- The Story: Erick Aybar left last night’s game with a hyperextended knee. The Monkey Says: They are calling Erick day-to-day, so it looks like the Angels dodged a bullet. Maicer Izturis will take over at short until Aybar is ready to go again.
- The Story: Jeff Mathis is resuming his rehab assignment in Triple-A Salt Lake. The Monkey Says: It appears that goal is for Mathis to now rejoin the Angels this weekend against the Cubs, assuming he can finally remember to keep his damned throwing hand tucked behind his back.
- The Story: The Angels are getting lucky. The Monkey Says: According to the BaseRuns stat, the Angels should suck. According to me, I think the statheads need to realize that the Halos have been defying all these record projecting metrics all century long, so maybe they might want to be a little less certain about their proclamations.
- The Story: It pays for the Angels to wait on their first base options. The Monkey Says: The Halos can save some dough by waiting another month or so to make a deal, but they will also end up spending more in terms of prospects by waiting and letting the sellers drive up the price on their players.
- The Story: Torii Hunter is deserving of more All-Star votes. The Monkey Says: Yeah, he probably does, but it is going to be too little too late. Hunter, and all other Angels, are just going to have to hope to be selected as a reserve.
- The Story: Kevin Frandsen is having a blast and providing a lift. The Monkey Says: Frandsen has been a great pickup by the Halos and looks like he has really carved out a role for himself both on the field and in the locker room for years to come.
- The Story: Reggie Willits learned his work ethic and discipline from his father. The Monkey Says: How sneaky, slipping in a Father’s Day article so early in the week. I’m sure there will be more to come.
- The Story: The Angels have already agreed to terms with two of their top draft picks. The Monkey Says: SS Taylor Lindsey (37th overall) and CF Ryan Bolden (40th overall).
- The Story: Are the days of “of Anaheim” numbered? The Monkey Says: This is merely a rumor, but it sure would be nice if the Halos could drop the stupid “of Anaheim” part of their name, though I am not looking forward to the prospect of the city of Anaheim getting the naming rights to the stadium and potentially selling it to a corporate entity the next time they have a budget shortfall.
- The Story: Garrett Richards was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week. The Monkey Says: Richards continues his impressive first full-season campaign and figures to climb the prospect rankings in a big way by the end of the season.