Halo Headlines – 3/12/10

• The Story: Torii Hunter now vows to watch what he says around reporters.   The Monkey Says: And that is a damn shame.  Not to be an Angel apologist, but Hunter is one of the nicest and most congenial men in baseball and now he has been turned off from being himself with the press and that is really everyone’s loss.
• The Story: Actually, Torii Hunter had a valid point.   The Monkey Says: He just stated it poorly is all.  It is really quite sad that there are multiple teams in the league that will have one or zero African-Americans on the Opening Day roster.  If this were basketball or football, that would be cause for moral outrage but it seems to be more than acceptable in baseball.
• The Story: Mike Scioscia knows there won’t be any locker room problems after Torii Hunter’s comments.   The Monkey Says: Nor should it.  Not to beat a dead horse here, but everyone loves Torii Hunter and one little case of “foot in mouth” disease should not make him a pariah.
• The Story: Jered Weaver changed his off-season throwing program to avoid arm trouble.   The Monkey Says: Thus far it has helped Jered avoid his annual spring arm soreness, so it seems to be working.
• The Story: Scot Shields will make his spring debut today but Kevin Jepsen is still being held out.   The Monkey Says: That is great news for Shields, but mildly concerning news for Jepsen since he seemed to be on the same schedule as Shields up until now.
• The Story: Journeyman Michael Ryan is hoping to earn a bench spot with the Angels.   The Monkey Says: Ryan is on fire in camp right now, but I just don’t see the Angels bringing him on board when they have two young guys (Reggie Willits and Terry Evans) who are probably just as capable as Ryan.

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Tags: Daily Links, injuries, Jered Weaver, Michael Ryan, Mike Scioscia, Reggie Willits, Scot Shields, Spring Training, Terry Evans, Torii Hunter

2010 Player Profile: Hideki Matsui

Godzilla is coming to Anaheim fresh off of a 2009 campaign that culminated with him winning the 2009 World Series MVP.  Despite his recent success, his old age and knee problems still qualify him as a risk for the Angels.  Will that gamble pay off in 2010?

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Tags: Hideki Matsui, Player Profile

Halo Headlines – 3/11/10

• The Story: Torii Hunter thinks Latin American players are “impostors.”   The Monkey Says: Nothing like a little racial tension to start the spring, eh?  I see the point that Torii is trying to make here, that there is a woeful lack of black players in baseball and that it doesn’t get enough attention, but he really picked some very unfortunate phrases in the process, especially the “conspiracy theory” part.
• The Story: A response to Torii Hunter over the negative response his comments created.   The Monkey Says: Hunter clearly regrets his choice of words and considering the tremendous amount of character he has displayed throughout his career, I think everyone should probably just let him off the hook for this one.
• The Story: Dusty Baker comes to Torii’s defense.   The Monkey Says: Baker was part of the panel discussion where Torii made his remarks and as a highly respected member of the MLB family, having Baker side with Hunter should help ease whatever tension his comments created.
• The Story: Would the Angels be interested in signing 1B/DH Mike Sweeney?   The Monkey Says: An interesting theory, but I don’t think the Angels would be interested in bringing him in this late into training camp, nor do I imagine they feel like they need a right-handed complement to Hideki Matsui (let’s be honest, if they need to sit Matsui, Scioscia will just use Maicer Izturis).
• The Story: The Angels TV schedule has been released.   The Monkey Says: All 162 games will be televised this year with the same arrangement that most games will be on Fox Sports West with almost all Sunday games being broadcast on KCOP.
• The Story: Terry Evans is relaxed while competing for a bench job with the Angels.   The Monkey Says: He might want to be a little more nervous since he probably won’t be getting the gig.  Reggie Willits gives the Angels more versatility off the bench, but there is a chance that Mike Scioscia is more interested in having someone with some pop off the bench.  It also wouldn’t kill him to pick up a first baseman’s mitt if he wants to improve his chances.
• The Story: Scott Kazmir looked fine in his simulated game yesterday.   The Monkey Says: I’m guessing that he didn’t have to field any simulated bunts, otherwise the reviews might not be quite so glowing.
• The Story: Jason Bulger and Kevin Jepsen are a lethal duo.   The Monkey Says: Just a tad hyperbolic for two middle relievers who each have just one good half season of pro ball to their credit, don’t you think?  I get the point though as Bulger and Jepsen can really give the Angels back the depth they are accustomed to if they build upon the second half success they both enjoyed last year.
• The Story: Wood’s hard knocks might be ending.   The Monkey Says: The sad part is that the “might” is still necessary until Mike Scioscia officialy declares him the starting third baseman and removes the specter of a Wood/Izturis platoon.
• The Story: Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli have an uncanny knack for avoiding GIDPs.   The Monkey Says: I am sure if they spend enough time around Juan Rivera they will catch up in no time.  I think this stat sounds like more of a fluke though.

