Wells returns to Anaheim
ANAHEIM -- When the Yankees face the Angels this weekend, Vernon Wells will be doing everything he can to help New York come away with a series win, but prior to the three-game set on Friday, the left fielder enjoyed reuniting with his former teammates.
"I got to know a lot of those guys really well and we had a blast together," Wells said. "It's like a family. You spend so much time with each other, you get to know them really well."
Wells spent two years with the Angels, but was traded to the Yankees on March 26. As a member of the Angels, Wells hit .222 with 36 home runs -- 25 in 2011 -- and 95 RBIs.
Although Wells struggled during his stint in Southern California, Angels manager Mike Scioscia has fond memories of Wells and the professionalism with which he carried himself.
"He worked very hard at the game," Scioscia said. "You could tell that his non-performance is something he did not take in stride. I mean he felt it. And whether he had a rough day the night before, he came out with a positive frame of mind and said, 'I'm going to help us win today.' Maybe fans don't see that side of him, but he didn't take it easy when he was struggling, and he knows that he's a better player than what he showed when he played with us."
This is not the first time Wells has faced a former team and feels he is ready for any type of fan reception.
"I know how it was in Toronto, and it can't be any worse than it was there," Wells said. "Being there prepared me for whatever's thrown at me."
Wells began the weekend series batting fifth in the Yankees lineup with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs. He is only hitting .095 in June.
While Wells believes he is close to breaking through, he also feels his former team is capable of climbing out of its early slump.
Wells is surprised to find the Angels 10 games under .500 in the middle of June.
"After going through it last year with pretty much that same group, it's unexpected, yeah, but this game, just when you think you have it figured out, things happen," Wells said. "There is so much talent in that locker room, they are still capable of going on runs that not many organizations can do, and I think they all know that."