The November 27th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Angels worried about Dodgers signing Greinke, considering Ryan Madson, trade value rankings and much more…
The Story: The Angels view the Dodgers as their biggest threat to re-signing Zack Greinke.
The Monkey Says: I'm not buying it. The Dodgers already have too many pitchers for their rotation and $200 million in committed payroll. I think it is pretty clear that they aren't afraid to spend, but how they are going to bring in Greinke and then trade off their spare starters is where it gets a little complicated. Frankly, I just don't think Ned Colletti can pull it off.
The Story: Considering what Ryan Madson can do for the Angels.
The Monkey Says: The salient point is that Madson may not be at full strength until well into the season. If signed to a two or three-year deal at something of a discount, the Halos can then afford to wait for him while seeing if Frieri is ready to handle being a closer full-time. If he isn't Madson should be ready to step in by mid-season. If he is, then the Angels can deploy Madson as Scot Shields version 2.0.
The Story: Part one of Jonah Keri's MLB trade value rankings.
The Monkey Says: The only Angel to in this part is Jered Weaver, who just barely makes the list at #50. I think that is a tiny bit low, but that might just be because I have blind faith in him bouncing back from the back and shoulder problems that slowed him down last year. And if he doesn't, I also have some faith that he is the kind of pitcher who will be able to lessen his decline because so much of his ability is based on deception and guile.
The Story: The Angels will be targeting pitching at the Winter Meetings.
The Monkey Says: This raises the interesting question of whether or not Dipoto could make a move on another pitcher before knowing what Greinke is going to do. We know that they want to bring Greinke back, but we also know they have two rotation slots to fill. I can definitely see them trying to lock down the other spot under the assumption Greinke is coming back, which would be risky, but worth it if they can get a good deal. However, it seem like most pitchers are waiting for Greinke to sign and set the market for the Sanchez's and Lohse's of the world first.
The Story: Zack Greinke's bizarre high BABIP/low FIP game against Seattle back in September.
The Monkey Says: Everything about Greinke is weird, isn't it? I'm not sure if that makes him more or less worthy of the contract he is eventually going to sign.
The Story: The Angels are moving the pressbox beyond the right field foul pole.
The Monkey Says: That's definitely one way to generate more money. Honestly, it is stupid that teams ever gave up prime seating real estate to the beat writers. Nowadays though, more and more newspapers are cutting back on beat writers, so there is even less of a need for a dedicated press box.
The Story: Looking at Joakim Soria as a free agent fit for the Angels.
The Monkey Says: Just like Madson, Soria is coming off Tommy John surgery, but I believe he is a little further behind Madson in his recovery. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Angels kick the tires on him if things don't work out with Madson. In fact, Soria could prove to be a cheaper option with better long-term potential since he is a few years younger.
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