- The Story: Earl Bloom thinks the cost for Roy Halladay will be too high. The Monkey Says: His solution is just to start calling Jered Weaver the number one starter. I had no idea all you had to do is starting calling a pitcher an ace and he becomes one. Weaver is a fine pitcher, but he is no Roy Halladay.
- The Story: Steve Physioc and Rex Hudler have been terminated from the Angels’ broadcast team. The Monkey Says: Rory Markas and Mark Gubicza will take over TV duties full-time rather than split time with the smarmy Physioc and the childish but positive Hudler. Markas and Gubicza are no great shakes, but this is an upgrade for the Halos.
- The Story: Angel fans will miss Rex Hudler. The Monkey Says: The Wonder Dog certainly endeared himself to a contingent of fans, but his shtick had gotten pretty old with another large contingent. Personally, I feel like the Halos could have kept Hud around as the studio guy at Fox Sports as he is far more palatable in small doses.
- The Story: One writer thinks that John Lackey might accept arbitration from the Angels and try free agency again next year. The Monkey Says: That is quite possibly the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Lackey is clearly the best starter on the market right now and is certain to get a rich multi-year deal. For him to take a one-year deal and risk injury so he can be a second-tier free agent behind Josh Beckett, Roy Halladay, Brandon Webb and Cliff Lee is utterly insane.
- The Story: Buster Olney believes the price has dropped for acquiring Roy Halladay. The Monkey Says: I don’t know that I agree, but if true, then the Angels just need to make sure they outbid the Yankees and Red Sox which is easier said than done.