The August 15th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Butcher suspended one game for arguing with an umpire, Wilson OK after barehanded catch attempt, Downs and Walden due back by the end of the week and much more…
The Monkey Says: Despite his absence, Zack Greinke had his best start as an Angel. I’m sure that is just a coincidence. And I’m sure you will decide for yourself whether or not I am being facetious.
The Story: C.J. Wilson should be fine after he tried to barehand a comebacker in his last start.
The Monkey Says: Bullet dodged, sort of. He is going to make his next start, but he really needs to get it through his thick skull that catching screaming liners with his pitching hand is about as smart as flossing a shark’s teeth with his member.
The Monkey Says: And not a moment too soon. Even with as spotty as Walden has been, he’ll be a nice boost while Downs will clearly be a massive help for the beleaguered bullpen. I’d guess that Takahashi and Geltz get demoted to make room for each of them.
The Story: Mark Trumbo is amongst the league leaders in swinging at “non-competitive” pitches.
The Monkey Says: That is a fancy way of saying “pitches way off the plate.” It also means that despite his improved pitch selection this season, Trumbo still has a long way to go before he will shake his reputation as a hacker.
The Story: Almost all the trade deadline acquisitions have been busts so far.
The Monkey Says: This was before Greinke pitched well and won last night. Nonetheless, judging trades by the returns after roughly two weeks has pretty much no value in my mind.
The Story: The Blue Jays signed Jeff Mathis to a two-year, $3 million extension.
The Monkey Says: Alex Anthopolous, pure genius. Or at least that is what the internet keeps telling me. I know the price is very reasonable on the deal, but I can’t imagine there was any pressing need to tie up any amount of slightly long-term payroll on a back-up catcher coming off a “career year.” I guess I shouldn’t complain though because now there is no chance Scioscia will sneak into Canada and sign Mathis behind Dipoto’s back this off-season.
The Monkey Says: Hopefully last night’s win was a step in the right direction and not just a blip. With their schedule the rest of the way, the Angels are going to have to fight for every win. I feel like all they need is one seven-game winning streak and all will be right in their world again, but it is hard to see where on the schedule they can fall into such a streak.
The Monkey Says: That is already one more story about Eppard helping fix a hitter than I ever heard about Hatcher during his twelve-plus seasons in the position.
The Story: Mike Trout credits his unexpected power for changing to a more upright batting stance.
The Monkey Says: He came up with that on his own, he says. 20 years old and he already has evolved beyond needing the hitting coach.
The Story: Another look at Mark Trumbo’s current slump.
The Monkey Says: How trendy! I wrote about this yesterday too!!! This piece has a nice look at how Trumbo isn’t driving the ball to the opposite field right now, which is just one more factor in his ongoing struggles.
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