(AP) - Albert Pujols has arrived in Southern California, and the feared slugger says his staggering new paychecks aren't the only reason he moved to the Los Angeles Angels.

Pujols and left-hander C.J. Wilson made the first public appearances with their new team on Saturday at a raucous pep rally at Angel Stadium.

Thousands of fans showed up to celebrate the Angels' audacious signing of two elite free agents in their primes for a combined $331.5 million.

Pujols pulled on his new white jersey and red cap to adoring chants of "We got Albert!"

The three-time MVP says his decision to leave the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals after 11 seasons was gut-wrenching, but Angels owner Arte Moreno's commitment to charity work and the Angels' family atmosphere swayed him.