Daily links for the LA Angels including Callaspo trade reaction, Bulger on the road to recovery, Shields still hoping to turn his season around and much more.
The Story: Newly acquired Alberto Callaspo is a carbon copy of Maicer Izturis.
The Monkey Says: OK, they aren’t exactly the same, but given how much Angel management and coaches love Maicer Izturis, this trade makes a ton of sense because the only thing better than one Maicer is two Maicers.
The Story: Jason Bulger is enthused about his progress in his return from injury.
The Monkey Says: Don’t get too excited, he isn’t ready for a rehab assignment yet, but at least he is getting close. Even if he comes back by the end of the month, the Angels would still be wise to add another quality arm to the bullpen, assuming they still believe they can win the division. That article also mentions that Brian Stokes is close to starting a rehab assignment too, but really, who cares. Stokes sucks.
The Story: Breaking down the Angel trades since 2005 according to WAR.
The Monkey Says: There definitely have been some hits and some misses for the Halos the last five years with the misses probably getting the edge. Hopefully this Callaspo trade will get the Angels back on the positive side of the ledger.
The Story: Rebooting the Scot Shields comeback.
The Monkey Says: There is no comeback. Shields is not good anymore. He has lost velocity and his command has gone to crap. I honestly think he will be luck to survive the rest of the season without being released.