The June 18th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Wilson expected to be activated, Weaver pain-free and ready to return, Kendrick emerging from his slump and much more…
The Monkey Says: Chris Iannetta still hasn’t started his rehab assignment, so he is at least a week or two out, but that didn’t convince Angel management to keep Conger in the majors for evaluation purposes even though they just as easily could’ve sent down John Hester. Clearly Hester is higher on the depth chart than Conger right now and that does not bode well for Hank’s long-term outlook in Anaheim.
The Story: Jered Weaver is ready to return after throwing a pain-free simulated game on Friday.
The Monkey Says: Jered is expected to return for this coming series against the Giants or possibly the Dodgers series after that. The team has not said just when yet, but there doesn’t seem to be any reason to hold back anymore as they have already been careful enough.
The Monkey Says: I wouldn’t quite assume his slump is over just yet, but Howie is someone who has shown he can turn it around awfully fast. Let’s hope he is coming around though because the Angels lineup is faltering again and they could use someone else who can produce.
The Story: Ervin Santana credits a good bullpen session for his one-hitter performance.
The Monkey Says: That explains pretty much nothing because the team has been claiming his problems aren’t mechanical. Whatever he did in that session, he should do it again.
The Story: The Angels are having major problems throwing out would-be base-stealers.
The Monkey Says: Ironically, Bobby Wilson is being kept over Conger because of his defense, but he’s been woeful at throwing out runners. Part of the problem is actually on the pitchers though, as Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana have never been good at holding runners.
The Story: Mark Trumbo discusses the mindset that has helped him succeed so greatly at the plate this season.
The Monkey Says: He credits confidence, but it really seems to be more about his work ethic and drive to keep improving.
The Story: Mike Trout was frustrated to have to start the season in the minors.
The Monkey Says: It is important to note that part of the reason Trout started the season in Salt Lake is that he missed most of spring training with a shoulder injury and the flu. Granted, I still don’t think the Halos would’ve had him on the roster because they wanted to give Vernon Wells another shot, but it was a mitigating factor.
The Story: Peter Bourjos is “over” the pain of losing his starting job.
The Monkey Says: He seems to be doing everything he can to remain patient and be the good soldier. Having a father who was a former ballplayer, he probably knows that if he just waits long enough, he’ll either get traded or get his job back next season whe Hunter hits free agency.
The Story: Joe Saunders feels like the Angels are “like any other team now.”
The Monkey Says: There was a lot of outpouring of nostalgia for Saundo this weekend, but personally, I never really understood it. He was a good guy, but I always thought he was overrated by folks who fail to understand that a pitcher’s win-loss record has very little to do with the pitcher himself.