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Angels Say 'El Hombre' Issue Has Been 'Handled'
Team officials have reportedly spoken with Dan Lozano, the first baseman's agent. There are no futher plans to use the nickname "El Hombre" in any more marketing plans, but there are still 20 billboards around Southern California with Pujols pictured in an Angels uniform alongside the Spanish words "El Hombre." Pujols reiterated recently that he would prefer that term not be used out of deference to Cardinals Hall of Famer Stan Musial. "If it caused embarrassment for Albert out of respect for Stan Musial, that's the only concern of ours," Carpino said. "Stan is a baseball icon." Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Vernon Wells Retools Swing
"I needed a full do-over," Wells said of his swing. Wells, a .280 hitter before 2011, had the lowest batting average (.218) and on-base percentage (.248) of any major league regular. His doubles dropped from 44 in 2010 to 15. He hit 25 home runs but had only 66 runs batted in. He drew a staggeringly low 20 walks in 529 plate appearances. "Some of his numbers last year were what we would expect," Mike Scioscia said. "And some were absolutely awful." In October, Wells hired respected Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, who lives near Wells in the Dallas area, to help him overhaul his swing. "We got back to basics — stay inside the ball, hit the ball up the middle — if I do that, my power numbers will come," Wells said. "I think the biggest number, besides my average, was doubles. That's the key to know where my swing is, and it was nowhere near the middle of the field. I usually hit 30 to 40 doubles." Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Abreu Told He'll Get 400 PAs With Angels
"I said I wanted to play every day, which is what I've done all my career. I've always played 150-plus games, I love playing, I want to be in the field every day," Abreu said. "But this is what we have. "I feel good, OK. I was working in Venezuela and I'm happy to be in the playing field," he added. Abreu met with Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto and skipper Mike Scioscia to discuss a report last week that he would prefer to be traded rather than become a utility player. "The scenario they presented was that I will have 400 at-bats, could be more. I would be played as DH, left and right field, and well, that's what they presented, let's see if they keep their word," Abreu said. "I don't feel comfortable, I've always had between 600 and 700 at-bats, but it is a different situation now and we will see what happens." Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Angels Feb 2012 Archive
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Angels president John Carpino says the team has "handled" the controversy caused by a billboard marketing campaign using the term "El Hombre" in reference to Albert Pujols.
Vernon Wells has retooled his swing ahead of the 2012 season as he looks to reinvigorate his career.
Bobby Abreu is not happy, but he appears resigned to his lesser role with the Angels.