[the 'stache]

Albert Pujols recorded his 3,000th career hit last night, becoming only the fourth player in Major League history to achieve 3,000 hits and 600 home runs (Aaron, Mays, and Alex Rodriguez are the others). He's been a tremendous player, and I have nothing but respect for how he's carried himself, both on and off the field. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer, no doubt.

But, it's time for him to retire. And, the Angels need to make a tough decision here. Ownership needs to pull him aside, with the respect he is due, and tell him it's time to hang it up. Or, they need to release him.

The last two years, Pujols has been below league average as a hitter. OPS + sets league average at 100. In 2017, Albert Pujols was 20% below American League average with an 80 OPS +. This year, he's a little better at 95. But when you look at his contribution, it doesn't make sense to keep playing him.

Since the start of the 2015 season (487 games), Albert Pujols has been worth 2.6 WAR (BBR), or 0.4 WAR (Fangraphs). And he's been paid $102 million. The Angels have the best player in Baseball in Mike Trout. The $27 million the Angels are paying Albert Pujols this season could have been put to much better use. Unfortunately, with guaranteed contracts, there's not much they can do about what he's being paid. But they could have another player at his position that would help the team become better. The Angels are in first place, but it's a long season.

We hate seeing our stars at the very end of their careers. Willie Mays as a Met. Mickey Mantle barely able to walk after countless injuries. Albert needs to exit graciously, and start the timer for his induction into Cooperstown. He will then be recognized as the all-time great he is. Right now, however, all he's doing is hurting his team.