Because He's Worth It?

Having just helped the St Louis Cardinals to their latest World Series victory, Albert Pujols, the 32 year old big slugger has just signed a $254 million 10 year deal with the Angels.

Firstly, how can any team pay that much for a player who surely won't see out the duration of that contract and despite the World Series win, actually had his worst season in 10 years?

Secondly (and more importantly), how can a guy who looks like the only other sport he would look at home in is darts, be considered such a valuable 'athlete'!?

Beyond me.

Albert Pujols - can now afford a lot more pies

Winning Warriors

I don't mind declaring in my first blog on The Skene Skrum that I am a massive Glasgow Warriors fan.  And what a time it has been to be a Warriors fan of late.
Since that horrible loss at Firhill on September 23rd to Italian necomers to the RaboDirect PRO12 Treviso, Glasgow have been in winning ways in the league leading up to last weekends game against the Dragons.

From the Treviso loss, 5 wins in a row (most notably away at Cardiff against Dan Parks' Blues and at home to the Ospreys) have seen the Warriors climb to 4th in the league.
And then came the game at Rodney Parade last Sunday.


Let's be honest, it wasn't a good game.  Glasgow went in as understandable favourites and led for most of the game before Jason Tovey scored a try on a night when everyone knew tries were always going to be in short supply.  But then Scott Wight's incredible opportunistic touchdown helped Glasgow regain the lead, despite hitting the post with the conversion attempt.  All the Warriors had to do was defend a narrow 3 point lead with a few minutes remaining, but the defence ultimately gave away the crucial kickable penalty that was duly converted, tying the game 14-14.


It brought an end to the winning streak and any chance of topping the table, but the Warriors are still undefeated in October, November and December in the league - form they will want to maintain going into the double header with Edniburgh over the festive period.

Ryan Wilson vs Dragons

But, as with every year, I worry about the Warriors.  This has traditionally been a fruitful time of the season for Sean Lineen's side, but both Glasgow and Edinburgh tend to slip down the league when the international season starts up again in February with the 6 Nations.

The national teams reliance on the two Scottish professional outfits hits the teams hard, and as much as it is a great chance for fringe squad members to get 6 weeks of first team action, it inevitably leads to a downturn in form. 

For Glasgow to hold on to a top 4 place will be a tough challenge, but I think the way Lineen is rotating the squad through this season shows clear signs of preparing to weather the storm while the top players are away on international duty.


The likes of Henry Pyrgos and new signing David Lemi will be looked upon to maintain the good form that Glasgow have seen these last few weeks.  Long may it continue!