According to media reports, the Cardinals' Albert Pujols is scheduled today (Wednesday) for elbow surgery to remove bone chips.

This condition probably explains why Albert's bat went fairly silent late in the season and in the NLDS.

If Dr. James Andrews doesn't find more when he goes into Albert's elbow, No. 5 should be ready for spring training 2010

Albert's elbow might also explain why he seemed withdrawn to players and media following the season. From personal experience, health challenges can do that to a person.

But Albert remains the best player in baseball and getting his health under control will not only help the Cardinals but all of baseball too.

Major League Baseball needs players like Albert Pujols.