TEMPE, Ariz. – Roughly halfway through the Angels’ spring training schedule, Albert Pujols is starting to look to like … Albert Pujols.
Pujols has been more mobile around first base for the entire spring, comfortable enough at the position that he’s been the DH only one time, and he’s starting to hit too.
After starting 0 for 10, Pujols has six hits in his past 15 at-bats, with two doubles.
“I feel better than that first week,” said Pujols, who did not play in the Angels’ 4-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Friday. “Remember, I missed 300 at-bats last year. I’ve never gone this long without seeing live pitching. … It seems like my first week I was a little bit uncomfortable, but I started seeing the ball better, getting better at-bats, seeing pitches.”
Last spring, Pujols could not get into his normal crouch at the plate because he was recovering from knee surgery and the plantar fasciitis that haunted him all season was just beginning to be an issue.
Now, he’s back to his normal swing and moving noticeably better around first base. He’s made a couple diving stops and he’s been able to position himself farther from the bag because he has the confidence he can get back to take a throw.
“I’m really excited and happy, how I’m playing first base and how I’m moving,” Pujols said.
CRON IMPROVED
C.J. Cron left an impression while he was in camp. A day after Cron was sent to minor league camp, Manager Mike Scioscia said the improvements the first-base prospect have made in the past 12 months were obvious.
“If I look at his growth from the middle part of last year through the Fall League, and what he showed this spring, there’s no doubt that he’s starting to develop into the hitter everyone projected,” Scioscia said. “Hopefully, as he continues to refine some stuff and get that practical experience of being at a higher level, it’s going to move him onto our depth chart.”
Cron, 24, struggled for part of last season at Double-A, but then won the batting title in the Arizona Fall League. He had six hits in 15 at-bats, with a homer, in major league camp. He also showed improvement with his defense.
“He’s made great strides,” Scioscia said.
NOTES
Josh Hamilton said he’s expecting to run the bases Saturday, which would be the final step to overcome as he tries to get back from a strained calf. Hamilton could play by Monday, which will be two weeks before opening day. Hamilton said he’s not sure how many at-bats he needs to be ready, but the Angels have discussed him getting more at-bats in minor league games. …
Saturday could be the first game of the spring Mike Trout goes on the road. It’s the first time the Angels will play on the road two days in a row.
Contact the writer: jlfletcher@ocregister.com
