The March 4th, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including the real value of a Mike Trout extension, Stewart misses game after being hit in nose by daughter and much more…
The Story: The true cost of a Mike Trout contract extension.
The Monkey Says: In case you didn't think he couldn't be more of a bargain.
The Story: Ian Stewart was a late scratch from yesterday's game because his daughter hit him in the nose.
The Monkey Says: That sounds like a lame way to get hurt, but it should be noted that his daughter is Ronda Rousey, so he got off pretty easy. Also, it isn't officially Angels Spring Training until someone gets hurt playing with their kid.
The Story: Mike Trout and the meaning of $140 million.
The Monkey Says: Because we can never stop talking about the Mike Trout potential extension.
The Story: The Angels ranked 26th in BP's 25-and-Under talent rankings.
The Monkey Says: And that is with Mike Trout counting towards their talent, so that should tell you a lot about the farm system.
The Story: Josh Hamilton and Sean Burnett are progressing in their respective rehabs.
The Monkey Says: Hamilton is hitting off a tee and throwing while Burnett is now long-tossing at 180 feet. Baby steps, baby steps.
The Story: Albert Pujols does not need Mike Trout to serve as motivation for a bounceback season.
The Monkey Says: Albert sounds like he is already getting pretty chippy about the questions regarding his quest to return to form this season.
The Story: Josh Hamilton is one of the players with the most to prove this season.
The Monkey Says: Good, he can take the focus off of Pujols who has just as much to prove.
The Story: Measuring framing and pitch blocking for catchers.
The Monkey Says: Here is what you need to know: Conger is great at framing average at blocking, Iannetta is below average at blocking and horrific at framing.
The Story: Raul Ibanez is a candidate for regression in 2014.
The Monkey Says: Really? The 41-year old might decline? I don't believe you.
The Story: Jered Weaver's posture could be the big culprit in his ongoing issues with losing velocity.
The Monkey Says: Stand up straight, Jered. The Angels still need you to be an ace for at least three more years.
The Story: Likes and dislikes for the 2014 Angels.
The Monkey Says: The dislikes section needs more J.B. Shuck, other than that, I am in full agreement.
The Story: Over/unders for the 2014 Angels.
The Monkey Says: I'll take the over on wins, finish in the AL West, Freese home runs, Weaver ERA, Skaggs starts and the unders on everything else.
The Story: The Angels have a chance in the AL West.
The Monkey Says: They do, but I think a lot of that has to do with the rest of the AL West coming back to the pack moreso than the Angels getting better.
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