Daily links for the LA Angels including the Angels are considering trades for LaRoche and Cantu, Dan Haren would consider a trade to the Angels, getting ready for the big AL West showdown in Texas and much more.
The Story: The Angels might not get what they need at the trade deadline.
The Monkey Says: The basic point of the column is that the Angels don’t have the prospects needed to trade for any big names, but we all knew that already. The good info Rosenthal does drop though is that the Halos have been kicking the tired on Jorge Cantu and Adam LaRoche. Either player would be fine with me (and I have long thought LaRoche was the Angels most likely target), though neither is going to be considered a game-changer in the AL West race.
The Story: Dan Haren would prefer to be traded to a West Coast team.
The Monkey Says: There is no guarantee Arizona is even going to trade Haren, but if they do, this statement makes the Angels strong suitors for him. The Halos made a run at Haren last season, so they are sure to check in again this deadline, especially after this statement. However, it is important to note that Haren only can block a trade to 12 teams, so his desire to stay out west may not really matter.
The Story: Torii Hunter blogs that he and the Angels are all fully focused on catching the Rangers.
The Monkey Says: I wish Torii had written more here as I think everyone would have loved to hear more about how the Angels are adjusting to being the ones doing the chasing in a divisional race rather than the other way around.
The Story: It’s not cool to be chasing the Rangers in Texas.
The Monkey Says: As if the pressure wasn’t enough, the temperature and humidity in Arlington are expected to be rather high so it will literally feel like a pressure cooker for the Angels. Great.
The Story: Mike Napoli’s bat and glove are in tune.
The Monkey Says: Naps is definitely locked in at the plate and he has shown some progress at first base, but the fact remains that he is still too streaky in both areas for the Angels’ liking which is why they are still considering adding another first baseman at the trade deadline.