The June 2nd, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Josh Hamilton to return Tuesday, Trout sidelined by back stiffnessJosh Hamilton to return Tuesday, Trout sidelined by back stiffness and much more…
The Story: Josh Hamilton will rejoin the Angels on Tuesday.
The Monkey Says: And not a moment too soon because this offense was really starting to sputter. To make room for Hamilton, Jarrett Grube was optioned, thus delaying the inevitable Green/Cron decision. Of course, they could just carry 11 pitchers like everyone used to do not that long ago, but that would be too easy.
The Story: Mike Trout has missed the last two games with upper back stiffness.
The Monkey Says: There is no indication that he’ll miss any additional time, but the Halos tend to be very careful with Trout when he is hurt. Still, with three days off in a row, you’d expect him to be ready come Tuesday.
The Story: The Angels designated Wade LeBlanc for assignment.
The Monkey Says: For some reason people thought this was an odd move. LeBlanc is out of options, so he had to be DFA’d. He also isn’t someone who profiles as a useful reliever, so he wasn’t going to stick around for the long haul either. He was always going to get DFA’d, it was just a matter of when. The Angels just really need to hope he goes unclaimed and accepts his assignment, because they do need the rotation depth.
The Story: Raul Ibanez expects better from himself.
The Monkey Says: So do the Angels, but he won’t be released… yet. The article says his experience and track record will save him, but honestly, I think it is his being left-handed that is saving him. The Halos have no better alternative to platoon at DH and provide lefty power off the bench. If he doesn’t turn it around soon, expect the Angels to look to the trade market for someone else to fill his role (Matt Joyce, anyone?).
The Story: Raul Ibanez has been helping C.J. Cron adjust to the majors.
The Monkey Says: Well, that certainly isn’t going to help his job security is it?
The Story: Kole Calhoun will likely continue to sit against tough left-handers.
The Monkey Says: Scioscia isn’t going to create a strict platoon, but this gives him the ability to sit Calhoun against any lefty he wants whenever he wants due to the arbitrary definition of a “tough lefty.” So long as Cowgill or Green continue to hit, that isn’t a problem.
The Story: Will the Angels let Tyler Skaggs reach or surpass the 200-inning mark?
The Monkey Says: That’s a very good question. They are built to win now and they don’t have the luxury of turning his spot over to anyone else once he hits the 200-inning mark, so I don’t see how they have any real choice. Still, teams have done odd things to make sure a young pitcher stays healthy. I just don’t see any evidence to suggest that the Angels subscribe to any of those strategies.
The Story: How does Jered Weaver succeed without velocity?
The Monkey Says: With command, but he hasn’t had that at all times this year and things have not gone well in those situations. The lack of velocity isn’t a death knell, but it does greatly reduce the pitcher’s margin for error. One can only stay avoid exceeding that margin for so long.
The Story: A look at the Angels’ best pick in each round of the draft.
The Monkey Says: Bobby Jenks was the best they could do in Round 5? Well, that needs to be fixed, ASAP.
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