Owner Moreno to Angels: Have fun

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arte Moreno addressed the entire team Wednesday morning prior to the Angels' first full workout, on the heels of a frustrating four-year absence from the playoffs.

The owner's words, simply: "Have fun."

The pre-practice meeting usually runs a little longer on the first day position players and pitchers are together. The entire front office and public-relations staff is in the room; everybody introduces themselves, and Moreno is usually in attendance.

The Angels' owner said he does not normally say anything that day but aims to convey a sense of calmness when he speaks -- no matter how affected he really is by sub-.500 seasons.

"Most people know me," Moreno said. "It might be the younger guys, or the guys we just picked up, but I go around the room and say hello to as many as I can. And during Spring Training, I always try to get over and talk to them a little bit, just so they're not intimidated by that. I tell them I go by my first name.

"I really try to be positive and optimistic. But don't get me wrong, everybody has areas on a team you look at and say, 'Where can I go? Who can we add, or what can we do to improve what you're trying to accomplish?'"