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Tags: Brandon Wood, Daily Links, Dusty Baker, free agency, injuries, Jason Bulger, Jeff Mathis, Kevin Jepsen, Maicer Izturis, Mike Napoli, Mike Sweeney, Reggie Willits, Rumors, Scott Kazmir, Spring Training, Terry Evans, Torii Hunter

2010 Player Preview: Ervin Santana

After a rough 2009 season, the Angels are once again questioning what they have in the talented but frustrating Ervin Santana.  Will he get his career back on track in 2010 or will it just be another head-scratching year for Ervin?

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Tags: Ervin Santana, Player Profile

Halo Headlines – 3/10/10

• The Story: Joel Pineiro was scratched from his start on Tuesday because he had a tooth fall out.  The Monkey Says: How does a tooth just fall out?  Joel, you make $8 million per year, get your ass to a dentist every once in awhile, I’m pretty sure you can afford it.
• The Story: Chris Pettit is out for the season after opting to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.  The Monkey Says: And then there were two.  The fifth outfielder job is now pretty much up to just Reggie Willits and Terry Evans now with Willits holding a major edge, though there is a small chance the Angels end up carrying them both.
• The Story: Scot Shields and Kevin Jepsen pass their test.  The Monkey Says: They both threw simulated games today and each got very positive reviews.  Hopefully they will appear in a real game in the very near future.
• The Story: Hideki Matsui is showing off a great sense of humor early in camp.  The Monkey Says: More importantly, Matsui got to show off his bat for the first time yesterday as he finally made his spring debut for the team.
• The Story: True Grich ponders the meaning of the Angels’ new slogan, “Tradition.”  The Monkey Says: I tend to think the new slogan is more about the Angels establishing a new tradition of being a perennial contender and playing the game their way.

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Tags: Chris Pettit, Daily Links, Hideki Matsui, injuries, Joel Pineiro, Kevin Jepsen, Reggie Willits, Scot Shields, Spring Training, Terry Evans

