This is a case of getting the most out a player’s stats. The Angels certainly did that with Albert Pujols in 2017.
Why? This card is supposed to drive in 101 runs.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | GDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Totals | 149 | 636 | 593 | 53 | 143 | 17 | 0 | 23 | 101 | 3 | 37 | 93 | .241 | .286 | .386 | .672 | 26 |
Let’s put it another way. Albert Pujols actually came in ninth in the AL in rbis in 2017. To re-create that with this 1-6-7 card will be incredibly difficult.
Don’t get wrong. I’m not faulting APBA’s cardmaking here. He may have been slighted a bit on the power side but his hit numbers are pretty much on track. He just was either really “clutch” or really “lucky” with runners on base.
All in all, a nasty card for someone who has had so many Monster Cards.
As I mentioned on the Facebook page, it looks a lot like the ‘68 Mantle card…minus a 15-10 & 22-7 & some 14s. Let’s just hope he faces a bunch of C and D pitchers.
Idea to consider, in addition to TERRIBLE CARD and MONSTER CARD, how about adding BEST/WORST card; where for example, you show this horrible Pujols card and next to it show one of his best.
How do you get RBI? By having people on base when you’re at bat. Batting after Mike Trout will get you plenty of RBI. That stat is more about his teammates than Pujols.
I’ll bet folks doing a full 2017 replay of the Angels season with as-played lineups will see Albert still get plenty of RBI.
Yes, the hits similar to Mantle’s 1968 card (his last), but the walks look nothing like Mantle’s. Mantle was still able to draw a walk. In Mantle’s final season his batting average and OBP were both north of the league averages. also, we have to remember that even though APBA is based off of MLB, the games are played differently. Pujols the 2017 MLB player is given a prime RBI spot in the batting order and still respected by opposing pitchers. He may not be pitched so quickly anymore, but he can still smash the long ball. Yet, Pujols the 2017 APBA card SUCKS! And truthfully, shouldn’t be in an APBA line-up.