Albert Pujols got to finally enter spring training, although the results could have been a lot better.
He finally got to face live pitching after recovering from surgery on his right knee. The Los Angeles Angels first baseman went 0 for 3 in his debut as the Angeles defeated the Cincinatti Reds 6-4 on Tuesday.
Pujols wasn't expected to play for another week to a week and a half. The early appearance excited Angels fans and Pujols who can't wait to get started on the season.
"I need to get my at-bats," Pujols said. "It doesn't matter how much you hit in the cage. You need to see live pitching. The main goal is to come out of here healthy and be ready for the season," Pujols said.
It's obvious that he definitely needs more time at the plate. He struck out once and grounded out twice, including once breaking his bat. Manager Mike Scioscia was glad to see Pujols seeing some real heat, particularly from Cincinnati pitchers Aroldis Chapman and Wilkin De La Rosa.
"He wanted to see some velocity and he got to see some," Scioscia said. "Some fo the guys had high octane."
The Angels will need all the production out of Pujols that they can get. Last season, the Angels didn't make the MLB playoffs finishing with a record of 89-73, just four games out of the final wild card position. Pat of that can be attributed to Pujols play to start the 2012 season. Despite his record contract, Pujols batted .217 for the month of April with 14 strikeous, 4 RBIs and no home runs. The controversy regarding his sub-par production eventually led to the firing of longtime hitting coach, Mickey Hatcher. Pujols would go on to finish the season batting .285 with 30 home runs and 105 RBIs.
In spring training, the Angels have a record of 2-8. Their next game is Thursday against the San Diego Padres.