An MLK Day edition of the Daily Links for the LA Angels including the Halos interested in ManRam, six Angels file for arbitration, the 2011 draft order is set and much more…
The Story: The Angels headline a group of five teams showing interest in signing Manny Ramirez.
The Monkey Says: There is a even a SUPER SHAKY internt report that the Angels have already signed him and it is several days old so it clearly isn’t valid and, as such, I won’t link to it though I don’t think it was a hoax. Anyways, it does make sense that the Angels are interested in Manny since he can still hit for a good average and draw a ton of walks, even if his power has fallen off a cliff. As for his personality, it is right to worry some people, but I think Mike Scioscia is capable of handling one wacky personality in the clubhouse. Heck, it might even do some good for the uptight Angels to have a little quirkiness injected into the team’s personality. It isn’t like Manny is an angry guy (a la Jose Guillen) but he can be a distraction, so anything other than a one-year, incentive-laden deal wouldn’t make sense for anyone interest in ManRam, the Halos especially.
The Monkey Says: This is a mere formality. The Halos will continue to negotiate with their six remaining arbitration cases and hope that they can reach an agreement with them all for their cases actually go before arbitration.
The Story: The Angels will pick 17th in the 2011 MLB draft.
The Monkey Says: The post-Eddie Bane front office will get its first shot at the draft this year and it will be decidedly interesting to see what their new philosophy will turn out to be.
The Story: The A’s are on the verge of signing Brian Fuentes to a two-year, $10.5 million contract.
The Monkey Says: Since it seems unlikely that Fuentes will be closing, this is a nice pickup for the A’s as Fuentes is tough on lefties and his flyball tendencies will play well in Oakland’s stadium. However, still don’t know if Fuentes deserves that much money.
The Story: Previewing the coming closer controversy for the Angels.
The Monkey Says: I vote for the secret option of closer by committee, preferably with Downs and Walden (effectively easing him into the role) splitting the lion’s share of the duties. However, if I had to chose just one, it would be Jepsen since he seems to have resolved his issues against lefties. He still has command issues, but he isn’t nearly as wild as Fernando Rodney. Jepsen wouldn’t be spectacular, but he would be the most consistent.
The Story: Improved defense will be a key to the Angels 2011 season.
The Monkey Says: Or so we hope, there are a lot of ifs here. As in, if Peter Bourjos hits well enough to merit a starting job. If Erick Aybar grabs both of his ears and pulls his head out of his ass. If the Angels can find someone to play left field that isn’t Bobby Abreu or Juan Rivera.
The Monkey Says: When in doubt, get new balls. Clearly that will fix everything.
The Story: The Angels signed minor league free agents Kevin Melillo, Kevin Richardson and Gil Velazquez.
The Monkey Says: All three wil be invited to Spring Training and have a combined 0.00000000000000000000000000000001% chance of making the team.
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