The March 27th, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Blanton released, Burnett and Moran progressing and much more…
The Story: The Angels released Joe Blanton and Jerry Dipoto takes full responsibility.
The Monkey Says: This was cause for much celebration from Angels fans. Surely the hangover will be pretty rough once they all realize that Blanton is being paid $8.5 million to just go away. As for Dipoto, you won’t get a much more clear and straightforward acceptance of blame from a GM than what he said about the Blanton signing.
The Story: Sean Burnett is feeling good after throwing bullpen sessions on consecutive days.
The Monkey Says: He still isn’t throwing 100% and his slider was not coming off well in his Tuesday session. He still has a ways to go. I’d be shocked if we saw him before May.
The Story: Brian Moran is progressing toward a bullpen workout.
The Monkey Says: At least he is throwing again. I’d guess the Angels will have Moran take as much time as possible to get healthy so that they can keep him stashed “on rehab” on the DL rather than offer the Rule 5 pick back to the Mariners.
The Story: Dane De La Rosa will start the season on the disabled list.
The Monkey Says: Dane is throwing in minor league games, so he is close to ready. He should only miss a few days of the actual regular season.
The Story: Mike Sciosica isn’t planning on pulling in late innings David Freese for defensive purposes.
The Monkey Says: At least to start the season. Freese has never been a good defender, so it makes since to have John McDonald sub in late in close games. I’m sure Scioscia will figure it out before long.
The Story: Forbes values the Angels at $775 million, the tenth-most valuable franchise in baseball.
The Monkey Says: So, Arte, about paying that luxury tax…
The Story: Raul Ibanez writes about his feelings about Opening Day.
The Monkey Says: Ibanez is so old, I’m surprised that he knows how to turn on a computer. ZING!
The Story: ESPN Forecast projects the Angels to win 85 games and finish third in the AL West.
The Monkey Says: They call it an “engine” but it is really just a collection of expert predictions, which isn’t an engine at all. It’s crowdsourcing. Shut up, ESPN.
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