MLB Stats Leaders: Albert Pujols & Miguel Cabrera Dominating American League Pitchers
Albert Pujols has found the fountain of youth this year.
The 35-year-old Dominican infielder is hitting as if he has returned to the prime of his career. Pujols leads the American League in home runs hit this year with 23 and counting for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Pujols leads the Angels in homes runs, runs batted in, and even slugging percentage ahead of teammate Mike Trout.
Fellow countryman Nelson Cruz of the Seattle Mariners ranks second in the American League with 19 home runs this year.
Pujols recently made baseball history when he surpassed New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle on the all-time home run list. Pujols now has 543 career home runs, the 16th most ever. Dominican slugger Manny Ramirez has 555 career home runs, which Pujols is expected to pass this season. Sammy Sosa has the most career home runs by a Latin American born player, 609.
The Angels are in third place in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros.
Since May 28, Pujols has been on a historic tear hitting 15 home runs in the last 24 games. To put that number into perspective, Pujols is out-slugging other clubs during that time span. Since May 28, the Cleveland Indians have just 13 home runs, two fewer than Pujols. Take a look.
Home runs since May 28:
Albert Pujols: 15
Milwaukee Brewers: 15
Pittsburgh Pirates: 15
Atlanta Braves: 14
Seattle Mariners: 14
Cleveland Indians: 13
Earlier this year Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera hit his 400th career home run. There's no doubt it, Cabrera is the single best pure hitter in all of baseball today. He made national history when he passed Andres Galarraga for most career home runs by a Venezuelan-born player this year as well. Cabrera has appeared in nine of the last 11 All-Star games.
Cabrera leads all American League hitters with a .356 batting average this year. Cabrera also leads the American League in runs batted in with 52. Cabrera's elite swing of the bat, experience, large size and focused eye vision make him the single toughest out in baseball. Cabrera has won the AL MVP Award two of the last three seasons. Many fans still firmly believe Cabrera should have won the award last year ahead of Trout, who had a below average .287 batting average.
The Tigers are presently in third place in the AL Central behind the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins.
He's not a hitter, but Felix Hernandez is the winningest pitcher in the AL this year with 10 wins.
Cabrera, Pujols and Hernandez are all playing outstanding this year, and will definitely be playing in the annual All-Star Game on July 14 representing the American League.
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