.jpg&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "Mike Trout and the sophomore slump that wasn't")
.jpg&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "Why the Pujols contract isn't as bad as you think")
Halo Headlines: Angels complete Madson signing, unlikely to sign Greinke, Weaver a cause for concern
The November 28th, 2012 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim including Angels complete Madson signing, unlikely to sign Greinke, Weaver a cause for concern and much more...
The Monkey Says: This appears to be a done deal with the Angels just waiting to announce the signing today. We still don't know the money involved, but Alden Gonzalez tweeted yesterday that he was told it was a low-base, high-incentive deal.
The Story: It now appears unlikely that the Angels will be able to re-sign Zack Greinke.
The Monkey Says: I question the truth of this rumor. Not knocking on the reporter, I just think that someone might be blowing smoke. It strikes me as odd that the Angels would talk extensively about Greinke being their top priority and then just pull out of the race right before the Winter Meetings and thus the real negotiations start. I just think this is them trying to convince the Dodgers that they don't need to make a crazy bid to land Greinke. This rumor also seems to be tied to the news that the Angels signed Greinke and it is completely non-sensical that an incentive-based one-year deal would somehow scuttle the Halos' pursuit of Greinke. Sorry, none of this adds up.
The Story: Another article concerned over the potential decline of Jered Weaver.
The Monkey Says: Guys lose velocity over time, we all know this. What we don't know is if his velocity loss in 2012 was accelerated by his health problems. If that's the case, his velocity could bounceback some. It also might not. So until we actually see how he looks in 2013, why don't we all just reserve judgment?
The Story: Ryan Madson's bounceback season as foretold by Joe Nathan.
The Monkey Says: Yeah, that's not super encouraging, although not all recoveries are created equal. However, this does show why people should take it easy on their rush to anoint Madson the Opening Day closer. He may not even be ready to pitch Opening Day much less at top form. As such, I wouldn't be surprised if the Angels add another quality relief arm to help out until Madson is good to go.
The Story: Mike Trout tops part two of Jonah Keri's MLB trade value rankings.
The Monkey Says: Not really a shocker. I actually don't think it is that much of a toss up between him and Harper since Harper has only been pretty good while Trout is already performing at elite levels. One year of team control shouldn't really override any of that.
The Story: C.J. Cron was named to the Topps Class-A All-Star team.
The Monkey Says: Is this an actual thing? I mean, I know its an honor, but I don't know if it is one worth being excited about.
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I kinda had my doubts about the Angels bringing back Greinke to begin with, but now that it appears pretty clear that he will get his asking price of 6 years / $150 million (if not more), I really don't see this happening. I don't think the Angels have a problem paying any SP more than Weaver, but $150 million is pretty close to what they are paying Weaver and Wilson combined. But I'm not too worried. We were, what, 4 games out of playoff spot with a crap bullpen and a spotty rotation. As a baseline, the Angels should be looking to improve on the 176 IP of 4.33 ERA that Haren gave them and 178 IP of 5.16 ERA that Santana provided. Maybe it won't be easy, but it's not Mt. Everest, either. I see them going after a mid-rotation type with no health concerns (I'd probably prefer Dempster over Jackson in that Dempster will probably be cheaper; Sanchez asking for crazy money) and a high upside guy with injury issues (hopefully Brandon McCarthy, maybe Shaun Marcum), and taking a cheap flyer on Daisuke for depth. But the cheapest and easiest way to improve is to strengthen the bullpen. Love the Madson signing, but we need one more good reliever, especially since we most likely won't be able to get Greinke. I slightly prefer Uehara to Fujikawa because we know he can shut down MLB hitters, but would be very happy with Fujikawa as well. But I definitely hope Madson isn't the only bullpen move we make.
Of course, we would have to account for the 90 IP of 3.54 ERA Greinke himself provided down the stretch, but full seasons out of Weaver and Wilson plus improvements from FA pitchers (starters and relievers) should hopefully fill that hole.
