"El Hombre." In spanish, it means  "The Man." In St. Louis, it refers to Albert Pujols. This generation's Stan Musial has finally arrived. The parallels between the two are striking.

     Both of these players won MVP Awards early in their respective careers. Stan Musial won his first of three MVP Awards in 1943, his second full season in the major leagues. Albert Pujols won the first of what may be many MVP Awards in 2005, his fifth season in the major leagues.

     In the 1940's and 1950's, Musial was overshadowed by legendary players like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and Jackie Robinson. In the early portion of his career, Pujols has been overshadowed by the likes of Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, Miguel Tejada and David Ortiz.

     Only now, after a blistering start to the 2006 season, has Albert Pujols gained the notoriety that he has deserved for so long from the media and the public. Sportswriters and avid baseball fans knew of him, of course, but the majority of them did not fully appreciate what this man has accomplished. Manangers today are legitimizing the argument by continuing to pitch to him, even after he continues to burn them. Meanwhile, Barry Bonds continues to get intentionally walked as his batting average falls below .220.

     Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully once said, "How good was Stan Musial? He was good enough to take your breath away." Just as Musial left his observers gasping for air, Pujols continues to do the same. Only now, the world has taken notice.