TEMPE, Ariz. -- Albert Pujols didn't look like a man feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of playing for a new team under a massive new contract.

He showed up shortly after dawn at the Los Angeles Angels' spring training facility Monday, a week before the rest of the team's position players begin their workouts. Under a dark blue Arizona sky, he took a few rounds of batting practice on a back field, then rode off in a golf cart -- dozens of fans streaming after him -- to a nearby hotel amphitheater for his first public comments of the spring.

"Everybody has their goal and the goal is to win a championship," Pujols said.

The Angels have built their World Series hopes largely around Pujols, the centerpiece of their $330 million winter spending spree. He signed a 10-year, $250 million contract after playing 11 seasons in St. Louis, giving the Angels their first bona fide No. 3 hitter since Mark Teixeira left and adding perhaps the greatest hitter of his generation to a team deep in pitching.

His arrival already has ushered in unprecedented excitement around Angels camp. In the first winter of Arte Moreno's ownership, the team acquired free agents Vladimir Guerrero, Bartolo Colon, Kelvim Escobar and Jose Guillen, but that spring was sleepy compared with the media and fan bustle on Monday.

Pujols has had a couple of months to adjust to his new employer, but Monday was his first day around many of his new teammates and coaches.

"I can't go back and feel sorry. Now, it's time to move on," Pujols said. "That was an old chapter in my life. Now, it's time to open a new one."

Pujols seemed relieved to be back on a baseball field after more than a year of answering questions about his upcoming free agency, then going through the process starting in November. He spent most of the winter at his home in St. Louis, agreeing to join the Angels in early December. He has been shopping for a new home in south Orange County, but plans to keep a residence in St. Louis. Pujols' new deal ties him to the Angels for another 10 years after his playing days end.

Looking trim in a red workout shirt and gray game pants, Pujols said he feels completely healthy eight months after breaking a bone in his left wrist.

"He's excited like a little kid. It's really good to see him laughing and having fun again," said Pujols' close friend and personal strength coach, Chris Mihlfeld. "Believe me, this has not been easy on him. Now, he's got peace."

Pujols pulled his black Mercedes into the players' lot shortly after 7 a.m. Clutching a bag with some of his belongings, the three-time NL MVP headed to the clubhouse to meet his new teammates. The slugger's first stop was the equipment room, where he was introduced to several employees and clubhouse attendants.