Much has been made of the slow start by Albert Pujols this season after signing his new large contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Every one says those are un-Albert numbers and that the Machine needs rebooted. But what if that isn't Albert Pujols?
Do we know for certain whether or not he has a twin brother? Let's imagine that he does have a twin brother similar to Jose Canseco has his brother Ozzie. Maybe Ozzie Pujols was reluctant to follow his brother to the United States. He didn't want to be in his brother's shadow and played in the Dominican leagues under another name similar to Fausto Carmona. The Major League scouts may have watched him but didn't recognize him due to his heavy beard and long hair. Maybe the idea was hatched before the beginning of the 2011 season watching Ozzie Canseco try to take his brother's place at a celebrity boxing match.
The start of the 2011 season with the Cardinals was the trial run. Albert stepped aside and let Ozzie see what he could do for ten games. In those ten games Ozzie hit .222/.225/.447 with 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R and 1 SB. Then Albert tagged back in and his season got back on track with numbers history was familiar with.
In the off season Albert signs the contract with the Angels but his heart just isn't ready to play with his new team yet. He goes through the motions in spring training and puts up respectable numbers but doesn't feel ready to be an Angel. He gives Ozzie another call.
Through 22 games with the Angels Ozzie Pujols has hit .216/.266/.295 with 0 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R and 0 SB. He looks like Albert but doesn't play like Albert. But he's there just to buy time. Just waiting for Albert to return.
If only the explanation for Pujols slow start and production drop off were really this simple.
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