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.

@

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.

The June 28th, 2011 edition of daily news for the LA Angels including CJ Cron signs but will delay surgery, Mathis still frustrated after the bad calls on Sunday, but Scioscia still doesn't think instant replay is the answer and much more...

The Story: First round pick C.J. Cron officially signed with the Angels and received a $1.467 million signing bonus.

The Monkey Says: That was easy.  Cron is a kid the Halos seem to be very excited about and it is great that he signed so quickly and can actually start playing some Rookie League ball this year.

The Story: Cron will wait until after the minor league season to have surgery to repair his torn labrum.

The Monkey Says: The surgery will knock him out for several months, but the kid clearly has some real testicular fortitude to continue enduring the pain even though he played with the injury this whole college season.  If he recovers quickly, he may not miss any of the 2012 minor league season, which would obviously be ideal.

I couldn't think of a better way for the Angels to open up such a decisive homestand then with a bases loaded single in the 10th. Not only have the Angels been bad with RISP, they've been horrible in extra innings. It's nice to see them shove those problems aside, at least for one game, especially after yesterday afternoons fiasco. The Angels were long overdue for an extra innings game, so it had to come sooner or later. At least this one resulted in a win.

Angels 4 Nationals 3