep pool of starters and Cordero's solid numbers (20 of 21 save conversions) made the veteran the pick.

PUJOLS TO VOTE GETTER - The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994. Pujols has made the NL team eight times in nine seasons and will be making his sixth start.

WAKEFIELD FINALLY GETS NOD - Starter Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.

LEFT OUT - Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, both 12-time All-Stars, weren't expected to make the rosters, but their absence was compelling nonetheless. Ramirez was suspended for the first 50 games of the season for violating MLB's drug policy and A-Rod missed time following hip surgery after admitting in spring training to using steroids when he played for the Rangers.

FINAL VOTE - The 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com will determine the 33rd N.L. roster spot, a competition that will feature shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals, outfielder Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, third baseman Mark Reynolds of the D-backs, third baseman Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and outfielder Shane Victorino of the Phillies. Fans can now begin voting to select the final player for each League's 33-man roster via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com, casting their votes from a list of five players from each League over a four-day period. In the A.L. third baseman Chone Figgins of the Angels, third baseman Brandon Inge of the Tigers, second baseman Ian Kinsler of the Rangers, outfielder Adam Lind of the Blue Jays, and first baseman Carlos Peña of the Rays will be competing for the final spot.

COMPLETE ALL-STAR ROSTERS

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