Turns out that Albert Pujols’ mega talents aren’t just limited to what he can do with a bat in his hands. Hobbled by a strained calf that some thought would keep him on the disabled list until the All-Star Break, Pujols, with his quick healing ability, is on target for a return this week instead. The St. Louis Dispatch reported that he could return when eligible to come off the DL on Thursday.

When it comes to performing at the absolute highest level, Pujols has been nearly unmatched since his 2001 rookie season. Injuries have been issues in recent seasons, but never a cause for him to miss extensive time. He has hit both lefties and righties, for average and for power, at home and on the road, from April through October.

What the consistency will all add up to, barring heinous injuries, is one of the most prolific players our generation will ever see. His production rates already rank among the game’s all-time greats, though he is 724 at-bats from officially meeting the 5,000 at-bat minimum.

Pujols - Ranks Among MLB All-Time Leaders:
Avg.: 21st, .332
Slug %: 4th, .621
OPS: 5th, 1.044

Pujols is in his eighth season with the Cardinals. He has 298 career home runs, 313 doubles, 903 RBIs and an astounding 644 walks to 475 strikeouts. If he plays for another 7 1/2 seasons, or 15 total (he’d be 35), Pujols can make a run at 600 homers and 600 doubles, while ranking among the all-time top five in slugging and OPS. He also has one World Series title and two NL pennants to his credit.

Assuming injuries don’t steal too many games from him, Pujols is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Now, it’s just a matter of where he ranks among the game’s greats.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.