Pujols over the last 5 years:
2017 - .241/.286/.386 77 wRC+
2018 - .245/.289/.411 88 wRC+
2019 - .244/.305/.430 91 wRC+
2020 - .224/.270/.395 77 wRC+
2021 - .198/.250/.372 74 wRC+
Jake Bauers in 2019 - .226/.312/.371 80 wRC+Pujols over the last 5 years:
2017 - .241/.286/.386 77 wRC+
2018 - .245/.289/.411 88 wRC+
2019 - .244/.305/.430 91 wRC+
2020 - .224/.270/.395 77 wRC+
2021 - .198/.250/.372 74 wRC+
The problem with Pujols filling a Giambi-role with this club is that he has zero interest in doing so. Joe Maddon said that he was completely unwilling to be a bench player of any type, which is why they ultimately parted ways with him. I think we can all agree that making Pujols the everyday 1B here is something this organization would not even remotely consider.
The Indians have been a landing spot for many veteran players near the end of their careers. Some had a positive impact, some just meh.
But old vets can usually find something left in the tank at just the right time.
Here's some I can remember:
Early Wynn
Frank Robinson
Satchel Paige (when was the last time his name was mentioned!)
Phil Niekro
Steve Carlton
Boog Powell
Jason Gianni
Mike Napoli
Coco Crisp
Kenny Lofton
Jim Thome
Looking at Pujols recent stats is meaningless. He's definitely over the hill. But could he shine just one more time in an important game? Could he give a tip to Franmil or other kids that changes something?
What I am thinking as well... Not sure what team needs a veteran DH/1B that is mostly over the hill, like Pujols is, that has a legit playoff chance.
Question is, Is Pujols willing to take a very limited role like a platoon partner against only lefties while being a part time coach as well for a borderline playoff team? Are the Indians willing to give time to someone like Pujols?
It's one of those I don't think they will do it, but I won't have any qualms if they do sign him since there is positives as well.
Only 3 players remain from the 2016: Jose Ramirez, Roberto Perez and Bryan Shaw.Of course there is. This is conjecture.
I feel the primary things Napoli brought in 2016 were T-shirt sales and fan excitement. We played a vet who couldn't hit good pitching and it sure as shit bit us.
But, even if you think he was some magic good luck charm, this team isn't 2016. We aren't full of a young, inexperienced core of players who have never been there before and don't know how to win. We have an entire organization that has done nothing but win. We have leaders and veterans who have been there before--we have plenty of people, both players and coaches, who were on that 2016 team.
Even if I concede that Napoli and Giambi mattered, we are a completely different situation now.
The bolded is exactly my point.Only 3 players remain from the 2016: Jose Ramirez, Roberto Perez and Bryan Shaw.
There are a handful of players who have made the playoffs in Cleveland after that 2016 team (like Bieber, Reyes, Karinchak, etc.) and none have been past the first round. The only players with non-Cleveland post season experience on the roster are Eddie Rosario and Rene Rivera and neither has advanced past the first round (3 wild card losses and 1 ALDS loss total between the 2).
If you’re making the point that there’s a culture of success here now that wasn’t here in 2016, I would agree. But I disagree if you’re making the point that this roster is experienced and battle tested for deep playoff runs because of what happened in 2016, or elsewhere.