The August 24th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including quotes from Weaver's press conference, Downs still questionable with his hamstring injury, Scioscia Considering a four-man rotation for the upcoming series against the Rangers and much more...

The Story: There were loads of great quotes and moments from Jered Weaver's press conference to officially announce his contract extension.

The Monkey Says: Weaver basically said all that you could ever hope for a professional athlete to say about how he plays for the love of the game and not money.  Also of note, but not in the article, is that Weaver reportedly got a bit choked up at a point, so this really was a special moment for him.  There were also many reports about that Tony Reagins was booed when introduced.  Not that he doesn't deserve it, but to see that the animosity towards him runs so deep that people will still boo him right before a joyous occasion speaks volumes.

The Story: Scott Downs is still day-to-day with his hamstring injury.

The Monkey Says: The Angels claimed that he might have been available last night, but I have a hard time believing they'd run him out there without him getting through a bullpen session first.  With an off day tomorrow, the Angels would probably prefer to avoid using Downs tonight so he can get as healthy as possible for the Texas series.

I love a walk-off win as much as the next guy, but I don't know how much more of these crazy late-inning Angel victories I can handle (though I suppose it is better than the alternative).

Angels 5, White Sox 4

The Angels have certainly had a flair for the dramatic of late, which is both a good thing and a bad thing.  It is great that they seem to keep coming out on top in these wild games, especially since it seems to have finally unearthed that trademark Scioscia-style "timely hitting" that has been missing in action practically all season long.  In fact, they seem to be developing an uncanny knack for the late-game heroics to such a degree that I am starting to get delusions (and I do mean delusions, for now) of the 2002 team dancing through my head.

That being said, it would be great if the Angels could also hold a lead late in the game.  Many of these recent comeback victories could have been avoided if the Angels had a reliable bullpen.  Be it the relievers coughing up the lead or, like tonight, the starters gagging it away because they are being asked to go too deep into games, that is a nasty habit that they simply must break if they want to pull off the improbable and chase down the Rangers.

With a now 3.5 game margin to overcome, I do believe the Angels have not yet crossed over into "too little, too late" territory for a trade.  They are awfully close, but not quite there yet.  It would be a crying shame if they end up losing the division by a game when it seem inevitable that the Rodney/Cassevah combo are bound to cost the Angels at least that many games before this season is said and done.

Is it too much to hope that the Angels pull something off?  Is it a coincidence that I ask that rhetorical question on the same night that it was reported that the Padres have placed Heath Bell on waivers, meaning a claiming team, like the Angels, could trade for him?  Methinks not.

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Chicago White Sox   (63-63) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (69-59)

Pitching Probables: CWS – Mark Buehrle (10-6, 3.14 ERA)  LAA – Ervin Santana (9-9, 3.12 ERA)

Game Info: 7:05 PM PT; TV - Fox Sports West; Radio - KLAA 830 AM

Call me crazy, but watching the Angels with their infusion of young talent (Trout, Conger and Williams, sorta) sweep the Orioles and cap it off with the big announcement of Jered Weaver's contract extension has me suddenly feeling good about the Angels' chances of catching the Rangers in the AL West.  Sure, they are 4.5 games back, but hope springs eternal for this blogger.

What better way to keep hope alive than by continuing this surge against the team that just did the Angels a favor by taking two of three from the Rangers?  A nice little two-game sweep of the ChiSox would also be a nice way for the Halos to gird their loins before heading out on the road to once again do battle with rival Rangers.

Or maybe I really am crazy and need to stop drinking the Kool-Aid.  Am I the only one?

Hey, this contract extension thing is pretty cool, isn't it?  I can't get enough of all these good vibes that Weaver's new five-year deal has created.  In fact, I think that extension was such a great, fun idea that the Angels ought to try and do it again with another player!

The only question is who, if anyone, should the Angel front office set their sights on now that they've locked up the big prize in Weaver?

For the first time in a long time, Reagins actually has reason to smile.

The August 23rd, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including plenty of praise for the Weaver extension, inside Jerome Williams' dazzling comeback start, Bourjos' new approach at the plate is paying off and much more...

The Story: Weaver bucked the Boras trend to sign his extension.

The Monkey Says: In a strange way, Jered might have helped Boras in the process since this deal should at least start to that relations between Boras and Angel management.  It might even give Boras a softer reputation around the league, making it so teams don't immediately dismiss the idea of negotiating with Boras because of his ball-busting reputation.

The Story: Now that Weaver is staying, could he become the greatest Angel ever?

The Monkey Says: I like the comparisons, but labeling someone "the greatest" is more about reputation that stat accumulation.  Frankly, I think if Weaver can pitch well over the course of this contract and, oh, I don't know, win the Angels a championship, I'll be glad to give him my vote for greatest Angel ever.

Angel fans are still basking in the afterglow of the exciting news that Jered Weaver has signed a five-year extension to remain with the Halos.  The news was a pleasant as it was unexpected, which is why this week's poll wants to know just how exactly all of you reacted when you heard this surprising news.  Was it euphoria or sheer joy?  Did you jump up and down or just scream out with delight?

Time to vote!

The August 22nd, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including reactions to the Weaver extension, Trout's call up is bad news for Wells and Abreu, Scott Downs' hamstring injury is believed to be minor and much more...

The Story: Details on Jered Weaver's five-year, $85 million extension.

The Monkey Says: This is a great deal for both sides.  The Angels get to keep Weaver through his prime at an annual price just below what he likely would've earned on the open market and the duration of the deal limits their risk, even if Weaver has been highly durable.  As for Weaver, he gets a no-trade clause and the deal allows him to hit the open market again at age 33, which should be just young enough for him to sign one more big money deal to end his career.

The Story: Lyle Spencer credits Jered Weaver for taking control over the process to get the deal done.

The Monkey Says: I don't know if he is reporting this as a fact, but with Scott Boras prominently involved, one can only assume this extension got done because Weaver ordered it.