- The Story: MLB Trade Rumors believes that Vladimir Guerrero is only going to be able to get a one or two year deal this off-season. The Monkey Says: That would be good news for the Angels, assuming they want him back. Even though Guerrero has been productive when healthy, his brittleness and lack of ability to play the field anymore should scare away most suitors.
- The Story: ESPN’s Rob Neyer has no problems with Scioscia’s three-man middle infield rotation, but believes a trade of some sort is likely this off-season. The Monkey Says: I have to agree with Neyer. Sosh just needs to keep riding the hot bat and platooning otherwise. Given Howie and Izzy’s penchant for injury, I think the platoon is a good way of keeping both players fresh the rest of the way, though it seems likely that a permanent starter will need to be named next year.
- The Story: Joe Saunders suffered an apparent knee injury last night. The Monkey Says: Saundo looked to tweak his knee early in the game, but was obviously not bothered by it the rest of the night. Still, it is worth monitoring since injuries like that tend to worsen the next day.
- The Story: Mark Teixeira has high praise for Kendry Morales. The Monkey Says: Of course he does, Tex will say whatever he needs to if it means he can get the Angel fans to quit booing him for being such a greedy bastard.
- The Story: John Lackey purchased a luxury box in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. The Monkey Says: Uh oh. Big John is from Texas and obviously a Cowboy fan, but with him entering free agency and the Rangers likely to be in the market for an ace pitcher, this long-term investment by Lackey makes me nervous.
- The Story: Even on the verge of the division title, the Angels are only focusing on the present. The Monkey Says: Scioscia’s age old approach to the game is back and all the players are saying the right things. I still don’t totally think they all buy in as they were a noticeably looser team last night after their series win in Texas all but assured them a post-season berth.
- The Story: The Angels are playing well but are still a long way from greatness. The Monkey Says: The gist of the story is that Angel fans shouldn’t be satisfied with just another AL West title unless their is some significant post-season success for the Halos this year. I think we can all agree with that.
- The Story: Ken Rosenthal thinks the Angels should be concerned about Brian Fuentes headed into the post-season. The Monkey Says: Umm, Ken? We’re already way ahead of you.
- AL West Update: The Rangers defeated the Athletics 10-3 last night. The Monkey Says: The Angels lead remains at 7.5 games but their magic number is now at 6.