- The Story: In case you missed it, the Angels traded for Scott Kazmir in exchange for Alexander Torres, Matthew Sweeney and a player to be named later. The Monkey Says: The deal nearly fell apart late Friday, but it is official now and Kazmir will be making his first start Wednesday.
- The Story: Since Scott Kazmir is only 25 and signed through at least 2011, the deal makes since both now and in the future for the Angels. The Monkey Says: Depending on who the player to be named later is, this could go down as a steal for the Angels who took advantage of the cash-strapped Tampa Bay franchise.
- The Story: Tony Reagins said that he has been working on this deal since just after the July 31st trade deadline. The Monkey Says: This is the only real criticism that this deal came so late in the season despite the obvious need on the Angels’ end.
- The Story: Rafael Rodriguez was sent down to Triple-A to make room for Scott Kazmir. The Monkey Says: Rodriguez will almost certainly be recalled when eligible after rosters expand in September, but is still nothing more than a back of the bullpen arm.
- The Story: Scott Kazmir alreadys has a rapport with Angel pitching coach Mike Butcher. The Monkey Says: Kaz has struggled this year, but Butcher was his pitching coach back in 2006 when he enjoyed his best year, something that played a factor in the Angels’ willingness to trade for the young southpaw.
- The Story: What would Scott Kazmir have to accomplish as an Angel to consider this trade a success? The Monkey Says: Honestly, isn’t it a little early to be worrying about this. The guy is going to spend at least two-plus years with the organization and prove his worth.
- The Story: Shane Loux accepted his assignment to Triple-A. The Monkey Says: Loux got DFA’d last week but went unclaimed and elected to stick with the organization. He probably won’t get another shot at making the roster until Spring Training.
- The Story: Are the Angels in danger of losing Chone Figgins via free agency? The Monkey Says: Figgy has indicated he wants to stay, but with so many big free agents this summer that may not be a guarantee. Personally, I think he is the number one player that makes the Angels’ brand of offense work, so he should be at the top of the Angels’ re-signing priority list.
- The Story: Trevor Bell is going to stay with the Angels the rest of the season and work as a long reliever unless otherwise needed in the rotation. The Monkey Says: Bell has experience in the minors working out of the pen, so this is an interesting experiment. Furthermore, this enables Matt Palmer to take on a bigger role in middle relief where he has shown he can be highly effective.
- The Story: Jason Bulger is day-to-day with shoulder tightness. The Monkey Says: The Angels do not seem concerned and didn’t even order an MRI, thinking that Bulger is just overworked. Still, I’m holding my breath until he pitches again because he is a vital part of the Halo bullpen.
- The Story: Kendry Morales has 30 RBI in August, one shy of the team record for August and four shy of the team RBI record for any month. The Monkey Says: ???
- The Story: The Tempe Angels (Rookie Level) have been eliminated from the Arizona League playoffs. The Monkey Says: We’ll all have to wait until next year to see more Mike Trout.
- AL West Update: The Angels picked up a game on Texas over the weekend. The Monkey Says: The Rangers stumbled in Minnesota and the Angels could’ve picked up two games had Jose Arredondo not gagged away Saturday’s game for the Halos. The Rangers now head home for a three-game set against Toronto