Thursday, August 27, 2009

Astros implement "Pujols Shift," place seven fielders on warning track

From the Wait 'til this Year Humor Vault

Pujols heads back to the dugout after being robbed of a home run by one of the seven Astros playing the outfield.


ST. LOUIS--The Houston Astros may have started a trend Wednesday when they implemented what they call the "Pujols Shift," placing all their fielders except the pitcher and catcher on the warning track when Pujols batted. Manager Cecil Cooper called the experiment a success after Pujols went 2-for-4 with two home runs, including an inside-the-park home run, and two deep fly balls on which he was robbed of home runs by Astros fielders.

"I was so excited when we robbed those homers," Cooper said. "I was like, 'It worked! We did it!'"

Cooper said after the game that he plans to use the shift for the rest of the series, though he may ask the umpires if he can place some of his fielders in the stands.

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