The September 6th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including the September call-ups arrive, Hunter wants to retire as an Angel, Garrett Richards might be a solution in the bullpen and much more…
The Monkey Says: As part of that move, they outrighted Freddy Sandoval to make room on the 40-man roster for Navarro. They have also gone on to outright Matt Palmer, recall Tyler Chatwood, promote Trevor Bell and activate Garrett Richards from the DL. It is unlikely any of these players will play a lot even though Scioscia claims he won’t hesitate to use them. A few more players like Michael Kohn, Alexi Amarista and Loek Van Mil all could be up in the next week once their respective minor league seasons end.
The Story: Could Garrett Richards fix the bullpen?
The Monkey Says: I like how Scioscia says, “We might not have that luxury.” Umm, luxury? Nothing in the Angel bullpen is a luxury. Try a dire need instead. The Angels obviously don’t want to mess with Richards’ development, but seeing if he could be a weapon out of the pen is worth a shot since he has the natural talent to potentially be very successful in that role.
The Story: Torii Hunter wants to retire as an Angel and might do so after 2012.
The Monkey Says: That is great to hear from Torii, not only because it is a nice honor for the Halos, but also because it is rare to see a player of his caliber have such a firm grasp on when his career should end. He’s having a hell of a second half, so he should still have another good year or two in him, so Hunter does have a chance at retiring on a high note rather than jumping from team to team to team like so many other aging former All-Stars.
The Story: Is Weaver’s career-high workload behind his recent struggles?
The Monkey Says: It isn’t out of the question, but my gut feeling is that the start on short-rest in Texas threw him off a little bit. If he doesn’t look right this Friday when he will actually get an extra day of rest due to the off day, then it might be time to worry.
The Story: For two whole years, the Giants called Jerome Williams “Jeremy.”
The Monkey Says: Greatest story ever? Greatest story EVER.
The Story: September is historically not great for the Texas Rangers.
The Monkey Says: Keep hope alive!
The Monkey Says: That sounds inflammatory at first glance, but it really isn’t. We all know far too well that Tony Reagins loves to give “take it or leave it” ultimatums, so that is just standard operating procedure for him. As for the trade threat, that only makes sense. The Halos would’ve been dumb to hold on to Weaver for the 2012 season if they know he isn’t going to take the kind of contract they are already offering.
The Story: Jordan Walden’s delivery comes right at you and mesmerizes opposing bloggers.
The Monkey Says: It is funny, I went to an Angel game with my father-in-law recently up here in Seattle, and he too was weirded out by Walden’s tiny jump in his delivery. I guess it is just one of those things you get used to when you see it enough.
The Story: Bobby Abreu’s will not play in 150 or more games for the first time in 13 seasons.
The Monkey Says: That streak probably should’ve ended last season and it is going to come a little too close for my liking this year, but at least it is ending.
The Story: The Angels are on pace to draw 3 million+ in attendance this season.
The Monkey Says: Business is still good for the Angels, which bodes well for them being able to maintain their payroll level next season. It is gravy on top that the Dodgers look like they are going to miss 3 million in attendance for the first time in over a decade.
The Story: Even Howie Kendrick doesn’t know why he hits homers in bunches.
The Monkey Says: I wish he would figure it out, because it would be great if he could hit homers consistently. He is a strong dude, so the power is in him, but his swing generally produces liners and grounders, so he doesn’t often get under a lot of pitches, but if he could learn to adjust to swing for power when he sees a meatball, I think he could consistently hit 20 homers.
The Story: Mike Trout is leaning heavily on Torii Hunter’s wisdom.
The Monkey Says: As long as Hunter doesn’t give out any baserunning advice, he is the perfect mentor for Trout.
The Story: Reggie Willits is not giving up on his big league dream.
The Monkey Says: This is probably more ink than a player of Willits’ talents deserves, but it is still a good read. I’m a little surprised Willits never ended up getting dealt to another team in need of outfield depth since he is a solid fielder, patient hitter and fast runner. Maybe he will get his chance this coming spring when he will likely seek to catch on with another franchise.