Pujols: Adrian Beltre keeping me from 3,000 hits

Adrian Beltre's defense at third base is so good it might be blocking some personal milestones.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols certainly thinks so.

"I think I would have 3,000 hits already if it wasn't for him," the slugger told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. "He probably robs me at least twice in every series."

Pujols might be a bit off with this assessment considering his numbers have declined since signing with the Angels in 2012. There's no denying, though, that having to try to sneak baseballs by Beltre - one of the best defenders to ever man the hot corner - 19 times a year since 2012 has probably hurt Pujols in his pursuit of the magic mark.

Beltre's years in Texas have helped grow his Hall of Fame case, and not just because of his dazzling glove work. He's put up several stellar offensive seasons with the Rangers that have boosted his overall offensive numbers, and his 2,792 hits as of Thursday actually have him closer to the 3,000-hit mark than the 36-year-old Pujols (2,680). As long as he stays healthy and produces as in years past, Beltre could reach 3,000 hits - a mark long considered to guarantee Hall of Fame induction - by 2018, or perhaps earlier.

Pujols, who's considered a lock to enter Cooperstown, doesn't think there's any question that Beltre deserves a plaque of his own.

"I think at the end of the day he's going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Pujols said. "The numbers speak for themselves."