ANAHEIM, Calif. — The hottest topic among fans of the Los Angeles Angels this offseason has clearly been the one-two punch of signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to free-agent deals worth over $331 million.
Second among Halo supporters has been everything and anything involving outfielder Vernon Wells.
Despite belting 25 home runs in 2011, even Wells himself will tell you that he had an abysmal season following his acquisition from the Toronto Blue Jays.
He hit just .218 in 505 at-bats with 66 RBIs and a dreary on-base percentage of .248 — 75 points lower than his career average. Wells also managed to collect just 15 doubles, 20 fewer than his career average since he became a full-time player in 2002.
His most disturbing number to fans and management alike, though, was 84 — as in the $84 million still on his contract when he was traded to Anaheim. It certainly didn't help that Mike Napoli was traded to the Blue Jays for Wells, re-routed to Texas and became a star in the Rangers' run to their second straight World Series.
That Wells made a bad impression on his new fans is a complete understatement.
"It was a very tough season for me," Wells said recently, "but there's nothing I can do about the past. It's over and I'm over it. The only thing I'll take out of last year is the motivation during this season to be the kind of player I've always been."
GM Jerry Dipoto and manager Mike Scioscia have both made it clear that barring injury, the left field job will once again belong to the three-time All Star, who spent the offseason working with hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo at his Wells' Dallas-area home. He built a batting cage there, and was in it virtually every day as Jaramillo — whose in-season job is hitting instructor for the Chicago Cubs — deconstructed his swing.
"With everything that happened throughout the course of the season, it was time to start over; time to start from scratch," Wells said. "Rudy broke down my swing from top to bottom, starting with the basics and going up from there. It was (much) needed.
"He's an awesome hitting coach, just awesome. I finally have a load in my swing; the ability to get the bat moving earlier. I've never had that before. Loading up early enough is important so you can recognize certain pitches, lay off certain pitches and just (hit) through the ball. Now I'll just concentrate on hitting the ball up the middle. That should be fun."
He addressed what he felt was his biggest flaw last season — the lack of doubles caused by season-long inconsistency in his hitting philosophy.
"I was trying to hit home runs and that was the problem," said the 2003 Silver Slugger Award winner. "You have to be consistent to have a better average and to hit more doubles. You try to swing hard and you find yourself in all kinds of trouble.
"My doubles have to be up (in 2012). When I have good years, I hit a lot of doubles. (Gap power) sometimes gives you a lift on the ball and turns it into a home run. I need to stay in the gaps and do work there, and I'll hit my share of home runs. (I) just have to concentrate on hitting the ball hard and not worrying (if it goes over the fence). I think my doubles totals should be in the forties. If I stay consistent and I get back in that area, I'll hit homers, be in scoring position; there are so many good things that can happen."
During his lost season of 2011, Wells looked like someone uncomfortable with the transition that had taken place in his life. New team, new place to live, new stadium to play in — all huge adjustments for any player. The Arlington,Texas, native would downplay the situation whenever he was asked about it last season. Now, it's an entirely different story when he answers the question.
"I know what to expect now," said the three-time Gold Glover. "I came to an area I didn't know and it was a big change. Now having gone through it — myself, my wife and my family — everyone is going to be more comfortable. I feel like I've been here for years now. I can't wait to get to camp, see the guys and get it going."
He'll also have a few new teammates to get familiar with.
He was at the Winter Meetings in Dallas when it was announced Dec. 8 that Pujols and Wilson were moving to Anaheim. It's something he won't forget — for a couple of reasons.
"It was great when I heard the news about Albert and C.J.; pretty exciting. And that was also my birthday, so it made a very good birthday present to hear that news.
"Anytime I think about it, I get a smile on my face. The front office has done everything it can to make this team better. Now it's up to us to go out on the field and prove that we belong among the (elite teams)."
And for Wells to regain his spot as one of the league's elite players.
