Daily links for the LA Angels including Shields likely to retire, Angels amped to chase after Carl Crawford, the RC Quakes ditch the Angels for the Dodgers and much more.
The Story: Scot Shields is considering retirement.
The Monkey Says: Seeing Shields retire would be sad since he is the last Angel left from the 2002 World Championship team, but it would be even sadded to watch Scot try and hang on for another year when it is obvious that his body is breaking down and robbing him of his skills.
The Story: The Angels are ready to pursue Carl Crawford in free agency.
The Monkey Says: Considering that this has been common knowledge since before this season even started, I am not even sure that a “Captain Obvious” retort is nearly derisive enough.
The Monkey Says: Well, that sucks. Odds are that the Halos will now have to take over the Inland Empire 66ers, but nothing is official on that front yet.
The Story: Could Mike Trout be ready for the big leagues in 2011?
The Monkey Says: I suppose it is possible, but I really don’t see any reason to rush him, especially if the Angels are able to land Carl Crawford, thus leaving the Halos without a position for Trout to play. As huge a fan as I am of Trout, I think it is about time everyone calm down with him a little bit since he hasn’t even played above Single-A yet. Last time we all got excited about a Single-A superstar, he turned out to be Brandon Wood. Consider your buzz killed, Manson Family style.
The Story: Albert Pujols an Angel? Dream on.
The Monkey Says: Dream on? I didn’t even realize it was an option, probably because it isn’t and never will be.
The Story: A look at the Angels’ arbitration eligible players.
The Monkey Says: That sucks, I had no idea that Frandsen was arbitration eligible. I really don’t see how the Halos will justify keeping him at anything other than the league minimum. As for the rest of the list, several players are due some big raises, which is why the Angels may have to cut some dead weight this off-season so that their payroll doesn’t get out of control. That is the whole reason I have been saying Mike Napoli will be traded this summer. It might also be the reason we are finally freed from Jeff Mathis’ reign of tyranny.