Salas feels at home in Angels clubhouse

TEMPE, Ariz. -- If reliever Fernando Salas looks at home in the Angels clubhouse, it's because he practically is.

"I'm from Sonora, Mexico, very close to here and this is just like being at home with temperature, scenery and everything," Salas said. "The biggest advantage of being here is that my family is so close and can come see anytime they want. It was not always like that. I'm very happy to be here."

Salas, who was acquired along with David Freese from St. Louis for outfielders Peter Bourjos and Randal Grichuk in November, went 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 28 innings for the Cardinals last season. He also missed 33 games while on the disabled list because of irritation in his right shoulder.

"I know this is a good team with good pitching, so I'll pitch anywhere they want me to pitch," Salas said. "I'm healthy and that's really important right now. I've been working hard to show what I have."

Salas said he stayed sharp during the offseason by pitching in 11 games for Hermosillo Naranjeros in the Mexican League. Salas' Naranjeros won the Mexican League title last month and the Caribbean Series championship in Venezuela in early February.

"I really wanted to be there and I'm happy Hermosillo won, but I had to get ready for the season here so I couldn't make it to the Caribbean Series," Salas said. "I'm on a new team and I wanted to be ready. It was also important to spend as much time with my family as I could before Spring Training started."