Daily links for the LA Angels including Kazmir could be back by the weekend, the Angels could still make more trades, Saunder says he is as good as Haren and much more.
The Monkey Says: These transactions took place prior to the Texas series, but this is my first chance to post the link. Bell will take over Pineiro’s rotation spot while Cassevah will provide bullpen depth. As for Frandsen, fans may like him, but he is getting squeezed off the roster here because they have so much utility infielder redundancy now and Brandon Wood is out of options. He should be back with the big league club no later than September.
The Story: Scott Kazmir is slated to begin a brief rehab assignment.
The Monkey Says: Hooray? Kaz is feeling better, but because of injuries, he is going to be rushed back into the rotation (August 7th is his likely return date), so don’t expect any massive improvement when he does return.
The Story: The Angels made no moves on trade deadline day, but that doesn’t mean they are done dealing.
The Monkey Says: The Halos actually seem to be awash in players who should be able to slide through waivers due to big money still being owed this year and/or next. Bobby Abreu, Brian Fuentes, Juan Rivera, Hideki Matsui and Fernando Rodney all could be candidates for a deal once the Angels officially abandon their playoff aspirations.
The Story: Joe Saunders says he is just as good as Dan Haren.
The Monkey Says: That is obviously not true, but I am not going to bash Saunders like others have. He is clearly just a guy who is trying to fire himself up after being shocked so deeply by his trade. Good luck, Joe. Hopefully you can actually back up your outrageous statement (but I am not going to hold my breath).
The Story: Tony Reagins talks about the trade deadline.
The Monkey Says: One thing Tony said (which all GMs say) is that they were close on a few things but they just didn’t get done. I only bring that up because there was chatter that the Halos called the Dodgers about acquiring Manny Ramirez. I know GMs are always just checking to see if they can get a steal, but what could the Angels possibly want with ManRam, unless, of course, they are hoping to corner the market on lazy, underachieving outfielders who can’t field? Is Juan Rivera, Bobby Abreu and Hideki Matsui not enough?
The Story: Jeff Mathis is still day-to-day with a rib injury.
The Monkey Says: Not that I am complaining. It sounds like he should be back soon and that the DL is not really being considered at this time.
The Story: Mike Scioscia says the defense has not been doing its part.
The Monkey Says: I really hope that it didn’t take him this long to realize that the Angel defense has been brutally bad this year, especially in the outfield. This statement plus Scioscia’s proclivity towards small ball of late should only add fuel to the “call up Peter Bourjos” campaign.
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