The August 26th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Ozzie Guillen has "never seen a white man that can run" as fast as Peter Bourjos, the math and logic of having Weaver and Santana pitch on short rest, Bourjos credits Mickey Hatcher for his offensive surge and much more...

The Story: Ozzie Guillen says of Peter Bourjos, "I've never seen a white man that can run that fast."

The Monkey Says: I love Ozzie Guillen. He is kind of racist, but in a lovable and funny sort of way.

The Story: The math and logic on having Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana pitch on short rest.

The Monkey Says: I continue to be torn on whether or not this is a good idea, but this article seems to suggest it is a bad idea.

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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim  (71-59) @ Texas Rangers (74-58)

Pitching Probables: LAA -- Dan Haren (13-6, 2.98 ERA)  TEX -- Derek Holland (11-5, 2.42. ERA)

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

All you can every ask as a fan is that your team has a shot to get into the playoffs at the end of the season. Two weeks ago even the most hardcore of Angel fans had to think the playoff race was over as the Angels were 7 games back and had just been crushed for three straight at home. Even worse, the Rangers (especially that d-bag Ian Kinsler), seemed to be overly enthusiastic about the state of things. But in the words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend"! Now the Angels come into the scorching hell of Arlington with a chance to leave with first place in their pocket.

The ink on Jered Weaver's contract extension isn't even dry and it already feels like it has become the gift that keeps on giving.  Not only do we get to watch Weaver continue his domination over the American League, but now we get to dream up ways to spend all that money Weaver saved the Angels courtesy of the hometown discount he granted them.  The mind reels with possibilities, but I think I've got a few that will really give the Angels the most bang for their buck.

Thanks for staying and thanks for saving the team a few dozen millions over the next five years!!!

There's some magic going on in Anaheim, not some happy go lucky 2002 WS Angels magic, but some dark magic never before seen since the likes of Freaky Friday. This isn't the Angels offense we've been accepting this past season while you could say the same exact thing for the Texas Rangers. The Rangers offense has hit a nose dive since the series in Anaheim while the Angels bats have been ridiculously hot. It's not just our big hitters that are gaining momentum either, the heat is starting to pass on to some of our struggling Angels. Hopefully the Angels don't give the Rangers back their offense when they head into Texas tomorrow.

Angels 8 White Sox 0 

The August 25th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Weaver wanted to avoid a long negotiation, Downs should be ready to pitch by Friday, Santana and Weaver likely to go on short rest against Texas and much more...

The Story: Jered Weaver did not want to have another long, drawn-out negotiation process like he had when he was drafted.

The Monkey Says: I am beginning to wonder why he ever had Boras as his agent if he didn't want a long negotiation or to hit the open market.  That is kind of what Boras does, no?  On a related note, Jim Bowden actually made a great point today (a rarity for him).  Everyone is mocking Boras for failing to bully Weaver into testing the free agent market, but everyone is overlooking that Boras did still get him the richest extension for a pitcher with years of arbitration left.  Even when the guy loses, he still wins.

The Story: Scott Downs is expected to be ready to pitch again by Friday.

The Monkey Says: Downs did some drills and had a bullpen session, so it looks like he is ready to go, which is a welcome relief in lieu of the Texas series.

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Chicago White Sox   (63-64) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim  (70-59)

Pitching Probables: CWS – Zach Stewart (1-1, 2.65 ERA)  LAA – Jered Weaver (14-6, 2.10 ERA)

Game Info: 7:05 PM PT; TV - Fox Sports West, ESPN 2; Radio - KLAA 830 AM

In a completely surprising 180 from last week the Angels are on the verge of recording back to back sweeps before a HUGE series in Texas. Yet today the Angels face the truest test they've faced all season, if they can succeed today where they have failed many many times before it will be a true testament to how far they have really come in the past couple weeks. The test you ask?

Much has been written lately about the close and crowded race that the AL MVP is turning out to be.  Not to muddle things up further, but I have a late entrant for your voting consideration: Peter Bourjos.

Yes, Peter Bourjos who has just 8 home runs.

Yes, Peter Bourjos who has just 32 RBIs.

Yes, Peter Bourjos who has scored just 55 runs.

Yes, Peter Bourjos who has just a .788 OPS.

His offensive numbers, obviously, aren't even in the same universe as a guy like Jose Bautista or Jacoby Ellsbury, but if you want talk about the player that is most VALUABLE to his team, I'm not sure you can find many more valued than Peter Bourjos is by the Angels.

MVP awards, they're not just for sluggers anymore!