Pujols is focused on Angels, not the past

TEMPE, Ariz. — Albert Pujols' 10 year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels came with all sorts of incentives , the use of a luxury suite and a 10-year personal services contract that could be worth an additional $10 million.

It does not appear to include any special treatment from manager Mike Scioscia.

Pujols, a three-time National League most valuable player who led the St. Louis Cardinals to World Series championships in 2006 and 2011, joined his new club for the first time Monday, drawing a crowd of about 200 and a large media contingent as he worked out on a lower field at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Before taking his hacks against batting instructor Mickey Hatcher and fielding grounders off the bat of third base coach Dino Ebel — all under the watchful eye of owner Arte Moreno — Pujols caused a stir during Scioscia's daily team meeting.

"I already got fined," Pujols said during a news conference after his light workout. "My phone rang in the clubhouse."

The penalty for his infraction?

"I don't know," Pujols said with a grin. "He hasn't told me yet."

Maybe it was practicing under a warm Arizona sun after 2 1/2; months of indoor workouts in St. Louis, or maybe it was the relief of putting a turbulent off-season behind him, but Pujols seemed content, serene.

"He's happy, he's excited, he's like a little kid," said Chris Mihlfeld, Pujols' longtime personal trainer. "He feels comfortable. He's at peace. It was really a tough time for him."

Pujols, 32, admitted he can't just "flip that page and move on" from St. Louis, where in 11 years he became one of baseball's premier sluggers, compiling a .328 average, .420 on-base percentage, 445 home runs and 1,329 runs batted in.

But if the first baseman felt sentimental about leaving the only city he'd ever played in and a loyal Cardinals fan base, he hid it well.

"I can't go back and feel sorry," Pujols said. "It's time to move forward. It's time for a new chapter in my life. I'm not going to look behind my shoulder and regret the decision I made."

Pujols arrived in camp a week early, pulling his black Mercedes into the players' parking lot at 7:15 a.m. Monday. For some, a rock star entered the building.

"I was a little star-struck," catcher Hank Conger said. "When one of baseball's best all-time hitters comes into your clubhouse and he's on your team, it's hard to describe. The aura, the presence he brings is definitely different."

As for the rest of that first impression: "He shook my hand and killed it," Conger said. "He has a strong grip."

Pitcher Dan Haren, a teammate of Pujols in 2003 and 2004, said the buzz in the clubhouse is palpable.

"I wouldn't say we're the Miami Heat, but you can sense the anticipation," Haren said. "People want to see what Albert can do, what he brings to the team. The fans expect a lot. We expect a lot. Hopefully, we'll deliver."

To reach their goal, the Angels must be much more than Pujols. They'll need great pitching from what should be a superb rotation, consistent relief and production throughout the lineup.

"It takes a whole team to win a World Series," Pujols said. "It's not just one guy who is going to carry a ballclub. Expectations are really high. The main thing is to stay healthy."

Pujols suffered a broken bone in his left wrist in June, an injury that may have contributed to what, for him, was a subpar season — .299 average, .366 OBP, 37 homers, 99 RBIs.

But Pujols actually struggled more before the injury, hitting .267 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in April and May. From June 1 on, he hit .318 with 28 homers and 68 RBIs.

"Look at my numbers — I hit pretty well after (the injury)," Pujols said. "It doesn't bother me at all. I feel great. I feel strong."

Some, including St. Louis hitting coach Mark McGwire, believe Pujols was pressing early in 2011 because contract talks with the Cardinals broke down last spring, and he was in his walk year.

"I don't want to blame my struggles on the contract because I bounced back after the break," Pujols said. "Sometimes you have to go through stuff like that to make you better."