Daily links for the LA Angels including Angels trying to acquire Alberto Callaspo, Hank Conger injures his shoulder again, Matsui fondly recalls George Steinbrenner and much more.
The Story: The Angels optioned Cory Aldridge to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Sean O’Sullivan.
The Monkey Says: There was a groundswell from the fringes of Halo fans to give Aldridge a shot and he got one, albeit a very small one, but failed to impress, so he’ll head back to Salt Lake and hope for a call-up later this year, likely in September.
The Story: Hideki Matsui fondly recalls the kindness of the late George Steinbrenner.
The Monkey Says: I suppose I would have nothing but nice things to say about someone if they made me insanely rich too.
The Story: Assessing the trade market for Prince Fielder.
The Monkey Says: Contrary to what the article says, the Angels are not looking for a rental so Fielder would fit. However, there is just no way they have the prospect package needed to pry Prince loose from Milwaukee.
The Story: The Angels have made trade offers for Royals infielder Alberto Callaspo.
The Monkey Says: Callaspo was an Angel prospect before he was swapped for Jason Bulger a few years ago. Acquiring Callaspo is an interesting idea because he is under team control through 2013. If he did land in Anaheim, he would almost certainly become the team’s full-time third baseman, which is a real need, but it seems like he would only be a marginal upgrade over Maicer Izturis, which makes one wonder if he is worth the price.
The Story: Should the Angels trade or not?
The Monkey Says: This just echoes the popular refrain around baseball that the Angels are in a holding pattern on the trade market until after this week when they will see if they can get back within striking distance of the Texas Rangers in the AL West. Clobbering the Yankees 10-2 is definitely a good start, but really we won’t know anything until they finish their four-game series against the Rangers starting Thursday.
The Story: Hank Conger was placed on the disabled list in Triple-A due to a rotator cuff strain.
The Monkey Says: This is pretty significant because Hank has been plagued by shoulder problems his entire minor league career and if this injury is serious, it might spell an end to his days as a catcher. If that happens, his status as a prospect would change severely as his supposed great power has yet to fully manifest itself and that may not play particularly well if he shifts over to first base on a full-time basis.
The Story: The Angels’ plan to stretch out Trevor Bell is working.
The Monkey Says: It has? His stamina has definitely improved, but he is now back to being a reliever for the Angels so that progress will soon be erased unless he is returned to the minors in the very near future, which is a real possibility.