- The Story: Mike Scioscia says Shane Loux is welcome in Triple-A after being designated for assignment. The Monkey Says: Loux has to clear waivers first and then must choose to go to the minors, but I would say both seem highly likely since no team is probably that high on him and Loux would be stupid to leave the organization after getting such a nice endorsement from Mike Scioscia.
- The Story: Vladimir Guerrero collected his 1000th career hit as an Angel yesterday. The Monkey Says: Vlad is only the 8th Angel to accomplish that feat.
- The Story: Darren Oliver is leaning toward playing another year. The Monkey Says: DO will turn 39 by the time the World Series rolls around and has been contemplating retirement. After such a fine year, it would be a shame to see Oliver hang it up and not give it another go. Besides, I thought left-handed relievers were all legally obligated to pitch until they were at least 44 years old.
- The Story: The Red Sox released starting pitcher Brad Penny. The Monkey Says: Penny has had a rough year, but given the dearth of available starting pitching, the Angels would be stupid to not at least kick the tires on bringing Penny in as an insurance policy for Trevor Bell. Still, Penny is more likely to head to the National League where his stuff seems to play better.
- The Story: Steve Bisheff believes the Angel fans are split into two factions: content and frustrated. The Monkey Says: The ratio of content to frustrated seems to be directly related to the Angels’ lead in the AL West. Which group do you fall into?
- The Story: Chuck Finley and Brian Downing will be inducted into the Angel Hall of Fame tonight. The Monkey Says: Congrats to Chuck and Brian! However, I really have to question why the Angels are doing it tonight under the black cloud of this game being the Nick Adenhart make-up game. Not only is it somewhat in bad taste, but it detracts from the honor being bestowed on Finley and Downing.
- AL West Update: The Rangers got trounced by the Yankees last night. The Monkey Says: The Angel lead in the AL West is now back to 5.