The Latest: Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson

With the first game in spring training less than a week away, let’s review some of the latest news and notes from around the Halos as they get set to embark on the 2016 season.

The Angels and fans alike are ready to spring forward into 2016, leaving 2015 in the past and focusing on getting back into the 90 win column. In the last few days there have been trade rumors to address the left field position that ultimately fell flat much to the relief of fans across Halo nation. Also, there is questions surrounding the health of the Angels. C.J. Wilson is starting spring training by being “shut down” for a few days for precautionary reasons.

Wilson experienced discomfort in his left should following a bullpen session. After which an MRI was conducted revealing mild tendinitis in his left shoulder. Wilson told the LA Times ” It’s fairly normal, just like everybody else”. So, according to Wilson there is no reason for concern. He is still expected to be ready for opening day versus the cubs on April 4th.

Wilson has had his fair share of injuries, he was shut down last August to have a surgery removing bone chips and spurs from his left elbow. However, Wilson remained confident in his ability to play out the final year of his contract giving credit to the team saying “We obviously have a lot of depth.”

Albert Pujols isn’t ruling out playing on opening day, even if everyone else already has. The 36 year old told reporters on spring training that he hopes to be ready to go for opening day. Pujols also addressed other questions surround the team and expectations of the 2016 season telling the LA Times that the team this season is “decent”.

However, Pujols believes health is the key in the quest for a World Series appearance. “If you can stay healthy, we have the ball-club we can go out and compete with everybody,” he said. “The paper doesn’t look too good, but you can’t go by that. You have to go by what you do in the field and do whatever you have to do.” Pujols declined to talk about last season, it was clearly a low point in his career. However, hitting 40 home-runs for the first time in 5 years is a plus. He clearly has both of his eyes focused on this season. Which is a positive heading into spring 2016.

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