Pujols back with Angels as special assistant
TEMPE, Ariz. — Fresh off a Hall of Fame-worthy 22-year profession that noticed him turn into the fourth participant in AL/NL historical past to achieve 700 profession homers, Albert Pujols has rejoined the Angels’ group as a particular assistant to the membership.
Pujols arrived at camp on Tuesday and met with the media on Wednesday to debate his function with the Angels. He mentioned he all the time deliberate to honor his 10-year private providers contract he signed as a part of his unique 10-year, $254 million cope with the Angels, even after he was launched by the membership through the 2021 season.
“It was just part of the business, that’s how it is, and there’s nothing holding me back from anything,” Pujols mentioned. “I’m really happy to be back here. What happened two years ago, I don’t hold any grudges on anything. That’s part of the business.”
Pujols, who performed with the Angels from 2012-21, mentioned he plans to function a particular teacher at Spring Training this week and also will head to his native Dominican Republic through the season to assist with the membership’s prospects there. He mentioned he’s open to no matter basic supervisor Perry Minasian desires and is worked up to assist the group, however envisions himself appearing extra as a mentor to the gamers than a entrance workplace govt.
“Whatever Perry and the organization need, I’m here to help out,” Pujols mentioned. “I’m just trying to assist him, but it’s not my job to be in the front office. It’s more about working with younger guys however I can.”
Angels famous person Mike Trout was happy to see his former teammate again in camp and thinks Pujols might help impart knowledge on the youthful gamers. Trout credit Pujols for taking him underneath his wing when he was an inexperienced participant and believes he was instrumental in his growth.
“He just brings so much insight and can answer any questions you might have because he’s been through it all,” Trout mentioned. “Even myself, I have questions. He’s just been through so many situations. Mentally, physically, he’s been through it all. So if you’re going through something, it’s good to talk to him. I was very fortunate to be around veteran guys, and he’s one of the best to ever do it.”
Pujols, 43, mentioned he by no means wavered from his resolution to retire after 22 seasons with the Cardinals, Dodgers and Angels. He reached the 700-homer mark with the Cardinals final season, retiring with 703 blasts. He additionally added that St. Louis didn’t ask him a couple of function with the group after retirement, as a result of the Cardinals have been conscious he deliberate to honor his post-playing contract with the Angels.
He mentioned he’s having fun with retirement proper now — he attended the Super Bowl and was a participant within the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game this month — and he’s not prepared to teach full-time. He wouldn’t rule out teaching sooner or later however mentioned he’s presently targeted on his function as a particular assistant, which permits him extra flexibility after a prolonged profession in baseball that began as a Minor Leaguer in 2000.
“I was blessed to play for 23 years as a professional, and I’d do it again if I had to, but I’m really happy where I’m at right now in my life,” Pujols mentioned. “My job is just the same as a lot of veteran guys who helped me back in the early days. It’s my job to help these guys get better and become the superstars they want to be.”
Angels supervisor Phil Nevin mentioned he’s thrilled to have Pujols in camp and that he plans to produce other former Angels return as visitor instructors this 12 months, together with Troy Glaus, Torii Hunter, Adam Kennedy, John Lackey, Darin Erstad and Chuck Finley.
“To have somebody like Albert, it’s great to have his presence around,” Nevin mentioned. “I told our guys to use him. He’s more than ready to field questions and tell stories or work in the cages or on the field. We’re fortunate to have him here. I’m not sure we could find a better one than this guy.”
