Albert Pujols Plans To Show Up Early For Angels’ Spring Training

Albert Pujols is spending his next 10 years with the Los Angeles Angels, and he’s eager to get started. Mark Saxon of ESPN L.A. reports that Pujols plans to show up early for spring training.

Pujols, who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels in December, said he plans to show up to the team’s training complex in Tempe, Ariz., a week before the reporting date for position players.

“I believe it’s important not just because I’m on a new team, but because for the last 12 years I’ve lived in St. Louis, where it’s cold,” Pujols said. “I’m going to try to show up a week early to get used to the weather, to get to know my teammates and to avoid getting there a day early and having a lot of problems.”

The Angels’ pitchers, catchers and injured players are scheduled to report to Tempe on Feb. 19; the rest of the team gets in on Feb. 26.

The Angels open their Cactus League schedule on March 5 against the Oakland A’s.