by Rick Robinson

Created on: September 12, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

Two words....He wasn't! Not even close. Jim Edmonds was phenomenal in 2004 but had nowhere near the impact Albert Pujols did. Pujols beat Edmonds in every single offensive category. Albert Pujols led in every category including at bats, runs, hits, home runs, runs batted In, batting average, 2B, 3B, OBP, SLG, OBP+ (this stat takes into account the ballpark and conditions of specific games) and Runs Scored. He beat Edmond in every single one of these categories.

How could you even make the argument that Edmonds was more productive. If it came down to runs or HR or even OBP, I would see an argument. But when you lead 16 of 19 offensive categories against another player, you are much more productive. The only offensive categories that Edmonds beat Pujols in were BB, Steals and Caught Stealing. And even these were close.

So next time you see someone make the claim that a certain player is better than another, do your own homework and see who really made a difference. Yes, you can make the argument that Edmonds hit after Pujols so they had to pitch to Edmonds. This does make a small impact but only if that player produces. This means that Edmonds got even more chances to hit, score runs, and knock in runs.

This argument would actually hurt Pujols because if they don't pitch to Pujols then they have to pitch to the next hitter, that being Edmonds. Edmonds saw tons of great pitches this year. The reason he had such a great season is because Pujols did. If Pujols had a bad season then they wouldn't have to pitch to Edmonds as much. This lets Edmonds see more good pitches and therefore has a better shot at base hits, home runs, and RBI's.

In 2004 the St. Louis Cardinals were swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. Neither Pujols or Edmonds produced when it really mattered. Although two years later in 2006 they beat the Tigers to win it, they both produced rather well in all postseason series. Pujols is the best hitter in the game, that's why you hear so many people say it.

Even MLB coaches will admit to it. That's why he's had the most intentional BB in the last 4 seasons combined. There is a bad feeling that managers get when they pitch to Pujols. Next time someone wants to make the claim that a hitter is better than Albert Pujols, just read the stats, they speak for themselves.

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