Fuentes became the Rockies closer in 2005. Since then he's accumulated 111 saves in a hitter's ballpark, the only home park he's ever known.

"I always tell people that the biggest thing (in Colorado) is the recovery time," Fuentes said. "The elevation, your body doesn't recover as fast, your muscles don't recover as fast. At sea level, your body bounces back quicker."

Fuentes will leave with Shields to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic in two weeks, giving him two weeks to get adjusted to his new club.

Free agency "is exciting, stressful and fun," Fuentes said. "There are so many emotions, the first time going through free agency. ... This is a pretty similar clubhouse. Colorado is a pretty loose clubhouse and I know things will really heat up as the games get closer."

Fuentes isn't concerned with how he stacks up against Rodriguez.

"Comparisons are for other people," Fuentes said. "The only pressure I'll see is what I put on myself."

Notes: Vladimir Guerrero and newcomer Bobby Abreu arrived early to camp Tuesday. Scioscia said outfielder-designated hitter Juan Rivera would arrive on the 24th.

With his expectations of another big, multiyear contract seriously downsized by the unprecedented chill in the free agent market this winter, free agent outfielder Bobby Abreu agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with the Angels. For that relatively low price, the Angels added the patient, left-handed bat the middle of their lineup desperately needed after the losses of first baseman Mark Teixeira and outfielder Garret Anderson.

"We were content going to spring training with the club we had in place," GM Tony Reagins said. "This opportunity just made a lot of sense to us, to be able to add a player of Bobby's caliber.

"He's athletic. He's a run-producer. Obviously he sees a lot of pitches. He's a patient hitter. We're very excited to have him on board."