Halo Headlines: Isringhausen likely to have major role, Introducing the Bullpen Pyramid/Trapezoid, Trumbo getting good reports at third base so far

The February 24th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Isringhausen likely to win a major bullpen role, introducing the Bullpen Pyramid/Trapezoid, Trumbo gets early positive reviews at third base and much more…

The Story: Mike Scioscia is speaking about Jason Isringhausen as if he is a lock to make the team and play a significant role.

The Monkey Says: And once again Scioscia’s undying adherence to veterans rears its head.  It isn’t that Izzy is bad, but he is also very old, very fragile and coming off a below average season.  Would it really kill Scioscia to make Isringhausen actually earn it.  This could work out though.  Isringhausen is reportedly down 25 pounds from last season and seem much more prepared than he was when he basically pitched for the Mets on a whim.

The Story: The Angels middle relief corps is now known as the Bullpen Pyramid or Trapezoid, depending on how the setup roles work out.

The Monkey Says: Personally, I prefer a bullpen rhombus, but I suppose a trapezoid will do.

The Story: Bench coach Rob Picciolo is cautiously optimistic about Mark Trumbo’s early work at third base.

The Monkey Says: I’m going to go ahead and file this under trying to encourage the youngster.  I guess we should be glad that we aren’t getting any reports of him being a disaster, but drawing any conclusions about him being ready for the position after just a few days of limited work seems foolish.  Oh, by the way, Trumbo has a CAT scan on his foot today to see if he can get a clean bill of health.  Cross your fingers.

The Story: C.J. Wilson arrived in training camp with almost no fanfare despite being the “other” big ticket signing.

The Monkey Says: Not that he didn’t try and drum up interest via his Twitter feed, commerical appearances and unfunny viral videos.

The Story: Scot Shields is in Angels camp as a guest instructor.

The Monkey Says: But did he bring the ostrich?  Inquiring minds want to know.

The Story: Ten reasons to love Jason Isringhausen.

The Monkey Says: If the hypothesis is true that Izzy was great to start the season before hitting the wall physically, then this might work out great for the Angels since Jason is actually in good shape this year.

The Story: Meet Angels executive Molly Jolly.

The Monkey Says: She must be a very accomplished person to make it this far in life despite having the name Molly Jolly.

The Story: Ten players to watch this spring.

The Monkey Says: You’ll never guess who it is.