For some reason, I'm not sad.....but don't get me wrong, it's like my Uncle just died.

For those of you that don't follow professional baseball very closely, or for those of you that do, but were away from your tv's, or laptops within the last 48 hours.....Albert Pujols is no longer a St. Louis Cardinal.  Yeah, it's for real.  He has packed up shop and headed out west.  Next spring, Albert will be putting on a new jersey, for the first time in his professional career.....11 years.  And it will read Angels across the chest.  As in Anaheim Angels.....or California Angels....or Angels of Anaheim, via Los Angeles, or whatever they are called these days.  It's pretty interesting that the team that was able to lure Albert away from St. Louis, most closely resembles St. Louis, in the way that they play ball, right down to the way they are coached.  I also find it interesting that the team mascot is the Angel, or Angels. 

Interesting because, that's what Albert has pretty much been....as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals for 11 years.  Since he has been a professional athlete and been thrust into the spotlight, courtesy of his athletic prowess, and pennance for hitting home runs, he has not once been in trouble with the law.  Nor, has any member of his entourage (he doesn't have one), been arrested for beating a stripper, or running over a metermaid with their car...or what have you.  He instead turned much of what I would assume would be nervous energy, in anticipating opening day of the next season, and used that energy to bring a boat load of doctors and dentists, with him to the Dominican Republic, where he is from, so they could help people there in need of medical attention, at no cost to them.  He has supplied thousands of Dominicans with mattresses, paid for out of his pocket.  He has donated millions of dollars, and spent several hours of his own time and energy, raising money for research and care for children with downs syndrome.  His stepdaughter, has downs sydrome. 

For 11 years, an Angel, is pretty much the right word to describe Pujols...as far as how he has behaved himself, and conducted himself while being a St. Louis Cardinal.  So, I'm not sad.  Disappointed a little, but not sad.  I say that now, of course.  But my opinion may change, when next spring, ESPN is doing full coverage from Anaheim on opening day and Pujols cranks out 3 home runs in his first game as an Angel.  But, then I'll think.....yeah, that's about right.  Good luck to you Albert.  You brought us some unbelivable moments, and a couple of championships.  I can't think of a better place that could use your Angelic services, than L.A.