St. Louis Cardinals: Taking a Look at Former Cardinals in 2016

Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) celebrates his run with third baseman David Freese (6) against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels won 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) celebrates his run with third baseman David Freese (6) against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels won 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (5) prepares to bat against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (5) prepares to bat against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Albert Pujols

Ah the former Cardinal that everyone remembers and probably misses at least a tad. It has been long enough I believe that we can now root for him again. It was a treat to see him play his best years in St. Louis. We’ve talked about him a few times this winter as he has made our 50 greatest players list, top 20 hitters list, and our 28-Man Roster. My fellow editor Landon Clapp looked at what it would have looked like had Pujols actually resigned here, and I can agree with him that it is good that he didn’t. 

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How does 2016 look like for Albert? Well there was the thought that he may not end up making the opening day roster, as he had surgery in the offseason on his foot that has plagued him for years. However, Albert made his spring debut today, and is reportedly feeling good.

Pujols hasn’t put up Pujols numbers since he signed with LA and it has been something of a blessing in disguise for the team not signing the future Hall of Famer. The homers were back last season, but the average and on base percentage were still down from what Albert put up in a Cardinals’ uniform, but he could be healthy this season (finally) and may put up some better numbers.

Or he could continue to be the albatross of a contract that he is and continue to handcuff the Angels financially. Maybe they’re willing to pull a Josh Hamilton type deal with the Cardinals and let us have him back while they still pay him. That would be pretty hilarious, but I will admit it is a pipe dream, as the thought of Albert in a Cardinal uniform ever again (outside of post retirement) is not something that is at all likely.

Next: Is David Freese an option for the Cardinals?

That will do it for now, what are your thoughts on these former players? Who do you plan on following the most this season? I think I myself am most interested in where Freese ends up, but the Johnson situation is fascinating.