The Los Angeles Angels on Saturday introduced their two newest players, Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson, who signed contracts worth a combined $331.5 million. The press conference was held in front of the home plate entrance at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, with an estimated 4,000 or more fans in attendance.
"For me, this is like a dream come true," said owner Arte Moreno, who took the podium to cheers of "Thank you, Arte." Wilson said of his new owner, "Arte is a rock star."
Wilson called Pujols the best right-handed hitter he has ever faced and "the best hitter of our generation."
Pujols said the retirement of manager Tony LaRussa didn't impact his decision to leave the St. Louis Cardinals, the team he was with for the first 11 years of his career. "Today is not talking about why I left St. Louis," Pujols said. "Today is a great day for the Angels organization."
Pujols addressed several of his teammates who were in attendance, including Torii Hunter, Dan Haren, and Jered Weaver. Pujols accidentally called Weaver "Jeff," the name of Jered's brother and a teammate of Pujols in 2006 in St. Louis. Pujols quickly corrected himself, amid laughter.
Wilson called the Angels starting rotation - which features Weaver, Haren, Wilson, and Ervin Santana - the best he has ever been a part of, and was glad to be home. "The last couple years playing against you guys has been difficult, but now I have you guys on my side," said the Fountain Valley native Wilson, who also said he planned to get involved with the community, as he was in Texas.
For more news on Albert Pujols and the Angels, be sure to read Halos Heaven.
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Los Angeles Angels Introduce Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson: 'A Dream Come True' For Owner Arte Moreno
Dec 10
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