ST. LOUIS –– For four seasons in the NL Central, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was the perennial MVP candidate in the division, and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was the up-and-comer.
Between 2008 and 2011, Votto and Pujols were competing for spots in the All-Star Game, Gold Glove awards and Silver Slugger awards. In 2010, Votto edged out Pujols for the MVP.
Pujols left the NL Central in 2011 when he signed a 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Eleven years later, Pujols is wrapping up his career on a farewell tour with the St.