Albert Puljos on Thu Apr 22, 2021 swinging against the Houston Astros is now a Los Angeles Dodger after signing on Sat May 15, 2021. Keeping the future Hall of Famer in the Southland for the rest of this season. (AP News photo)

Albert Pujols a Dodger Not a Vanity signing

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Why the Los Angeles Dodgers did signed Albert Pujols? They had room for him. As simple as that. Plus they can use him, this was not a “vanity signing” because he is a Hall of Famer in waiting and the currently active player with the most home runs.

The Dodgers were hit by the injury bug; most recently they lost their great shortstop Corey Seager who fractured his right hand on a hit-by-pitch this Saturday by Marlins pitcher Ross Detwiler. That was a big blow to the reigning World Champs who are also without the services of starting pitcher Dustin May, out the remainder of the season with Tommy John surgery, pitcher David Price is expected to return this week, also out is young Edwin Ríos who can play first and third base among a bevy of other injuries to their players, including their star center fielder Cody Bellinger.

Yet, the Dodgers could still be the team to beat in that Western Division of the National League. Even without the services of Dustin May the Dodgers have a formidable pitching rotation with; Trevor Bauer, Walter Buheler, Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw The fortunes in baseball can shift very quickly.

The season began with a healthy Los Angeles Dodgers team, who right-of-the-gate, won 13 of their first 16 games and like in one of Sinatra’s many great songs, “That’s Life” says on its lyrics, “riding high in April, shutdown in May”. The Albert Pujols signing was a great deal for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Angels are on the hook for Albert Pujols $30 million this season while the Dodgers will only pay Pujols a prorated league minimum. Pujols stays in Southern California where he still has his permanent residence and gets a chance to go to a World Series again since his days with the Cardinals and something he couldn’t do in his tenure with the Angels.

His ex-team, the Angels, are now in the cellar and although a very good offensive team, they still lack the pitching to contend with the Astros and the Athletics. At the end, it could be a blessing for Albert Pujols that the Angels let him go. He said he still can play, he will get the chance with the Dodgers.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for all the play by play of Oakland A’s baseball on the A’s Spanish flagship station 1010 KIQI LaGrande San Francisco and News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com