The October 13th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Angels get permission to interview two Yankee executives, Mathis and other Angels could be among Fielding Bible and Gold Glove candidates, Astros to join the AL West and much more…
The Story: Angels get permission to interview Yankees’ Oppenheimer and Eppier.
The Monkey Says: Finally, we start seeing some real movement. The candidate list is now only three names long, but I don’t think it is unreasonable to think that the GM search could be wrapped up by the end of the World Series.
The Story: Several Angels, including Jeff Mathis, among Fielding Bible and Gold Glove contenders.
The Monkey Says: Yup, the case is slowly starting to build for the Angels to actually bring Mathis back in 2012. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Story: The Houston Astros are on the verge of being officially moved from the NL Central to the AL West.
The Monkey Says: This wouldn’t happen until 2013, but I kind of like the idea of having five teams in the division, assuming this realignment doesn’t mean that the divisional structure gets blown up. More games in the central time zone is inconvenient, but this should also help the Halos not have to play a bunch of games against AL East teams during the final weeks of the season.
The Story: Tony Reagins is rumored to be a candidate for the Balitmore Orioles general manager opening.
The Monkey Says: Only the Orioles would think about giving Reagins a chance. I secretly hope he gets the position because it means there would be a chance that the Angels could finally trick him into taking on Vernon Wells’ contract all over again.
The Story: Kole Calhoun and Matt Shoemaker were named the Angels top minor league players of the year.
The Monkey Says: Both players had amazing years, but neither were well thought of before the season, so they’ll both be interesting guys to watch next season to see if they can replicate the same on-field success despite not having the tools scouts like to see.