Halo Headlines – 3/9/10

• The Story: Kendry Morales made his spring debut yesterday.  The Monkey Says: K-Mo had two run-scoring hits and helped the Angels win their first game of Spring Training.  Hmmm, Kendry returns and the Angels win for the first time, that can’t be a coincidence.
• The Story: The Angels reunited with Vladimir Guerrero for the first time yesterday.  The Monkey Says: It isn’t like I didn’t know that Vlad signed with Texas, but it really cut me deep to see Guerrero wearing a Texas Ranger uniform.
• The Story: Kevin Jepsen, Scot Shields and Scott Kazmir will all pitch simulated games this week.  The Monkey Says: I’ve always wanted to see a simulated game.  I’ve always imagined that it was like one of the simulations in the Danger Room of Professor Xavier’s mansion.  Or maybe I just need to stop reading comic books.  Oh yeah, this is good news as all three have been slowed by injuries early in camp.
• The Story: Former MLB GM (and current alleged embezzler) Jim Bowden interviews Tony Reagins and three other GMs.  The Monkey Says: The most notable point that Reagins’ makes is that he is not concerned about their lack of a left middle reliever.  I tend to agree with him in that the Angels have a collection of highly effective righties who can get lefties out but I also partly think it won’t be a problem once Brian Fuentes loses his closer job, freeing himself up to be used as more of a situational southpaw.
• The Story: Joe Saunders = Zach Greinke?  Not quiteDaily Links f.  The Monkey Says: Ah yes, the popular but blissfully ignorant notion that Saunders just wins games.  How is it that some people can so willfully keep ignoring advanced statistics?
• The Story: Troy Percival visited Angels camp this week.  The Monkey Says: Percy was back as a guest instructor.  I’m not sure what he has to teach besides “just throw a really hard fastball” every time, but it is still nice to see Percival anyway.
• The Story: Catching up with Hank Conger.  The Monkey Says: It is a pretty vanilla interview with young Hank, but it is good to hear him talk about how his shoulder is finally feeling fully healthy again.  His defense and health are the only things holding him back right now and if he can put those concerns behind him this year, he could be in Anaheim on Opening Day 2011.
• The Story: Taking the next step with Peter Bourjos.  The Monkey Says: Interesting projections though they obviously aren’t scientific or anything.  My concern is more with where and when Bourjos will play when he reaches the majors since Torii Hunter is blocking him from center field for at least the next three years.

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Tags: Daily Links, Hank Conger, injuries, Joe Saunders, Kendry Morales, Kevin Jepsen, Peter Bourjos, prospects, Scot Shields, Scott Kazmir, Spring Training, Statistics, Tony Reagins, Troy Percival, Vladimir Guerrero

Spring Training Rewind: Week 1

Let’s take a look back at the week that was in Spring Training for the LA Angels:

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Tags: Anthony Ortega, Brian Fuentes, Brian Stokes, Erick Aybar, Hank Conger, Howie Kendrick, injuries, Jered Weaver, Joel Pineiro, Maicer Izturis, Michael Ryan, Mike Napoli, Mike Scioscia, Rafael Rodriguez, Robb Quinlan, Sean O'Sullivan, Spring Training, Torii Hunter

Halo Headlines – 3/8/10

• The Story: Torii Hunter aggravated his old groin injury but says he will be OK.  The Monkey Says: Sonuvabitch.  Torii may say he is OK, but Angel fans should be cautious as this is the same groin that sent him to the DL for several weeks last year.  It was supposed to be repaired by surgery this off-season and if he is tweaking it this soon into the spring, I have a hard time believing it won’t be a problem later on in the year.
• The Story: Emotions were high when statues of Nick Adenhart and Preston Gomez were brought into the Angel clubhouse.  The Monkey Says: A very somber reminder to the Angels about the hardships they fought through last season and a move that definitely should serve as motivation for the team again this year.
• The Story: Jon Wilhite has made an amazing recovery from the life-threatening injuries he suffered in the Nick Adenhart car accident.  The Monkey Says: It sounds as if Wilhite is almost fully healthy again despite being internally decapitated in the crash which supposedly is almost impossible to survive much less fully recover from.  That, my friends, is a miracle.
• The Story: Will Hideki Matsui really play the outfield this year?  The Monkey Says: We all know he will since Mike Scioscia insisted on playing Vlad Guerrero and Garret Anderson in the field long past their ability to even be average fielders.  The idea that there is no risk involved is laughable since Matsui is playing on bad knees and would be subjected to unnecessary wear and tear by patrolling left field.
• The Story: Fernando Rodney has been cleared to throw off the mound.  The Monkey Says: And the Frodney ERA is now ready to begin.  Excuse me if I don’t plan a parade in his honor.
• The Story: This could be Scot Shields’ last season as an Angel.  The Monkey Says: Even if Shields has a bounceback year, history suggests the Angels will let him leave in free agency just like they have with almost all of their other veterans in recent years.
• The Story: Cuban shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria is now free to sign with any team.  The Monkey Says: The Angels have shown interest in the prospect, but the Cubs and Yankees seem like they are bound to outbid them.
• The Story: The Angels are stacked with a deep rotation.  The Monkey Says: I like the premise that the Angels may not have a real ace but are more than happy to have five number two starters.  First off, not only does that make some big assumptions about Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana and Joel Pineiro but what really bothers me is the mentality of being OK with a collection of solid starters when we have seen plenty of proof that you need more than above average starters to win in the post-season.
• The Story: Freddy Sandoval’s versatility shines for the Angels.  The Monkey Says: I sure hope it shines because I would much rather he make the team than Robb Quinlan.
• The Story: Mike Scioscia is eager to get Brandon Wood’s power into the line-up.  The Monkey Says: Or so he says until he realizes that Maicer Izturis won’t have a starting job then I am sure Izzy will be starting at third and batting fifth before you know it.

