TimesOC: Albert Pujols is no longer an Angel
Good morning and welcome to the TimesOC newsletter.
It’s Friday, May 14. I’m Ben Brazil, bringing you the latest roundup of Orange County news and events.
Albert Pujols is officially no longer an Angel after clearing waivers and becoming a free agent on Thursday.
Pujols was on the last season of a 10-year, $240-million contract. Reporter Jack Harris wrote that if a team takes the 41-year-old, they’ll have to pay him the league minimum of $570,050, while the Angels are still on the hook for $30 million.
It was a disappointing near-decade for the former slugger and the Angels.
Pujols was signed with much fanfare at a time when many considered him the best player in baseball. He arrived to the Angels as a winner of three MVP awards and two World Series Championships.
Yet, as Bill Shaikin wrote, Pujols wasn’t even the best player on the Angels. The team won zero postseason games with Pujols.
However, the man formerly known as “The Machine” became known for his charity work in the community along with his wife, Deidre, through raising awareness about human trafficking and providing support to those with Down syndrome and their families.
Harris said that Pujols has not publicly addressed his release, but it appears that he wants to continue playing. Whether a team will claim him is anyone’s guess.
Before he was placed on waivers, Pujols was batting .198.
NEWS
— The jury in the case of a man accused of first-degree murder of a mother of three delivered a guilty verdict. Jason Becher could be sentenced with life without parole.
— Hundreds of local volunteers on Saturday will take part in the annual event, Love Costa 2021. Community members can sign up to take part in any of about 40 service projects around the city.
— The Irvine City Council approved a resolution opposing the expansion of a controversial jail and to put pressure on county supervisors to hold a public forum. The city has tried to halt the project for decades.
— Rep. Michelle Steel’s staff said she was making a joke when she apologized to her Republican constituents for working with Democratic Rep. Katie Porter on a resolution condemning recent hate crimes and incidents directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
— An Orange County man was arrested this week on suspicion of stealing government property. Prosecutors said some of the stolen information could “jeopardize important technological or operational military advantage of the United States.”
— The majority of the Anaheim City Council does not support hero pay for grocery and pharmacy workers. The council will take a vote of a proposal at their next meeting, but it likely will not pass after four of the seven members said they weren’t in favor of providing a $3 per hour wage hike to grocery workers for 60 days.
SPORTS
— Former Angels player Albert Pujols has cleared waivers and is now a free agent.
— Olivia Gritzmacher scored nine goals to lead the Newport Harbor girls’ lacrosse team to a win over Corona del Mar.
— A roundup of high school sports from around Orange County’s coastal cities.
LIFE & LEISURE
— Ghost kitchens operate out of commercial or other rental spaces in various parts of Orange County. TimesOC contributor Edwin Goei reports unlike regular restaurants, these establishments are specifically designed for online ordering and delivery or pickup.
OPINION
— Columnist Patrice Apodaca wrote about three Orange County residents who have worked to stop the spread of hate in their community. A professor, a rabbi and a mayor are leading the way in the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and LGBTQ prejudices.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
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