Griffin helping gather memorabilia for new museum

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels' first-base coach Alfredo Griffin spends his mornings working with infielders, but he spent his winter on a project much closer to home.

For the last few months, Griffin along with group led by former Major Leaguers Mario Soto and George Bell have been gathering historic memorabilia from the top players from Latin America for a baseball museum housed in a building outside of Quisqueya Stadium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

"We want this to be a place where everyone, especially young players, can come in and learn about the history of the game," Griffin said. "They need to know who Jackie Robinson was and that Osvaldo Virgil was the first Dominican in the big leagues. It's important to know about players that came before them and paved the way, especially the Latinos."

The Angels struggled on defense overall last season and racked up 112 errors in 2013. Only the Brewers, White Sox and Astros committed more errors. They also ranked 27th in fielding percentage.

"We will be better," Griffin said. "We're healthy and working on every day. Being healthy is a big part."