The March 5th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Jerome Williams strains his hamstring, Jordan Walden and others get new contracts, Kendrys Morales takes his rehab another step forward and much more…
The Monkey Says: It is a good point that they don’t need a fifth starter until a bit into the season, but it is also possible that they could just use Mills, Bell or Richards as a spot starter for one turn if Jerome still isn’t ready. This might even lead to one of those three or someone else with options left making the Opening Day roster as a reliever, assuming the Angels put Williams on the DL to start the season.
The Monkey Says: As the article states, renewed is not a good thing. It sounds like Walden (or his agent, really) thinks he deserves more money. He has no leverage now, but he will be one to monitor once he does become arbitration eligible.
The Story: Morales takes another step forward in his rehab.
The Monkey Says: Almost… there… must… not… get… too… excited…
The Story: Mike Scioscia plans to honor Bobby Abreu’s request to play frequently this spring.
The Monkey Says: This can only be for three reasons: 1) To showcase Abreu for a trade. 2) Hoping that Abreu gets hurt from playing so much, thus preventing him from having to be played. 3) Scioscia is going to unveil the ultimate double-cross and tell Bobby the promised 400 plate appearances include spring training games.
The Story: Leaving Coors Field could spell doom for Chris Iannetta.
The Monkey Says: My feeling has always been that there is a mental aspect to the whole Coors Effect thing, so just breaking down the splits is a bit unfair. A few guys have found success away from Coors, but a lot more have fallen on their face. Iannetta’s track record of consistency seems to suggest he will fall into the latter group, at least offensively.
The Story: Single-game tickets went on sale Saturday, with over 30,000 moved on the first day.
The Monkey Says: The re-sellers and scalpers are going to make a fortune this year.
The Story: Mark Trumbo is watching Albert Pujols as he hopes to improve his OBP.
The Monkey Says: I’m not sure watching anyone matters. If you don’t have good pitch recognition skills, there isn’t a whole lot you can do for yourself.
The Story: Mike Scioscia admits that the effects of hitting in front of an elite slugger are overstated.
The Monkey Says: Then why is he using that as justification for considering Vernon Wells for the two-hole? That reminds me…
The Story: Batting Vernon Wells in the two-hole is a terrible idea.
The Monkey Says: What can I say? I know a good opportunity for shameless self-promotion when I see it.
The Story: The hot new rivalry in MLB is the Rangers and Angels.
The Monkey Says: Wait? Someone in the national media noticed? Finally. The best part is that the teams really do seem to hate each other. I’m very excited about this.
The Story: Low-profile prospects to monitor in Angels camp.
The Monkey Says: Calling Loek Van Mil a low-profile prospect seems like an oxymoron.
The Story: A look at Albert Pujols’ regimen for staying in shape and on his game.
The Monkey Says: I love these stories about great players being really hard workers and then it all of the sudden rubs off on other people. I just think it is weird that it never occurred to so many of these players that working hard might actually help you be better.
The Story: The amazing success of selecting the players for the 2012 Angels wall calendar.
The Monkey Says: So sad that Mathis didn’t get included. The weird selection is Izturis over Aybar. That just is a headscratcher on so many levels.
The Story: Peter Bourjos’ dad is a father first, scout second.
The Monkey Says: Not that anyone expected anything different. Although I was just surprised to read that the Orioles still have actual scouts.
The Story: The Angels outrighted Ysmael Carmona to the minors.
The Monkey Says: Why he was ever on the 40-man, I’ll never know. The Halos now have an open spot to give to what is almost assuredly going to be Jason Isringhausen.
The Story: The entire spring training minor league roster.
The Monkey Says: This is every minor leaguer in minor league camp, which is pretty cool. I have no idea what practical use it has, but, hey, look at all those names!