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• Rankings: Is Albert Pujols the greatest right-handed hitter in history?

On a night when Prince Fielder had to be restrained from going postal after getting hit late in a blowout loss on the other coast, Mets manager Jerry Manuel could have been excused for going after his own pitcher for the same offense in the Big Apple.

You don't hit Mark DeRosa to load the bases with Albert Pujols on deck. You groove a pitch before you hit him. You call timeout, walk up to the plate and ask him what pitch he'd like next before you hit him. But Sean Green hit DeRosa, and Pujols then hit his fifth grand slam of the season, tying a National League record.

Last night's scenario, a one-run game in extra innings, probably wouldn't qualify, but a majority of SportsNation voters say there are times when it makes sense to intentionally walk Pujols with the bases loaded. There aren't many hitters in history in that class, and so despite the fact that every big accomplishment these days seems to lead to the inevitable questions of all-time greatness, is it time to start thinking about Pujols as, you know, one of the all-time greatest? As least as far as right-handed hitters, he seems to belong.

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“

I've watched a lot of Cardinals games over the years and I've seen what unfolded tonight happen MANY times. Pujols hit's a late inning blast which seems to fire up the rest of the squad to complete the comeback. MVP all the way. This is a really hard thing for me to say. I am an astros fan and lifelong baseball fan. I remember watching that Pujols #### of brad lidge in our packed dorm room as if it were yesterday. Albert Pujols is the best player in Major League Baseball, as a player, as a example, and as an influence on his team.

” -- br3w3d

“

It felt really good to come back and win against one of the best closers in baseball. I don't think this would have been possible a few weeks ago.

” -- Cards Fan90