Halo Headlines – 8/3/09

• The Story: The Angels took a swing and miss at the trade deadline.  The Monkey Says: I already covered this on deadline day, but just thought I would pass along another link echoing my sentiments just to prove I am not crazy.
• The Story: Brandon Wood was sent down and Sean Rodriguez and Bobby Wilson were recalled.  The Monkey Says: This transaction initially had everyone in a tizzy that a trade was imminent, but clearly that wasn’t the case.  Wilson was called up because Mathis’s back was acting up and S-Rod took over for Wood because Woody wasn’t playing and the Halos wanted to try S-Rod in left.
• The Story: Tony Reagins denies that he overvalues the team’s own prospects.  The Monkey Says: This has long been a charge leveled against the Angel front office and it won’t go away any time soon, no matter what Reagins said.
• The Story: Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter both took live batting practice over the weekend putting them both close to returning to the line-up.  The Monkey Says: Guerrero should be back first since he won’t have to play the field, but it will be interesting to see what he has left to give the team.
• The Story: Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger have each stepped up to make it easier for the Angels to survive not acquiring relief help.  The Monkey Says: Prepare to hear a lot more of these propaganda pieces about those two as the Halos try to sell their fan base on the idea that the bullpen is OK.  It is going to take more than a few puff piece columns to convince me of that theory.
• The Story: The Angels’ middle infield is a big reason for their success.  The Monkey Says: Can anyone really believe that would be the case after how poorly both Aybar and Kendrick started the year?  Now the problem is they have too much talent up the middle.  Crazy stuff.
• The Story: The Angels have adjusted their rotation to get Sean O’Sullivan a start in this upcoming Chicago series.  The Monkey Says: This move seems less about O’Sullivan pitching well and more about getting an extra day of rest for the rest of the rotation given their recent struggles.
• The Story: The Angels are pushing for some MVP consideration for Bobby Abreu.  The Monkey Says: Umm, let’s settle down a bit OK?  Abreu has been excellent lately, but I have never really seen him as the MVP (I’d be far more inclined to give that honor to Chone Figgins).  Abreu might garner some votes, but he won’t stack up against a guy like Justin Mourneau who is putting up monster numbers this year.
• The Story: The Angels have the best record in the AL and it is coming as a surprise to some.  The Monkey Says: I don’t blame anyone for being surprised given all the hardship this team has overcome.
• The Story: Where is Vlad going to hit when he returns to the line-up?  The Monkey Says: Vlad should hit no higher than sixth until he proves he is all the way back, but something tells me Mike Scioscia’s blind loyalty will result in Vlad hitting fourth immediately upon his return.
• The Story: Is the Angel offense enough to overcome whatever pitching deficiencies they have in the post-season?  The Monkey Says: I say no, but only because it is a time-tested fact that good pitching almost always beats good hitting in the playoffs.

Tags: Bobby Abreu, Bobby Wilson, Brandon Wood, Bullpen of Doom, Daily Links, Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick, injury update, Jason Bulger, Kevin Jepsen, Sean O'Sullivan, Sean Rodriguez, Torii Hunter, trade rumors, transactions, Vladimir Guerrero