- The Story: Even St. Louis baseball reporters worry about Joel Pineiro’s ability to succeed in the AL away from Dave Duncan. The Monkey Says: It is never a good thing when the hometown writers lack confidence in a guy. Clearly Pineiro is going to be a very polarizing figure headed into Spring Training.
- The Story: The Hardball Times likes the value in the Angels signing of Joel Pineiro. The Monkey Says: The nice contract is definitely one of the saving graces of the Pineiro signing if it turns out he is nothing more than a league average starter, so even I can’t be that upset.
- The Story: Mike Butcher is excited at the addition of Joel Pineiro. The Monkey Says: He better be because he is now chiefly responsible for making sure that Joel keeps doing all the things that helped him succeed in St. Louis.
- The Story: A statistical look at the Angels center field defense. The Monkey Says: I don’t know that we needed proof that Torii Hunter is a much better fielder than Gary Matthews, but hey, it is always fun to hate on Li’l Sarge.
- The Story: An open letter from a Ranger fan to Angel fans. The Monkey Says: No smack talk involved here as the Ranger fan pretty much acknowledges that the Halos own them but he begrudgingly respects and envies Angel fans. This smells a bit like an attempt at a reverse jinx to me though.
- The Story: A profile of prospect Freddy Sandoval. The Monkey Says: As of right now, Sandoval will take the final spot on the Angel roster and serve as a reserve utility infielder. However, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Angels signed a veteran corner infielder as Brandon Wood insurance as well as someone who could spell Morales, Abreu or Matsui against tough lefties.
