I'm really starting to like the 2011 incarnation of the Los Angeles Angels. If you remember the 2002 Angels, most of that team was made up of home grown talent that made it's way through the farm system together. That team was built on solid starting pitching, good team speed and timely hitting. Now it's early to make such a lofty comparison, I know, but it is nice to see players that weren't overpaid for (although they still exist), who are hungry for playing time, and seem to be part of a geniunely cohesive team. Today's game fit that blueprint with Tyler Chatwood getting his first major league win, Hank Conger cementing himself as the #1 catcher, and the Angels continuing a four game win streak.

Angels 7 White Sox 2

      @


Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (8-5) @ Chicago White Sox (7-6)

Pitching Probables:  LAA – Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 7.20 ERA)  CHI -- Gavin Floyd (1-0, 2.40 ERA)

Game Info: 1:10 PM PT; TV - Fox Channel 11; Radio - KLAA 830 AM


Chatwood gets a second chance to make a first impression and hopefully keep the Angels' win streak alive and well.

The Angels fought through the wind and the rain to get Weaver his fourth win of the year. The bullpen came through, although Fraudney continued his high wire act before giving way to the steady hand of new closer Jordan Walden, allowing the Angels a nice win to start the road trip. Did I mention that the game was played in what might be best descrbed as the Arctic Circle? I caught the first three innings on the radio where they could not stop talking about how cold it was. Then the TV guys spent a good portion of the telecast complaining about the bitter chill in the air. So apparently, it was less than ideal to play baseball. I can't imagine playing in 34 degree weather in the pouring rain, but at least I was comfortable on my couch.

Angels 4 White Sox 3

@  


Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (7-5) @ Chicago White Sox (7-5)

Pitching Probables:  LAA – Jered Weaver (3-0, 0.87 ERA)  CHI -- Phillip Humber (1-0, 3.38 ERA)

Game Info: 5:10 PM PT; TV - Fox Sports West; Radio - KLAA 830 AM

The Halos head back out on the road to face the Chicago White Sox, and hopefully do it without going into extra innings for a change.

Another week, another set of changes strikes Monkey With a Halo.  But as always, the changes are for nothing but good.

The biggest piece of news is that we have brought on board another writer to help out.  And that new writer is (drumroll)... Jonathan Lyons!  For now, Jonathan will be handling game previews and recaps on Friday.  He'll be introducing himself later on today, so be sure to give him a warm welcome.

Also, as you might have already noticed, we have introduced a fantastic new commenting system that should make life a whole lot better around here.  There are a few hoops you have to jump through to get started, but nothing too bad.  Details are after the jump...

Please make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and keep all arms and legs inside the blog.

Daily Links for the LA Angels including Aybar should be back Monday, Weaver and Haren join some impressive company, Abreu getting his southpaw groove back and much more...

His extra innings single (woo!) was a good start last night, but Vernon Wells still has a long way to go before we consider him fixed.  Here are ten "helpful" suggestions that should get the embattled slugger back on track.

This press conference going to be awkward.