- The Story: The Angels will focus on offensive depth, especially at first, at the trade deadline. The Monkey Says: That the word “depth” is being used makes me think they aren’t looking at all for a big name player at the deadline. It would also be nice if they spent some time looking for bullpen help on the trade market as well.
- The Story: The Angels are not limited financially as the trade market looms. The Monkey Says: That is good to hear, but I am more concerned about them not having the kind of prospects needed to make impact moves at the deadline.
- The Story: Mike Napoli and Kevin Frandsen are filling holes, but for how long? The Monkey Says: An astute observation. I actually think Napoli will be fine at first, though always a bit of a defensive liability. Frandsen though could be problematic since his bat is bound to cool off and his defense has been iffy as it is.
- The Story: Maicer Izturis could be out for a while longer. The Monkey Says: Wow, the report puts Izzy out for AT LEAST three more weeks. Suddenly the need to acquire more infield depth makes a lot of sense.
- The Story: Mike Scioscia says we are seeing Brandon Wood at his absolute worst. The Monkey Says: I think Sosh is officially no longer drinking the Brandon Wood Kool-Aid and even with Woody’s grand slam last night, a utility role is likely to be in his future.
- The Story: Jered Weaver might make the All-Star team, but likely won’t pitch. The Monkey Says: Weaver is slated to start the last game before All-Star weekend and a new rule prohibits him from being used in the game because of it. There is a real chance Weaver will be the only Angel on the roster, so it would be a damned shame if he couldn’t be used even though the game is in his home stadium.
- The Story: Scot Shields is looking good of late. The Monkey Says: He has looked better, but I still wouldn’t say good. Shields still appears to be a long way from getting consistent work in close games even with guys like Francisco Rodriguez starting to slump.
- The Story: Kevin Jepsen is back in top form. The Monkey Says: Now here is a guy who has looked good lately. He hit a rough patch not long ago but Butcher seems to have straightened him out. Now the Angels just need to get him some help so he doesn’t get overworked.
- The Story: The plan for Daniel Cabrera. The Monkey Says: Cabrera started by pitching in relief, but it seems the plan is to stretch him into a starter, which is actually a shame because if he had been successful as a reliever, he might have helped the team this season. As a starting pitcher, Cabrera isn’t likely to see any action with the Angels barring a wave of injuries. Either way, I don’t like his odds of finally being able to harness his potential.
- The Story: Trevor Reckling has been demoted to Double-A. The Monkey Says: Never something you want to hear about your top pitching prospect. Reckling is having some serious mechanical problems and is returning to Arkansas to see if he can’t get them fixed rather than keep on getting pounded at Triple-A Salt Lake.
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