Sporting News names Albert Pujols 2009 Major League Baseball Player of the Year

Chris Bahr, SportingNews Oct 22, 3:16 am EDT

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The players' choice: Albert Pujols again is No. 1 among major leaguers.
The players' choice: Albert Pujols(notes) again is No. 1 among major leaguers.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is Sporting News' 2009 Player of the Year, as selected by a panel of 338 major league players.
 
For the ninth consecutive season, Pujols hit better than .300 with 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs. He led the majors with 47 homers, 124 runs scored, a .658 slugging percentage and a 1.101 OPS. His 135 RBIs and 115 walks both ranked third in the majors, his .443 on-base percentage was second and his .327 batting average was sixth.
 
Pujols also received SN's player of the year honor in 2003 and 2008, and he is just the third player in the history of the award to win in consecutive seasons. Boston Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams won the award in 1941 and 1942, and Cincinnati Reds second baseman Joe Morgan did so in 1975-76. 

Sporting News is unveiling its award winners throughout the week on SportingNews.com.

On Tuesday, Philadelphia Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ(notes) and Chicago White Sox third baseman Gordon Beckham(notes) were named SN's 2009 rookies of the year.

On Wednesday, Kansas City Royals right-hander Zack Greinke(notes) and San Francisco Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum(notes) were named SN's pitchers of the year, and the Los Angels Angels' Mike Scioscia and Colorado Rockies' Jim Tracy were named SN's managers of the year.

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Today, SN also announced its 2009 AL and NL All-Star teams.
 
The remaining schedule:
 
• Friday morning: Comeback players of the year, relievers of the year
 
SN's entire 3-page awards package can be found in the new issue of the magazine, which arrives later this week at all Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.

Chris Bahr is Sporting News' baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.


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Updated Oct 22, 3:16 am EDT
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13 Comments

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  1. "G", GmacD
    13. Posted by "G", GmacD Fri Oct 23 2:19pm EDT

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    Congratulations to Albert Pujols. He's a superstar on the field and off of the field the cardinals would be stupid to let him go and should lock him up until he retires.
    As for the steroid issue he's said he'd give blood everyday if that's what it would take to dispel the notion he's doing that. He's also said he works hard everyday and doesn't want to jeopardize what he has now.
  2. cuffablimp
    12. Posted by cuffablimp Fri Oct 23 2:20am EDT

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    That wasn't the first time he garnered that honor and it obviously won't be the last. He had one superb season from day one on. His numbers resemble a statistical work of art.
  3. dubney
    11. Posted by dubney Thu Oct 22 10:08pm EDT

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    Here's something for the ones who love to write about steroids, to ponder. Joe DiMaggio in his thirteen year career averaged 28K's a year--same as his 28HR's.
    If steroids did that he must have had enough to almost reincarnate him.
    Pujols btw has had 50+ to 60+K's per year most of his career, still not too shabby.
  4. John
    10. Posted by John Thu Oct 22 9:47pm EDT

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    Right on Albert!!

    Hey A-roid! You're worse than BONDS!! At least he didn't cry like a B@#$H to the media. Oh, I beleive that you lied about taking the juice. So what's the diff between you and Barry? He doesn't kiss ass.
  5. Big Bob
    9. Posted by Big Bob Thu Oct 22 6:00pm EDT

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    Who cares about The Sporting News. Does anybody even read it? For the dimwitted, Pujos does not take steroids.
  6. dubney
    8. Posted by dubney Thu Oct 22 5:02pm EDT

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    Awards like this are based on regular season accomplishments. Postseason does not figure in.
  7. jay dubb
    7. Posted by jay dubb Thu Oct 22 3:05pm EDT

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    what the hell?pujols team got eliminated in a sweep with no production by pujols,and he gets a award.
  8. <i>inthehole41</i>
    6. Posted by inthehole41 Thu Oct 22 1:22pm EDT

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    Yes it is, another GOLD MEDAL for steroids........
  9. <i>mr_dizzy_dean</i>
    5. Posted by mr_dizzy_dean Thu Oct 22 12:08pm EDT

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    The best.........ever.
  10. justin S
    4. Posted by justin S Thu Oct 22 11:23am EDT

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    Get over yourselves.... not everything has to do with steroids. You guys are pathetic.
  11. Gary
    3. Posted by Gary Thu Oct 22 8:59am EDT

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    WTG Albert ....... he doesn't need steroids he has his heart in the game .
  12. Dave B
    2. Posted by Dave B Thu Oct 22 8:42am EDT

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    Stan "the man" was first, Lou Brock was next and now Albert is the greatest Cardinal ever. He's the best player in MLB now. Cardinal Dave
  13. Ed
    1. Posted by Ed Thu Oct 22 6:17am EDT

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    A sure Hall of Famer, unless he joins the steroids bandwagon.
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