Halo Headlines: Hamilton out at least two weeks, Trout to get $1 million for 2014 season

The February 27th, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including Hamilton out at least two weeks, Trout to get $1 million for 2014 season and much more…

The Story: Josh Hamilton is out at least two weeks with a calf strain, putting Opening Day in doubt.

The Monkey Says: Well, crap. This is not what Josh needed to deal with in an attempt to turn things around. Starting the season on the DL has not been ruled out, which could create an opportunity for one of the non-roster invitees to challenge for a roster spot and maybe even a temporary slot in the starting lineup.

The Story: Mike Trout agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal for the 2014 season with long term extension talks still ongoing.

The Monkey Says: This is seen a positive sign as Trout was able to agree to this rather than have it force on him like last year. Seeing how it is the largest pre-arbitration salary ever, it is easy to understand why. This assures that any extension Trout signs will not count against the 2014 luxury tax for the Angels.

The Story: C.J. Wilson still plans on making his scheduled Saturday start after getting hit in the head by a line drive on Tuesday.

The Monkey Says: Wilson managed to escape unscathed, but he needs to get through a bullpen session first just to make sure everything is still in working order.

The Story: The Angels have hired a team nutritionist for the first time ever.

The Monkey Says: A cool idea that I am surprised more teams haven't implemented.

The Story: Mike Scioscia has dropped 34 pounds.

The Monkey Says: Wow! That nutritionist is paying off already!

The Story: Mike Scioscia once tries to convince us that he and Jerry Dipoto don't have a contentious relationship.

The Monkey Says: He's going to have to keep on telling us that until the Angels start winning or one of them gets fired.

The Story: Taylor Lindsey has immense offensive potential.

The Monkey Says: I like Lindsey, but let's not go crazy. He should be a solid regular, but I'd be surprised if he was ever an "immense" offensive force.