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Washington Nationals (40-40) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (41-40)

Pitching Probables: WAS – Jordan Zimmerman (5-6, 2.85 ERA)  LAA – Dan Haren (7-5, 3.05 ERA)

Game Info: 4:05 PM PT; TV - Fox Sports West; Radio - KLAA 830 AM

Three for the sweep, because I suck at rhyming. There gonna be a showdown at high noon in Anaheim today, with a possible first place contention in the near future for the Halos. This series has been all about offense, offense, and even more offense. However, if there's ever been a formula for a pitchers duel it's the matchup the baseball gods have sealed for today. It may not be as epic as the Weaver v Kershaw matchup, but it's still going to scoot your butts to the edge of your seat and send your fingernails a first class ticket straight to your mouth.

If you are the kind of fan that can't get enough of their favorite Angel player, then Twitter sure is for you.  Several of the Halo players are active Twitter users and the things they say, well, let's just say that they lie somewhere between insightful and inane.  Let's take a look at what the Angels are tweeting this week!

Torii Hunter is older and wiser - @toriihunter48 It felt good to be back on the field tonite. I think I better stop fighting those walls for a while. I lose that battle every time. Gr8 win!

• I think Hunter qualifies as a slow learner if it took him 35 years to figure out that the wall always wins.

Mike Trout loves irony - @Trouty20 Fishing !

• Does that technically make Trout a cannibal?

First round pick CJ Cron is already on Twitter - @CCron24 Almost to 500. Get me there people!

• The ink on his contract isn't even dry and he is already whoring for followers.  I have to say, the kid is a quick learner.

Michael Kohn doesn't like traffic - @MichaelKohn58 Only I'n LA is there traffic @ 1 I'n the afternoon.

• Hey, Mike, how about you just be happy you're in LA and not Salt Lake?

...and finally, we save the best for last.  Every week, we're going to play a little game called "What the hell is Angels prospect Chevez Clarke tweeting about?"  If you don't follow Chevy... don't.  He might be insane.  His tweets consistently make no sense and always seem to be one sentence from the middle of a conversation, only he isn't talking to anyone.  So, without further adieu, here are a few of Chevy's "unique observations."

@OfficialChevy It was packed like booty hair tonight

@OfficialChevy My cab driver cross eyed af.. I'm nervous then a....

• Can someone please make sure that Chevy is taking his medication?  And if he isn't prescribed any, take him to a doctor.  NOW.

The June 29th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including Walden's closer job is safe, Weaver in good shape to start the All-Star Game, all other Halos remain completely out of the All-Star voting picture and much more...

The Story: Mike Scioscia says Jordan Walden's job as closer is very secure.

The Monkey Says: As well it should be.  Walden hasn't been all that bad in his recent streak of blown saves, so taking the job from him would be a big overreaction.  Plus, the Angels don't exactly have a lot of options for replacing him.

The Story: Jered Weaver is in good position to start the All-Star Game for the AL.

The Monkey Says: As the article mentions, Justin Verlander seems like his prime competition, and he may not be allowed to pitch, making Weaver the easy choice.  Then again, Ron Washington is the AL manager, so he might pass over Weaver out of spite.

They say that a win is always a win, but bejeezes was this one ugly game.

Seven combined errors.

Four combined GIDPs.

Three wild pitches.

Awful bullpen work all around.

And yet somehow the Angels won by six.  I'll take it, but, yeesh!

Angels 11, Nationals 5

Really, the only reason the Angels won this game was because the Nats did everything worse than the Angels.  The Halos fielded poorly (2 errors), but the Nats were even poorer (5 errors).  The Angels hit into a rally-killing bases loaded GIDP early in the game, but the Nationals hit into a soul-crushing GIDP late in the game (and two more before that, for good measure).  All four Angel relievers looked shaky, but ultimately only gave up one run.  Washington's relievers though were all categorically awful with of the three relievers allowing at least two runs.

Bad, bad, bad all around.  I'm just glad that the Angels came out on top for a change since most every bizarre game they've been involved in this season (and there have been several) always end with the Halos hanging their heads.

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Washington Nationals (40-39) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (40-40)

Pitching Probables: WAS – Jason Marquis (7-2, 3.53 ERA)  LAA – Joel Pineiro (3-3, 4.09 ERA)

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

Hi there, .500!  How are you doing?  It's been a long time.  I have to say, you look pretty good.  Funny, we haven't been together for weeks and I almost forgot what you looked like. 

Anyway, it's been great catching up and all and I would totally love to sit and chat some more, but the thing is, I'm totally over you and hopefully, after tonight, we won't be seeing each other again.  I'm sorry, .500, but it is time to leave you behind once and for all.

It isn't official yet, but all signs seem to be pointing to Mike Trout getting the well-earned and expected promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake this week.  Now, I have no source that can confirm this, but I can read the tea leaves to see that a move is imminent.

First off, the Double-A All-Star break started today and it is the standard time of year when prospects move up a class level.

Second, and most tellingly, Trout has not played in the Travelers' last two games and it isn't because of injury of anything.  In fact, it seems pretty clear based on his tweet just before last night's game that he has been given a pass by the organization to go out and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.  Unless they are giving Trout special treatment for no good reason, one can't help but conclude that Trout is being given a break so that he can jump right into Triple-A action after he makes his obligatory appearance at the Texas League All-Star Game this Wednesday.

I could be wrong, but I doubt it.  If I am wrong though, the promotion is sure to come relatively soon, probably at the Triple-A All-Star break instead, so the Arkansas locals best get their butts out to the ballpark as soon as they can because they may not get another chance to see Trout in person.

That's it for this week, check back in next week to see what happens to our future hero.  Same Trout Time.  Same Trout Channel... err, blog.

With the minor league seasons rolling over into their second halves, now seems like a good time to check out some of the noteworthy (good or bad) performances in the Angels' farm system.

Guy's named Garrett are always awesome.  It is just science.