The November 4th, 2011 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Trumbo takes home another award, Buzzie Bavasi gets a special Hall of Fame nomination, could Callaspo be a non-tender candidate and much more…
The Story: Mark Trumbo won the Player’s Choice AL Rookie of the Year Award.
The Monkey Says: This isn’t a surprise since he won the same award from The Sporting News, which is also voted on by the players, so he basically just won the same award twice. I still don’t think he is going to win the “real” RoY award, but he should finish in the top three.
The Story: Former Angel executive Buzzie Bavasi is a “Golden Era” nominee for the Hall of Fame.
The Monkey Says: Bavasis had a good run with the Halos, but this nomination is more about his time with the Dodgers… continuing the trend of no Angel being in the Hall.
The Story: Would Alberto Callaspo be a non-tender on any other team?
The Monkey Says: That is a bit too far. Callaspo may not start on most teams, but he is definitely useful and at about $3 million, he is reasonably priced. Yes, he has no power or speed, but he is a quality contact hitter who has improving plate discipline. Plus, he can play multiple positions. I guarantee you that if he hit the open market he would make at least $3 million as a quality part-time player or utility man. Sorry, but guys coming off a 3.6 WAR season don’t get non-tendered over a $1 million raise. So, no, most teams wouldn’t non-tender him. That being said, if his arbitration price climbs to $4 million or more after this season, then that becomes a real possibility.
The Story: Consensus is that the Angels will not show interest in Jose Reyes.
The Monkey Says: I think most Angel fans already knew that, but only now does the rest of the baseball world seem to be catching on.
The Story: Get to know the family man side of Jerry DiPoto.
The Monkey Says: PUFF PIECE ALERT!
The Monkey Says: That kind of sucks, but is also kind of true. Thompson had a great overall line, but the article is spot on about him falling apart whenever he pitched in high leverage situations. I still think he can be a decent middle relief guy and should get another year to prove himself, but somebody is going to have to go if the Angels add more than one reliever upgrade this off-season.