The July 26th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Trout gets his first homer ball back, trade deadline talk galore, trading for Wells might’ve been a better move than signing Carl Crawford and much more…
The Story: The fan who caught Mike Trout’s first homer was more than happy to give it back to him.
The Monkey Says: I’m just shocked that the guy is an avid collector and handed the ball over so readily. That would seem like the perfect kind item to have in a collection, especially given the lofty projections for Trout’s career.
The Monkey Says: I don’t think the Angels are going to pay the price for Bell, but I am sure they will stay in those talks as long as possible to drive the price up for the Rangers. As for Aramis Ramirez, I’ve said all along that he is a great fit for the Halos, but he seems deadset enforcing his no-trade clause.
The Story: Might the Angels part with one of their current regulars instead of prospects at the trade deadline?
The Monkey Says: It is an interesting notion, but there have been zero rumors to this effect, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Frankly, the Angels don’t have the depth to make such a deal and veteran-for-veteran deals at the deadline are pretty rare as it is.
The Story: A satirical look at what Tony Reagins’ phone log looks like leading up to the trade deadline.
The Monkey Says: I think we have officially reached the point where absolutely nobody takes Reagins seriously as a viable GM anymore, except for Arte Moreno who I am willing to bet my house will gleefully bring Reagins back for 2012.
The Story: Was trading for Vernon Wells actually a better move than signing Carl Crawford?
The Monkey Says: Wells may lead Crawford in WAR now, but who knows what Crawford would have done as an Angel, so it isn’t a totally fair comparison. Moreover, the analysis is incomplete without considering the long-term both in terms of on-field production and financial investment. Wells is a poor bet to continue playing better than Crawford since he is much older, and costs more on an annual basis, though Crawford’s deal is three years longer.