The January 8th, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including don't count Angels out of Tanaka sweepstakes, Sean Burnett resumes throwing and much more…
The Story: Don't count out the Angels in the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes.
The Monkey Says: There is a sentiment going around right now that maybe the Angels are out on Tanaka, but there is no real reason to think that. They have, however, been longshots since Day 1. They don't have the Japanese connections that Seattle and the Yankees already have and they may not be willing to go crazy in a bidding war like the Dodgers or Cubs might be willing to do. I agree that they are unlikely to sign Tanaka, but we've seen Arte Moreno pull off these "stunner" signings, as Alden calls them, before.
The Story: Sean Burnett began a throwing program this week.
The Monkey Says: This has always been the plan, but we don't know if it means he is healthy. Burnett failed to progress through his throwing program several times last season. Hopefully all the rest will get him through whatever was ailing him as he figures to be one of the top three relievers in the Angels bullpen in 2014.
The Story: The Angels signed LHP Justin Thomas to a minor league contract.
The Monkey Says: He had a short stint in the NPB last year, so at least the Angels can now claim that they did sign a starting pitcher from Japan.
The Story: Mike Trout projects to have a higher WAR than the entire outfield for 22 teams.
The Monkey Says: That boy good.
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