The July 6th, 2015 edition of Los Angeles Angels news including Trout named All-Star starter, Angels nearly traded for Revere and much more…
The Story: Mike Trout will start in the outfield for the American League in the All-Star Game.
The Monkey Says: This isn’t a surprise other than the balloting finally corrected somewhat so “only” four Royals ended up starting the game. Reserves will be announced today with Albert Pujols and Hector Santiago the only other Angels with any real shot at making the team.
The Story: The Angels bailed out of a Ben Revere-Trevor Gott swap a few weeks ago.
The Monkey Says: I wonder if this means Dipoto bailed or Moreno/Scioscia vetoed it. I don’t like Revere, so I’m glad it fell through but giving up a relief prospect isn’t a big price to pay. Then again, Gott has become a big part of the current bullpen, so I understand the reluctance. The Halos are trying to push the Phillies towards a low ceiling starting pitcher prospect, but who knows where that stands now that Dipoto is gone.
The Story: Ken Rosenthal reports that there is rampant speculation that Bud Black will eventually be hired as GM.
The Monkey Says: He also states that Black might be more interested in managing again though. That being said, Bud was always particularly keen on staying in Southern California, so the job could hold a great appeal. It would be the ultimate Scioscia Puppetmaster hire ever though.
The Story: Cory Rasmus was activated from the DL and optioned to Triple-A with Collin Cowgill transferred to the 60-day DL.
The Monkey Says: Rasmus is still getting stretched out a little bit, but he figures to be called up the next time the Angels need another arm. Cowgill, however, looks like he might be out a good bit longer as he suffered another setback.
The Story: The Angels acquired catcher Rafael Lopez from the Cubs for prospect Manuel Rondon and international signing bonus pool money.
The Monkey Says: Lopez could be a useful back-up catcher, but that’s about it. He’s more the kind of guy you keep around the organization as the third catcher.
The Story: Mike Scioscia rated decently in a recent ESPN survey of players, executives and media members.
The Monkey Says: He didn’t get great marks in any area, but apparently rated above average across the board. Still, there is one choice quote in there about Scioscia being a real control freak that might scare players away. Good times!
The Story: The Mike Scioscia to the Dodgers speculation is already starting.
The Monkey Says: This is pure speculation, but it carries weight coming from the LA Times. I have a hard time imagining that Scioscia would leave the Angels now after he just ousted the one guy who challenged him for power. He has it all again, so there is little reason for him to leave.
The Story: Jerry Dipoto insists the sale of his home was a coincidence.
The Monkey Says: His kids are both off to college now, so it makes sense. Still, that’s a bad coincidence.
The Story: Why being a manager is hard than ever.
The Monkey Says: GMs have all the power now so it must be really hard out there for 29 managers in the league. There is one certain one that seems to be immune to that issue though.
The Story: Are the Angels now the worst organization in baseball?
The Monkey Says: I made this! The Marlins still are probably the worst, but the Angels have been giving them a run for their money in the last six or seven months.
The Story: Erick Aybar is a fearless leader who brings energy and fun to the clubhouse.
The Monkey Says: Fun? I’m pretty sure Scioscia doesn’t allow fun in the clubhouse. We all heard what he did to that Nerf hoop.
The Story: Carlos Perez is getting rave review for his game calling.
The Monkey Says: The raves come from the pitching staff and Scioscia, so we have ourselves a Mathis in the making. The advanced stats, nascent though they be, consider him slightly above average.
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