If I believed that Pujols was actually 24, I'd pick him because the extra years of prime (and potential growth) would make him a better pick for the mid-long future of a franchise. I don't believe it, though. So, the uncertainty around age, combined with A-Rod's playing SS would lead me to pick him.

Wood, Beckett, Prior (not to mention Hudson) are all great young pitchers. Which means that they could be invaluable or they could be out of the game in eighteen months. I think Beckett is out because of his injury history. Wood, Prior and Hudson would be good picks lower down the first round.