Daily Links for the LA Angels including Pineiro suffers a setback, fan hit by Hunter’s bat is still in the hospital, the Kazmir debate/rage begins and much more…
The Story: Joel Pineiro will not start the home opener after having a setback in his rehab.
The Monkey Says: He had more tightness in the back of his shoulder after a throwing session, so they are resetting the recovery clock with him. I warned when this first happened that this injury sounds more serious than the Angels are saying it is, but now it seems like I am getting closer to being right. I really hope he is OK to make a start in the next week or two, but I also am not going to be shocked if we find out he has a torn rotator cuff.
The Story: The fan hit by Torii Hunter’s bat over the weekend is still in the hospital.
The Monkey Says: Yikes, scary stuff. Hopefully the fan will be able to make a full recovery.
The Story: Should Kazmir even make another start for the Angels?
The Monkey Says: I am on record as saying he never should’ve even been allowed to make any start for the Halos this season. Stick a fork in him he is done. Personally, if I were the Angels, I just would’ve left him at the Kansas City airport, but he’ll probably get another chance to cost the Angels a win since their starting pitching depth is stretched so thin right now.
The Story: Kevin Jepsen thinks he needs to adjust his approach because the league has caught up to him.
The Monkey Says: Basically, he has become too predictable about what pitches he throws in certain counts. Kevin definitely looked better (still not great) on Sunday, so whatever changes he made for that game must’ve helped.
The Story: Torii Hunter and Scott Downs met with some of the young relievers after the Saturday loss.
The Monkey Says: Nice to see the veterans being proactive leaders, now I wonder who met with Rodney after his meltdown?
The Story: Forbes Magazine explains why baseball isn’t always is a billionaire’s game.
The Monkey Says: I’m not going to lie, I didn’t read the article. I just saw that they used Arte Moreno’s picture in the lead-in and assumed it would be an unpleasant read.
The Story: Howie Kendrick is working on his plate discipline now that he is in the two-hole.
The Monkey Says: I still think Howie should be batting sixth, but the early returns suggest I am wrong. Kendrick is going to have to hit for a high average to justify him stayiing in the two-hole, since he seldom walks, but the slot might help him do that as he should see more fastballs there than in the sixth spot.