"I look forward to playing every day and performing every day," Guerrero said of his hopes for 2009. "I don't want to predict numbers. But the fact that I'm healthy is important and a good feeling. I'm looking forward to the season."

A year ago, Guerrero got off to the worst start of his career. At the end of May, he was batting only .246 with seven home runs and 28 runs batted in -- all the lowest of his career that deep into any season.

He finished strong, however, and reached the .300 and 25 home run levels for the 11th consecutive season, tying Lou Gehrig for the longest such streak in baseball history.

Though he dealt with the knee pain throughout the season, Guerrero is not willing to point to that as an explanation for his early slump.

"I just got off to a bad start," Guerrero said. "You can't always get off to a good start. I can't blame the knee."

The acquisition of Mark Teixeira in midseason didn't hurt Guerrero's surge. In 97 games before the Angels acquired Teixeira, Guerrero hit .276 with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs. In 46 games with Teixeira batting in front of him, Guerrero batted .362 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs.

But Guerrero said he had no regrets about the Angels' failure to re-sign Teixeira.

"I didn't feel bad when he didn't come back," he said. "I knew this team would have another plan. That plan ended up being Bobby Abreu and I think that's a really good fit for this ballclub."

WHERE, WHEN: Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe, Ariz. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 vs. Chicago White Sox.

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: 3B Brandon Wood has been one of the most highly regarded power prospects in the minor leagues the last few seasons. After getting brief tastes of the majors each of the last two seasons, Wood will get an extended look this spring with an opportunity to win an everyday job and fill some of the offensive void left behind when the Angels were unable to re-sign first baseman Mark Teixeira. If Wood wins the third base job, Chone Figgins could move to left field or into a roving utility role.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: 1B Kendry Morales has big shoes to fill with the departure of Teixeira. A .329 hitter in parts of four minor league seasons, Morales might be a good major league hitter some day. If that day isn't 2009, fans will not let the Angels forget how Teixeira got away.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Mike Scioscia, whose 803-655 record is the best in franchise history, signed a contract extension this winter that could keep him in the Angels' dugout through the 2018 season. He led the Angels to their first World Series title in 2002. Since then, though, the Angels' regular-season success under Scioscia has not translated to the postseason. They have won only one playoff series since 2002.