- The Story: Was Howie Kendrick’s walf-off bunt bad etiquette? The Monkey Says: I’m a little late with this but I have been on vacation, so just get over it. Anyways, Chris Perez is an idiot for bitching about this. All of the supposed unwritten rules go out the window when the game is on the line. I also disagree with the assertion that it was a stupid play. Kendrick can bunt well and saw an opportunity to take advantage of Indian infielders who were playing him too deep. There is nothing stupid or bush league about catching your opponent napping.
- The Story: The Angels claimed Kevin Fransden off waivers. The Monkey Says: I love this move. Fransden has real potential as a super utility guy and the Angels need some depth in the minors for when they suffer any injuries. A good case could be made the Fransden should be on the big league roster right now in place of Robb Quinlan, but they likely will let him prove himself in Triple-A and keep his bat warm until it is actually needed. I have no doubt Fransden will get an extended look with the Halos at some point though as they look for a long-term utility player to step up.
- The Story: Ryan Brasier threw a no-hitter for the Angels’ Double-A affiliate last week. The Monkey Says: While this is very cool, Brasier really isn’t much of a prospect, though this performance could boost his profile a bit (possibly too much).
- The Story: The Cedar Rapids Kernels there a combined no-hitter on Friday. The Monkey Says: Fabio Martinez Mesa, Kyle Hurst and Mike Kenney were the pitchers who pulled it off with Martinez Mesa the starter, which is significant because he is, unlike Brasier, a well-regarded prospect. However, Martinez Mesa did only go five innings, so we shouldn’t get too excited.
- The Story: There is concern over Rodney and Jepsen’s workload. The Monkey Says: Well, duuuuuh. I have been talking about this for two weeks already and after this last weekend, the concern is very real. Check back in later today for some potential solutions I have for this problem.
- The Story: Erick Aybar is looking for balance in the leadoff role. The Monkey Says: Aybar has reached base safely in all but two games this year, yet his stats leave a lot to be desired and he just doesn’t seem to be sure of when to be aggressive and when not to be at the plate. His inconsistency isn’t helping the anemic Angel offense, but it might be a necessary evil as he learns to be a leadoff hitter on the fly. The offense should come around as he advances along the learning curve, let’s just hope it happens fast.
- The Story: Mike Scioscia expects to continue carrying 12 pitchers. The Monkey Says: That is bad news for Bobby Wilson when he finally gets healthy as the Halos won’t be able to carry three catchers if they are going to keep an extra reliever.
- The Story: Joe Saunders is searching for solutions. The Monkey Says: Joe is now saying it might be a mechanical issue and is working on it in the pen. Let’s hope he is right because it already sounds like he is grasping at straws.
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