With the 2011 season ending rather roughly this past week we've all had a chance to recollect on another season of baseball as it rushes past us once again. It feels like just yesterday that us Angel fans were a big heaping mess after the Angels stumbled through the opening series against the Royals, or when we got to see the first of what will be many Trumbombs. Regardless of how badly this season has ended there's no ignoring how great this season has been for the Angels, even if we did fall out of the playoffs race in a rather heartbreaking manner. This was not a failed season for the Angels, this was a jumping point for the future of the Angels organization, both on and off the field.

At least we ended our season with a shred of dignity, unlike other teams, but I won't name names.

Time for some Monkeying Around, normally a time to talk about all the Angels-related topics that slipped through the cracks this week, I am forgoing that to make some playoff predictions, but still feel free to talk about the Angels or any other totally unrelated topic you feel like bringing up.

Now, the predictions:

• First up, the Yankees-Tigers ALDS.  The Tigers are generating a lot of hype as a dark horse this year, but I don't buy it.  Want to know why?  They remind me too much of the 2008 Angels, a team that looked really good because they beat up on a lousy division and then spent the final two months of the season in cruise control.  Once the games started to matter again, it was like the Halos forgot how to play in a competitive game and wound up being embarrassed by the Red Sox (again).  I see a very similar fate unfolding for the Tigers.
• If you follow me on Twitter, you probably noticed an article I wrote stating that Texas will win the World Series.  That was something I was asked to write as part of a series, so I don't totally but into it, in case any of you were worrying I had finally lost my mind.  That being said, I actually really do like Texas' chances to once again make the World Series.  They are catching the Rays at a time where they are juggling their rotation and possibly burnt out from chasing down Boston.  That is great news for Texas because Tampa probably is their toughest match-up in the AL.  As such, I am predicting Texas to beat Tampa before moving on to the ALCS where they will once again overwhelm the Yankees' depleted rotation.
• Don't try and sell me on the Phillies being in trouble thanks to the way they limped into the off-season.  Not going to happen.  Their rotation is too good to lose to a Cardinal club that barely has half of a big league lineup, especially with Matt Holliday likely out.  I smell a sweep here.
• I really wanted to predict the Scioscia Series (Maddon's Rays versus Roenicke's Brewers), but I obviously changed my mind about Tampa.  Milwaukee, however, I like a lot.  They should make short work of a young Arizona club who just doesn't have enough pitching to hold down a scary Brewer lineup.  After that though, it will be interesting to see if the Brewer bats can top the Phillie arms.  Maybe I am just trying to be different, but I have a hunch that the Brewers will squeak past Philly in seven.  As good as Halladay-Lee-Hamels-Oswalt are, the Brewers have a potentially dominant rotation if they can get Greinke, Gallardo and Marcum all on a good streak at the same time.  That is EXACTLY what I think will happen.
• Rangers!  Brewers!  The World Series absolutely nobody will be interested in watching!!!  I kind of already spoiled this, but I don't think Texas is quite going to win the World Series.  This should be a great series since both teams can really hit, but Milwaukee has a the edge in terms of rotation.  So take solace, Texas might win another pennant, but they won't be getting the big trophy.
• Before I go, I feel obligated to completely nullify everything I wrote up above by reminding you that I have a pretty lengthy track record of being TERRIBLE at making predictions of any kind.

Or just feel free to bring up a topic of your own.  I don't really care (as long as you keep it clean) because it's Friday.

The September 30th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Reagins hints at his off-season plans, more talk of moving Trumbo to third base, a trade idea for Bobby Abreu and much more...

The Story: Reagins says the Angels "can't stand pat" this off-season.

The Monkey Says: Tony sounds more measured than last off-season as there was no "big splash talk."  To me though, it sounds like he is setting us up for a series of smaller moves rather than one big signing.  He also intimated that he is going to be exploring trade options to clear the outfield logjam, likely Abreu.  What bothers me though is he is already playing the "adding Morales will be a big boost" card, which I hate because I have zero faith in him being ready for the season much less productive when he does return.

The Story: More talk about experimenting with Mark Trumbo at third base, though not on a full-time basis.

The Monkey Says: It sounds like it is full steam ahead with trying Trumbo at third in winter ball.  The team is only hoping to get him to a point where he can play maybe 50 games there, so it isn't like he needs to turn into Mike Schmidt.  I have to say, I like the plan, but I also don't have high hopes for it panning out since even Trumbo deprecates the notion of him being able to field the hot corner every time he is asked about it.

Now that the season is over, people will no doubt want to cast blame on certain players.  One thing this always leads to is people quoting the team's win-loss record in games that player played in.  To be honest, that is a ridiculous argument considering all the elements that go into a team winning a baseball game.  Still, it is pretty fun.  After all, how many times did we all quote Mike Trout's win-loss record?  On the flip side, how much did we mock the those who expounded the virtues of Jeff Mathis' win-loss record?

So, in the interest of equal time and, well, just for poops and giggles, here is the win-loss record for each of the main Angel players this season.

Jeff Mathis just wins ballgames...  seriously.

The Angels lost a tough one, they've been playing their hearts out all season, blah blah blah. Yeah we've heard all that before, but did anyone see the Rays/Red Sox games last night? What an intense way to start off the postseason, or should I say, your offseason fishing trips...Red Sox. The Sox lost the wildcard in what had to be the biggest choke job of all time, which falls perfectly in line with what the Sox have been doing all season, while the Rays won it in one of the most amazing comebacks in recent memory. You might as well hand them the 2011 World Series with that win, I haven't seen a team show so much heart since...since the 2002 Angels. Alright, now let's recap what was probably one of the more boring games last night.

Angels 1 Rangers 3 

The September 29th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Scioscia defends the Napoli-Wells trade, Scioscia also deflects criticism for his lineup choices, Morales hopes to be ready for Opening Day and much more...

The Story: Mike Scioscia defends the decision to trade Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells.

The Monkey Says: I don't even think Scioscia believes his own explanation, which is funny because most everyone assumes it was his attitude towards Napoli that provoked him to be traded in the first place.

The Story: Scioscia also deflects criticism for choosing to play so many rookies the final two games of the season.

The Monkey Says: This one I believe.  Seriously, who cares about homefield advantage between the #2 and #3 seed teams.  If it was for a playoff spot, I might feel differently.  Besides, Detroit is a bunch of whiny, showboating jerks, so screw them.

@
Texas Rangers  (95-66) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (86-75)

Pitching Probables: TEX – Matt Harrison (14-9, 3.46 ERA)  LAA – Garrett Richards (0-2, 8.00 ERA)

Game Info: 5:05 PM PT; TV - Fox Sports West; Radio - KLAA 830 AM

Well, it's been a great season guys, it could have been better but I can't complain with how surprisingly competitive this team has been this season. It's been a frustrating season, but it's also given us a lot to look forward to, even if one of those things is the Texas Rangers in the playoffs. Hopefully not for long though, I would hate to see them win it all and come back next year full of arrogance. Where would those Rangers be without the Angels to guide them to the playoffs? Napoli, Oliver, O'Day? Probably where we are right now.