The September 8th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Mike Trout named Minor League Player of the Year, looking at Jered Weaver’s slump, pining for the return of Eddie Bane and much more…
The Story: Mike Trout has been named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year.
The Monkey Says: This was pretty much a no-brainer since Trout dominated the pitcher-friendly Texas League. What I really like though is that Trout was humble about the award, showing once again how great a head he has on his shoulders.
The Story: Jered Weaver gets the Slumpbot .200 treatment.
The Monkey Says: I really don’t think there is anything to worry about and I think the implication that his mini-slump has anything to do with the pressures of his new contract is rather baseless. Fatigue might be the only real issue in play here, but unless he struggles again in his next start, I’m just going to assume his struggles are just a bit of an anomaly.
The Story: The success of so many young Angels this season proves Eddie Bane never should have been fired.
The Monkey Says: The issue here is that Bane himself strongly indicated that he was let go because he and Tony Reagins just didn’t get along, probably, I suspect, because Bane was chapped that he didn’t get promoted to GM instead. With Reagins on the hot seat heading into the off-season, it would be interesting to see if the Angels, instead of bringing Bane back to run the scouting department again, actually have Bane replace Reagins as general manager. It will never happen, but it isn’t the worst idea in the world since Bane obviously has an eye for talent and already knows the Angel organization.
The Monkey Says: The Wilson thing is interesting because it has been hinted at by other outlets as well. I suspect he will come it at something around $15 million per year, so he will be expensive and I just don’t know if the Angels really should be investing that much money in more pitching when their lineup still needs so much help. If they are going to go after another free agent starter, I’d look at Hiroki Kuroda (who should be worth a few million less over fewer years) and apply the savings to a bat and a relief help.
The Story: How Mike Trout’s minor league season stacks up.
The Monkey Says: Trout obviously looks good compared many others at his age and most of the players on that list did turn into big stars, but there are a handful that turned out to be epic busts too.