hey hey hey, it's tio albert!

i have to admit, i was confused when i heard that the dodgers had signed albert pujols after he was released by the angels. i had visions of jim thome dancing in my head! still, i was excited to see him in dodger blue, and it seems like dave roberts and company have used him in the most optimal way.

i bought two of pujols' topps now cards - this one commemorating his rise to 3rd all-time on the extra base hit list

and this one capturing his dodger debut

i actually bought two copies of the extra base hit card up top, because i wanted to add it (or the back of the card, actually)

to my dodger stadium collection. i appreciate topps letting the photo speak for itself here. sort of like a vin scully broadcast!

pujols at bats became must see tv for me as his time with the dodgers progressed. even though he was more likely to ground in to a double play or pop out, every once in awhile he got ahold of one and "ran" around the bases, like in his first at bat in the series against the cardinals early last month. awesome! he seems to be having a lot of fun as part of this team, and i hope he is still smiling at the end of the world series!