- The Story: The Angels sent down Matt Palmer on called up Michael Ryan. The Monkey Says: The Angels needed a shake-up and this was a seeming attempt to accomplish that by reminding some of the struggling Halos that they can be demoted or benched. Palmer has been bad but probably only really got sent down because he had options left and Brian Stokes doesn’t. It seems too, that Palmer might be having some health problems as he got an MRI before he left for Salt Lake. If he is really hurt, he could end up on the DL and then be back in Anaheim in no time if he can prove himself back in form for the Bees.
- The Story: Fernando Rodriguez was designated for assignment to make room for Ryan. The Monkey Says: No big loss here, especially if he ends up making it through waivers and stays with the team.
- The Story: Michael Ryan takes the long road back. The Monkey Says: Ryan had a few pro seasons under his belt before fading away the last few years and getting the short end of the stick in Spring Training with the Halos even though he probably deserved to make the team. Now that the Angels have seen fit to add him to the 40-man roster, I have to believe he is here to stay, otherwise they would just have to DFA him and get him through waivers again. This could result in Robb Quinlan getting cut soon if the Angels ever want to go back to carrying 12 pitchers (which Mike Scioscia said he wants to).
- The Story: Maicer Izturis was placed on the DL with shoulder inflammation and Kevin Fransden was called up to take his place. The Monkey Says: It doesn’t sound like Maicer is hurt badly, but it also doesn’t sound like there is a definite timetable for his return. As for Fransden, he gets the promotion pretty quick after just being claimed off waivers for the Red Sox. He should get a good luck over the next few weeks to see if he is someone worth keeping around.
- The Story: The Angels held a closed door meeting before the Seattle series. The Monkey Says: Funnily enough, the Mariners did as well as they, too, wanted to snap out of a slump. I think we all know who the better manager is here.
- The Story: Torii Hunter was scratched from Sunday’s game with knee stiffness. The Monkey Says: Torii should start again on Monday but this little bump in the road should serve as a reminder that Hunter is no spring chicken anymore and will need to be rested fairly regularly if he is going to avoid the DL this season.
- The Story: Bobby Wilson is expected to start a rehab assignment this week. The Monkey Says: That is great news for Wilson since it means he avoided any real lasting effects from his concussion. He should get called back up once he proves healthy.
- The Story: Mike Scioscia is just hoping no pitchers get hurt when intraleague play starts next week. The Monkey Says: OK, maybe not everyone. It might be a blessing in disguise if Joe Saunders got hurt while batting.
- The Story: Erick Aybar is search for a leadoff groove. The Monkey Says: Aybar is walking more, but seems to be trying too hard to be patient. The important thing is that Scioscia is still in Aybar’s corner, so he should have time to figure out his new job for a few more weeks before Sosh gets impatient.
- The Story: Torii Hunter sends out some love to his mom. The Monkey Says: Sometimes I think Torii just likes to remind us all that he is better than us. Damn you, Torii, damn you.
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