Now that pitchers, catchers, and position players are in full swing at training camp, we’re getting a good look at just how these teams will shape up. Of course, there are the early injuries — some of which made headlines this week. But there are plenty of “feel good” stories, too, in this week’s Wrap Up.

Angels

As expected, with Spring Training in full swing, there’s been plenty of buzz around Albert Pujols. The team’s high expectations grew higher, as Pujols impressed in the first week of workouts. Apparently, he’s still got a pretty hot bat. It was enough to excite Torii Hunter who at one point last season was talking retirement.

There has been a tiny bit of controversy already, though. Those “El Hombre” billboards? Not Albert-Approved. Word is, the club has “handled” the situation, and we’ll likely not see anymore El Hombre references made in public.

Also worth noting, Bobby Abreu is now “okay” with his role on the team. The club picked up reliever Juan Rincon on a Minor League deal. And on the injury front, center fielder Peter Bourjos is considering the possibility of hip surgery, but not until the offseason, while shortstop Jean Segura hopes newly prescribed insoles will solve his hamstring troubles.

Brewers

In case you missed it, Ryan Braun’s lawyer didn’t appreciate MLB’s sample collector attempting to defend himself. I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of this mess. Packer Aaron Rodgers continues to show his support, though, even showing up at camp this week. Apparently he’s going to make an appearance in some promotional commercials for the Brew Crew this season.

Japan’s Norichika Aoki had his first taste of American baseball this week. It’s not quite the intense workout he’s accustom to in Japan, but Manager Ron Roenicke expects Aoki to ease into his new routine just fine.

In injury news, prospect Jed Bradley hit a speed bump in his first big-league Spring Training. He’s battling some tightness in his left groin that has the team taking a cautious approach. Shaun Marcum will also take it slow for a few days with soreness in his throwing shoulder.  Prospect Santo Manzanillo, though, is all set to go after a potentially career-threatening injury last season. I imagine he’s glad to have that experience behind him!  » Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up: The Injury Bug Strikes Again”