Albert Pujols Theory, noun: When a dominate closer gives up a gut wrenching home run and never regains control over his pitches again.Usage Example: After giving up a game-ting home run in the 96 World Series, Mark Wohlers was never a dominate pitcher again.
Origin: We go back to Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS. With the Astros on the verge of clinching the Astros called upon closer Brad Lidge. Then Lidge promptly gave up a game-winning three-run home run to Albert Pujols that I'm sure hasn't landed yet. Sure the Astros eventually won the series between them and St. Louis, but this was only the beginning of Lidge's problems.
In the 05 World Series, Lidge gave up a game-winning home run to Scott Podsednik, which was only the second home run of the year for Podsednik. Houston went on to be swept by the White Sox. Lidge though continued to struggle in Houston. He was eventually demoted from the closers role in Houston then traded to Philadelphia.
Lidge did redeem himself last year with the Phillies. Lidge converted all 41 saves last season and recorded the final out of the World Series win for the Phillies. Lidge has struggled this season and has been placed on the DL for a nagging injury. It will be seen if Lidge can regain his 08 form or slip right back into the Albert Pujols Theory.
Other Examples: Let's go back to the Mark Wohlers example. Wohlers was a dominate closer for the Atlanta Braves in the mid-90's. Then in the 96 World Series, Wohlers gave up a game-ting home run to Jim Leyritz. The Yankees would eventually win that game and series. Wohlers never recovered.
Byung-Hyun Kim will forever be burned in the minds of Diamondbacks fans. During the last exciting World Series, Kim gave up game-winning home runs on back-to-back nights. The Diamondbacks eventually won the series. Kim wouldn't show any lingering affects of his World Series performance at first, but after a while he was never as dominate again.
What's the Difference?: Some of you might ask, what's the difference between Steve Blass disease and the Albert Pujols Theory? Steve Blass disease affects starting pitchers and position players. A starting pitcher will inexplicably lose control and never recover, that's Steve Blass disease. I will discuss Steve Blass disease another day.
Albert Pujols Theory is when either a relief pitcher or a closer gives up a gut wrenching home run and then loses control. And it really only affects relief pitchers. Relief pitchers have to have a strong mental strength to begin with. But it seems like if they give up a gut wrenching home run, their mental strength is gone. And with the case of Brad Lidge, a change of scenery is what a person needs.
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