The August 2nd, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Posnanski settles the Weaver-Guillen “unwritten rules” debate, Trout sent back to Double-A, Santana named AL Co-Player of the Week and much more…
The Story: Joe Posnanski declares Carlos Guillen the biggest offender in the Angels-Tigers dust up from Sunday.
The Monkey Says: If Poz deems it so, then so it shall be written. I had assumed my team allegiances had clouded my judgment, but Posnanski is totally impartial and even he can’t understand how anyone could justify Carlos Guillen’s actions.
The Story: The Angels sent Mike Trout back to Double-A Arkansas and called up Andrew Romine to take his place.
The Monkey Says: Trout going to Double-A instead of Triple-A is a bit of a surprise, but I understand the logic, which I will delve into alter today now that the Trout Tracker will be returning later today.
The Story: Ervin Santana was named AL Co-Player of the Week along with Billy Butler of the Royals.
The Monkey Says: Butler had a great week, but Ervin threw a no-hitter, how did they end up sharing this?
The Monkey Says: Yes, people seriously are suggesting that even though it is completely and totally preposterous.
The Story: Erick Aybar’s bunt during a no-hitter was not “bush league.”
The Monkey Says: It is official, everyone but Justin Verlander is OK with Aybar bunting. I’ve listened to podcasts and read articles from all over and I have yet to see/hear anyone seriously chastise Aybar for bunting when he did.
The Story: There can be an opportunity cost to the Angels’ inaction at the trade deadline.
The Monkey Says: I don’t know if I believe that line of logic, but I still think the Angels could have solved a lot of potential problems by making even a minor acquisition.
The Story: It isn’t a big deal that the Angels made no trades since they have no true needs.
The Monkey Says: This I tend to agree more with, but I do think the Angels have a true need in the bullpen, but not one that is necessarily a fatal flaw since their starting rotation can cover up the flaw by going deep into games like they have so often this year.
The Story: The Rangers have “won the division” by acquiring Uehara and Adams.
The Monkey Says: This one pissed me off beyond belief. I’ll save the impending tirade for a lengthier discussion today, but suffice it to say, I fail to see how two middle relievers can make such a massive difference over the course of two months.
The Story: The Angels have assembled a top-notch defensive unit.
The Monkey Says: I don’t know that I agree with all of the hyperbole about each and every Angel player’s defensive prowess, but according to UZR, the Angels are a top five defensive club, which is a big step up after their terrible defensive season last year and a big reason why the Angels remain in contention.
The Story: 50 years of Angels baseball in 60 sentences.
The Monkey Says: Might I add a 51st sentence for the 51st season: The year that the Angels shocked the Rangers to win the AL West on their way to a World Series.