Daily Links for the LA Angels including loads of reactions on the Wells deal, questioning the Angels’ trust in Bourjos, Nolan Ryan predicts at least 90 wins for his Rangers and much more…
The Story: Keith Law thinks that the Angels’ trade for Vernon Wells is one of the worst desperation moves ever.
The Monkey Says: Law is usually full of bile and hyperbole, but I can’t say I disagree with him here, though saying EVER, is probably a bit much. Law also knows Wells pretty well since he is a former Toronto front office exec, so his opinion carries a lot more weight than usual here.
The Story: Buster Olney is searching for the logic behind the Wells trade.
The Monkey Says: Olney certainly seems to be one of the many on the side that is screaming about the harbinger of financial doom. I’m not entirely certain there is anyone on the other side.
The Story: Arte Moreno, Tony Reagins and the death of unmovable deals.
The Monkey Says: It is nice to see that some good came out of this, that now every team with an albatross contract now has some hope of being able to pawn it off on some foolish franchise… hopefully, not the Angels. Note to Tony Reagins, if Brian Sabean calls, don’t pick up the phone.
The Story: Arte Moreno pays to get rid of the ‘cheap’ label.
The Monkey Says: Mission accomplished if that was really the goal, unfortunately, the cheap label is now covered up by an oversized ‘stupid’ label.
The Story: True Grich is smiling now that the Angels have Vernon Wells.
The Monkey Says: I certainly have to admire the enthusiasm and the ability to just overlook the finances of the deal, but I just can’t bring myself to do the same.
The Story: Lyle Spencer wants to know what is not to like about the trade?
The Monkey Says: Alright, that’s it. Lyle Spencer is now dead to me. This is the single dumbest thing I have seen written about the trade, particularly because Spencer actually dares to suggest that getting Wells with four remaining years on his contract is a good thing, but he simultaneously completely ignores the dollars on the deal. In fact, his lone take on the contract is “If I’m an Angels fan, I ignore this aspect of the deal.” Just ridiculous. I am really this close to just declaring jihad on Spencer.
The Story: The Wells trade reaction in word cloud form.
The Monkey Says: Sam Miller for the mother f’ing win. Nothing summarizes the reactions to the Wells trade better than this. Well done, Sam, well done.
The Story: Are the Angels too bold on Peter Bourjos?
The Monkey Says: I could go off on a rant here, but I think I will save it for later this week. Let me just say this though, Bourjos is so good defensively, that he almost doesn’t even have to hit, so just get used to him being there. And I do think he will hit at least a little bit, so everyone who is doubting him and thinking he is going to start the year in the minors should really just cram it.
The Story: Just sign Scott Podsedink already.
The Monkey Says: This was written prior to the Wells trade, but I link to it so that I can officially declare the Podsednik business dead and done with. There is now no role for him in Anaheim (at least on the field), so let’s all move on.
The Story: Nolan Ryan predicts at least 90 wins for his Texas Rangers.
The Monkey Says: I’d try and come up with a sarcastic retort, but I shall remain silent for fear that Nolan will use my head as a punching bag as he did Robin Ventura.
The Story: Mike Trout is the top ranked outfielder in the MLB prospect list.
The Monkey Says: This is no real surprise as he is generally considered the top overall prospect in baseball, but make no mistake, Trout will be tested in a big way this year now that he is in Double-A (at least) and will no doubt have a big target on his back due to his new lofty status.
The Story: Is there a chance the Angels might get to see some of Jake Locker after all?
The Monkey Says: This is all speculation, but we are going to hear similar refrains about Locker over the next few months as the NFL nears a work stoppage and Locker’s NFL draft stock continues to waver. Keep your fingers crossed.
The Story: It is a make or break year for Scott Kazmir.
The Monkey Says: Tell me something I don’t know. Personally, I think Kazmir is done, but he is only 27, so he is young enough to rebound, but I really doubt it will happen in Anaheim. In fact, I think there is a decent chance that Kaz could end up being waived at some point in the 2011 season.