The December 31st, 2013 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Dipoto won't comment on Tanaka pursuit, Ibanez talks about coming to Anaheim and much more…
The Story: Jerry Dipoto declined to comment on the Angels' pursuit of Masahiro Tanaka.
The Monkey Says: That he is clamming up instead of giving us the traditional vague Dipoto-speak suggests to me that the Halos are going to hard after Tanaka and not just make a solid offer that fits within their budget and hope for the best.
The Story: Raul Ibanez talks about his success at the Big A and playing the field.
The Monkey Says: Some guys don't see the ball well against the rockpile, but it apparently works well for Ibanez. That sample of his career numbers in Anaheim are still meaningless to me, but him having confidence about hitting in the Big A certainly can't hurt.
The Story: Raul Ibanez won't blame his second half struggles on playing the field.
The Monkey Says: Instead he says he just stunk, whcih doesn't give me confidence, especially when you consider his big drop in contact rate in 2013. I know sometimes these guys are just saying the right thing and not wanting to make an excuse, but sometimes I really wish they would just take the excuse. This is one of those times.
The Story: The bidding for Masahiro Tanaka could get insane.
The Monkey Says: Which is precisely why I don't think the Angels will get him. Some team like the Yankees, Dodgers or Cubs could just throw a ridiculous offer at him, even if it is a wild overpay. Granted, Arte Moreno has a recent history of being the owner to make that offer, but I just don't see it happening this time around.
The Story: The 2009 Angels draft class might have been the best of the decade.
The Monkey Says: The legacy of Eddie Bane will never be forgotten.
The Story: New Year's resolutions for every MLB team.
The Monkey Says: Kind of hard to argue with the suggestion for the Angels.
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