Pujols Defends Bonds

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St. Louis, MO (AHN) - Albert Pujols is having the best start to a season in Major League history in 2006. Not even Barry Bonds started better than Pujols and his 19 homers and 48 RBI. But don't expect Pujols to disrespect the much maligned super star.

Pujols defended Bonds in the media on Wednesday while also drawing parallels between San Francisco's slugger and himself. While the media has accused Bonds of steroid use, they have also accused Pujols of lying about his age.

"You know how many times I hear -- and I'm sick and tired of people saying it -- that I'm not 26?" Pujols said. "I know how old I am and I know that I don't use any of those bad things people are talking about that I use."

Pujols said players seem to be guilty until proven innocent in baseball's forum of public opinion with the suspicion of steroid use free floating.

"People talk. That's their job, to write something stupid without finding out," he said. "Like Barry, people are talking about him and they haven't found anything out about the guy. They're talking about making the guy a bad guy. Prove the point first and then you can write anything about it. But before, leave the guy alone."

Pujols went on to stand up for Barry and his accomplishments throughout his career.

"I know he's probably made some mistakes in the past, but come on, give the guy a break," Pujols said. "Respect the numbers in the career he has put up."