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Albert Pujols on critics: 'They don't know that this game is tough'

Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols struggled through injury last season, hitting 17 home runs and accumulating 64 RBIs in 99 games. That's not what fans are used to seeing out of the three-time NL MVP.

On Tuesday night, Pujols offered up a tirade to The Los Angeles Times' Helene Elliott. "Last year was last year. I flipped that page," Pujols said, though he went on to unleash a lot of feelings on his critics.

"Those geniuses think that, why they don't come and try and hit a ball? They're sitting behind a desk or punching numbers in a computer or writing in the paper.

"That's what their job is, to try and be negative towards the players,” he ranted. "But they don't know that this game is tough. This game is not easy. You can be 100% and it's not easy — imagine when you have injuries."

Pujols had three hits and two RBIs against the Miami Marlins after the rant, but didn't want anyone comparing the past to his seasons in the future. 

"At the end of my career, I will know what I have accomplished in this game. At the end of my career, then we can look back. If I can play the seven years I have left on my contract we'll see where we're at," he said.

With 23 home runs and 83 RBIs through 522 at-bats, he's pulling his weight after a trying 2013 season.

"I don't have to prove anybody anything. My numbers speak for themselves," he said.

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