The July 5th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Haren finally admits to back problems, Iannetta readying for another try at rehab, Frieri trailing badly in Final Vote balloting and much more…
The Monkey Says: It is annoying that he hid this obvious problem for so long, but at least he is finally addressing it. I can’t help but wonder if he might not have owned up to it (or the coaching staff might have pressed harder on the issue) had Weaver and Williams not already been on the DL at different times in the last month.
The Story: Chris Iannetta believes he is on the verge of a rehab assignment… for the third time.
The Monkey Says: But this time, he means it. He’s had setbacks twice already, so I will believe it when I see it but I hope I see it soon because I am going to gouge my eyes out if I have to watch Bobby Wilson hit anymore.
The Story: Ernestro Frieri is trailing badly in the Final Vote balloting.
The Monkey Says: As of Tuesday, he was 4th, behind the likes of Jason Hammel, so he might want to start making real vacation plan for All-Star weekend, though he stands a chance of being picked as a replacement once guys start pulling out.
The Story: Scott Downs isn’t upset over being an All-Star snub.
The Monkey Says: Honestly, I’d rather see Downs in the game as a show of respect for his excellent body of work over the past several years. Don’t get me wrong, Frieri is amazing this season, but one stellar half-season is really the only credential he has on his All-Star resume.
The Monkey Says: The Angels season is looking bright right now, why go and ruin it by making me think about Vernon Wells? Lots of words could be spilled about what to do with Well (and I’m sure I will spill them eventually), but I have a feeling that an “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” policy strongly applies here.
The Monkey Says: Now I hate Hannity even more, partly because he is a Yankees fan (of course he is) but also because he is stupid enough to make a bet with Tweeden that actually involves here putting on more clothes.
The Story: Ariel Pena should be considered for the rotation if the Angels need another starter.
The Monkey Says: Pena is blowing up right now, so he could be a nice short-term solution, but he still is a bit raw and doesn’t have a polished third pitch. He’s likely a better option than Trevor Bell or Brad Mills, but if the Angels intend to count on him and Richards for a long period of time, they could be in big trouble, making a trade starting pitching far more likely.