- Steve Bisheff believes the Angels are closing the gap on the Dodgers. Really the only difference between the ManRoid-less Dodgers and the Angels is the bullpen, but right now that is a huge difference.
- It wouldn’t be Angels vs. Dodgers if we didn’t get a “Pierre and Figgins are still best friends” column and here it is.
- The Angels are one of four teams scheduled to watch Pedro Martinez work out today. It is very interesting the Halos showed no interest in Pedro back when half their rotation was on the disabled list but now they are suddenly so interested. To me this suggests they are still worried about Ervin Santana’s health or they are strongly considering dealing one of their starters for some bullpen or line-up help.
- Someone was really reaching for some filler material on the off-day yesterday by proclaiming that the Angels’ bullpen has surprising depth. Just because they haven’t blown a game in a week doesn’t mean the Bullpen of Doom is suddenly all better. The one good thing the column does provide is news that Shane Loux will be starting a rehab assignment in Rancho Cucamonga today.
- PUFF PIECE ALERT: Mike Napoli has broken out of his slump and is getting ready to start ripping up opposing pitching again.
- Just to rain on the parade of the six-game winning streak, we are reminded that Chone Figgins is having a fantastic season which is only going to drive his price up on the free agent market this off-season.