Along with Pujols X-bats w/ flag, beware of Pujols Mizuno bats. In fact, you should use caution with just about all Pujols bats. For information on characteristics you should look for in a Pujols bat, check out the Pujols bat buyer's guide at http://www.birdbats.com.

If you see a McGwire Cardinals-era bat advertised as "uncracked, no deadwood," that's a red flag. With few exceptions, McGwire used bats until they were unusable -- the Cardinals HOF/museum even has a sign with its McGwire display that says as much.

A Jim Edmonds bat without his signature spiral handle tape job is a red flag. He'll use an untaped bat for BP, but not in a game.