- The Story: Angels ALDS tickets go on sale this Wednesday at 10 am. The Monkey Says: I never like that tickets go on sale before a playoff berth is clinched, but after the series win in Texas this weekend, I am not too worried about a jinx.
- The Story: The Angel coaches will be fined, but not suspended, for their actions in the Rick Reed Boston game. The Monkey Says: Mike Scioscia insists the Angel coaches did nothing wrong. What I want to know is what discipline Reed will face for being such a crappy umpire.
- The Story: Anyone eager to see Kevin Jepsen close should remember that he struggles against left-handed hitters. The Monkey Says: Interesting, but Tito can’t get righties out and he is still getting all the save chances even though he and Jepsen are supposed to be splitting duties.
- The Story: The Orem Owlz have won the Pioneer League Championship. The Monkey Says: The Owlz are the Angels’ Rookie ball affiliate, so this certainly bodes well for a resurgence in the Angel farm system.
- The Story: John Lackey is the undisputed locker room leader of the pitching staff. The Monkey Says: The Halos lack a lot of vocal, intense leaders on the roster which is just one more reason they should do everything they can to re-sign Big John this off-season.
- The Story: Sunday’s comeback win over Texas was the Angels’ 46th come-from-behind victory of the season, setting a team record. The Monkey Says: Let’s just hope that comeback magic carries over into the post-season.
- The Story: Mike Scioscia will face tough decisions trying to figure out how to keep Howie Kendrick in the line-up. The Monkey Says: Howie is hitting better than anyone on the team right now, but Sosh is always blinded by loyalty, so it will be interesting to see how he finds more at-bats for Howie without outright benching Maicer Izturis.
- The Story: Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman has officially established residency in Andorra. The Monkey Says: That means Chapman will be a free agent very soon and the Angels are expected to show interest, but the price tag will be high for the young fireballer. If the Angels land Chapman, that should all but spell an end to John Lackey’s Angel career.
- The Story: Mike Scioscia is the early leader for AL Manager of the Year. The Monkey Says: As well he should be. In fact, it would almost be an insult if he doesn’t win in a landslide.
- AL West Update: The Angels expanded their lead over Texas by winning two of three games over the Rangers this weekend. The Monkey Says: The lead is now 7.5 games with 13 to play for the Angels. Their magic number is 7.