Halo Headlines: Haren to have his next start pushed back, Downs and Walden return, Scioscia on the hot seat?

The August 20th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Haren to have his next start pushed back, Downs and Walden return from the DL, wondering if Scioscia could be on the hot seat and much more…

The Story: The Angels will push Dan Haren's next start back.

The Monkey Says: The official party line is that his back is fine but his arm slot is off, which I kind of believe because having a bad back messes with everything you do, so it is entirely possible that Haren picked up some bad habits.  However, if they push him back and it doesn't improve things, the Angels will be in a bind.  They'll either have to recall Garrett Richards (who has been lights out in his last few Triple-A starts) or continue to skip Haren in the rotation when it comes up.  In theory, they could only start Haren six more times this season if they use the off days properly.

The Story: Scott Downs was activated from the DL on Saturday, with Steven Geltz being demoted to clear a roster spot.

The Monkey Says: Now let's just hope he is all better (after his two appearances, it sure doesn't look that way) because it is pretty obvious that he was the glue holding the bullpen together.  Geltz had one good appearance and one bad one, but he should be back in September, though he probably still won't see much use.

The Story: The Angels activated Jordan Walden and optioned Hisanori Takahashi to the minors.

The Monkey Says: There was a bit of drama with this move as their had been speculation that the Angels might DFA Jason Isringhausen instead.  Upon hearing that speculation, Isringhausen siad that he would refuse a minor league assignment and, presumably, retire if that were to happen.  So, possibly in reaction to that, the Angels sent down Taka, who will surely return when rosters expand in September.

The Story:Mike Scioscia could be on the hot seat if the Angels miss the post-season.

The Monkey Says: This is all speculation as nobody from inside the organization has even remotely suggested Scioscia's job security is on the line.  However, this is becoming a popular sentiment in the media and amongst fans.  As such, check back tomorrow when I will be posting a far-too-long examination about what could/would/should happen with Scioscia after the season.

The Story: Vernon Wells is content in his new role.

The Monkey Says: He probably isn't actually happy about it, but he is playing the loyal soldier and that is really all the Angels can ask of him… other than maybe remembering how to hit, but that ship seems to have sailed.

The Story: The Angels are struggling on several fronts now.

The Monkey Says: The data is a couple of days old, so allow me to just nominate replacing the section about Wilson struggling with homers with a section about everyone on the staff struggling with homers.

The Story: Mike Scioscia says the Angels are frustrated but not "down."

The Monkey Says: Having two closed door meetings in one week certainly suggests otherwise.

The Story: Mike Trout is on pace to post the highest single-season WAR for any Angel player.

The Monkey Says: If there is one guy you can't put any blame on for the Angels' massive slump, it is Trout.  Too bad that all of his amazing work is now going to waste.

The Story: The reunion of the 2002 Angels brought back a lot of memories for Mark Trumbo.

The Monkey Says: Sometimes you forget that the little (assuming Trumbo was ever actually "little") sitting in the stands can grow up and become a star for his hometown team.

The Story: Is batting practice a waste of time?  Jason Isringhausen sure seems to think so.

The Monkey Says: This is worth the read if only because Izzy comes off as such a grumpy, crotchety old man.  You know, just like you probably thought he was.

The Story: Who is a better pure hitter, Trout or Cabrera?

The Monkey Says: The analysis is definitely interesting, but as you might expect, offers no concrete conclusion, which is perfectly fine.  Both are tremendous, but my gut would give Miggy a very slight edge right now.  However, ask me in three years and I am sure I will say Trout without even thinking.

The Story: What was behind Jered Weaver's awful start this weekend?

The Monkey Says: I'm not so sure that it was just a bad night where his stuff wasn't working.  That one weird almost eephus pitch he threw behind the batter seemed to suggest something else was going on with Weaver.  Maybe he was hiding an injury that was bothering him or maybe this is another instance of Jered not being able to pitch in the heat.