Pujols

Albert Pujols shocked the baseball world today when he accepted the Angels' offer of 10 years and $254 million. Although there are many questions surrounding King Albert's alleged 31 years of age, he is still the best player on the planet. His numbers were 'down' this year as he posted a .299 average, 37 home runs, and 99 runs batted in. And through his first 11 seasons Albert has 2073 hits, 455 doubles, 445 home runs, 1329 runs batted in, and an amazing .328 career average. There is no doubt that if Pujols were to retire today at '31', he would be a first ballot hall of famer.

He joins a team that basically did not have an offense, and changes them drastically. With this one signing, the Angels have a very strong line up. Now the team that was filled with speedy lead off types that lacked power, has a lethal line up. After a lead off hitter of their choice, Howie Kendrick will bat second to start the lineup, Pujols will bat 3rd. Torii Hunter will most likely follow in the 4 spot. Batting 5th, the Angels will hope that Kendry Morales regains his form before injury and play DH. Vernon Wells, who had a terrible 2011, will look to play with a lot less pressure and improve on his dissapointing season. Mark Trumbo, who smashed 29 home runs in his rookie season, will make the move to third base and bat 7th. Chris Ianneta, the young powerful backstop, will bat 8th. And the highly touted (and future lead off hitter) Peter Bourjos will bat 9th, providing pop and a lot of speed.

It is clear that the signing of Pujols alone drastically changes the landscape of the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols is the one guy who is able to completely change a team, a division, and a league. The 'addition' of Kendry Morales, who hit 34 home runs in 2009 and 11 in 2010 before breaking his leg on a freak play. At 28, Morales has the potential to be a lethal run producer depending on his health. Look for the Angels to be a powerful team this year with or without the production of Morales. If Morales puts up numbers similar to 2009, he will be the cleanup hitter and the Angels will be tough to beat for sure.