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Tags: Adeiny Hechavarria, Brandon Wood, Daily Links, Ervin Santana, Fernando Rodney, Freddy Sandoval, Hideki Matsui, injuries, Joe Saunders, Joel Pineiro, Jon Wilhite, Mike Scioscia, Nick Adenhart, Preston Gomez, prospects, Scot Shields, Spring Training, Torii Hunter

2010 Player Preview: Jeff Mathis

The great catcher debate heads into its fourth year in Anaheim and once again Jeff Mathis and his lifeless bat remains a major part of the equation.  There is some hope that Mathis might finally be turning the corner with his hitting after a strong playoff performance, but was it just a fluke or will Mathis’ glove have to carry him once again?

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Tags: Jeff Mathis, Player Preview

Halo Headlines – 3/5/10

• The Story: The Angels first Spring Training game ended in a 4-4 tie with the White Sox.  The Monkey Says: A tie?!?!  There’s no tying in baseball!!!  Highlights of the game included Mike Napoli going yard while the lowlights included three Angel errors.
• The Story: The Angels have signed six of their young players to new contracts.  The Monkey Says: Brandon Wood, Jason Bulger, Brian Stokes, Rafael Rodriguez, Matt Palmer and Kevin Jepsen all go the privilege of being told how much money they will be making this season whether they like it or not as they don’t have enough experience to be arbitration-eligible yet.
• The Story: Ranking the General Managers in MLB.  The Monkey Says: Tony Reagins checks in at 15th apparently just because he hasn’t been on the job for very long despite the ranker not finding any real flaws on his resume.  Brilliant work.
• The Story: Bobby Abreu has sold his old condo New York.  The Monkey Says: Well at least we know he is here to stay now… or maybe we already knew that when he signed a new two-year contract.
• The Story: Scot Shields and Kevin Jepsen are throwing off the mound again and Fernando Rodney should join them soon.  The Monkey Says: This Frodney singing just keeps looking better doesn’t it?  At least Shields and Jepsen are getting healthy.
• The Story: Joel Pineiro is using all of his doubters as motivation this season.  The Monkey Says: I’m glad he is motivated but I’d still feel a lot better if I knew he still had Dave Duncan on speed dial.
• The Story: Bobby Abreu inspires his teammates on and off the field.  The Monkey Says: I find it interesting that that he is getting credited for bringing a more laid back demeanor to the Angel clubhouse.  I have to say I never really thought that would be a problem for the Angels.  If anything they need someone a more fiery to inject some grit and toughness into the roster.
• The Story: Mark Gubicza talks about his new announcing partner Victor Rojas.  The Monkey Says: Of course, Gubi has nothing but nice things to say but I got the scoop on Rojas from our network’s Ranger blogger since Rojas used to be the Texas lead announcer.  He generally thinks Rojas is good at his job but can be a bit arrogant at times, especially when it comes to him recalling his very brief playing days.

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Tags: Bobby Abreu, Brandon Wood, Brian Stokes, Daily Links, Fernando Rodney, injuries, Jason Bulger, Joel Pineiro, Kevin Jepsen, Mark Gubicza, Matt Palmer, Mike Napoli, Radael Rodriguez, Scot Shields, Spring Training, Tony Reagins, Victor Rojas