Pujols' Team?
03/30/2008
Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols talks with manager Tony La Russa during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.
JUPITER, Fla. — Jimmy Edmonds is gone. So are Scott Rolen, David Eckstein, So Taguchi and Gary Bennett — players respected to varying degrees for their abilities, their accomplishments and their presence within a veteran clubhouse.
If it appears Albert Pujols is the last man standing, it is not far from the truth.
Pujols, 28, is the lone remaining starting position player from the 105-win team swept from the 2004 World Series. Catcher Yadier Molina was still Mike Matheny's understudy. Chris Duncan was a year away from making his major-league debut. Rick Ankiel played a September cameo role ... as a relief pitcher.
"You look around and I've been here longer than anybody," Pujols said at his locker at Roger Dean Stadium. "It's crazy."
Closer Jason Isringhausen is Pujols' only teammate with as many as seven straight years of Cardinals service. Molina is the only other position player with three consecutive years with the club.
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Is this Pujols Team?
Is this Pujols Team?
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