Happy Bug Day to you. Today's Halolinks are brought to you by (this space available):
- Wow, did that game suck, or what? In what looked like auditions for all of the scouts in the stands, Garrett Richards coughed up 4 runs to start the game, Kendrys Morales showed a total lack of patience at the plate (although he did adequately field his position for the N.L. guys in attendance), and the team's minor league trading chip had a dubious debut: Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels - Jul 24, 2012 - CBSSports.com. "Jean Segura made his major league debut at SS for the Angels and struck out his first two times up before reaching on an error. He was promoted from Triple-A Salt Lake for infield depth after Erick Aybar fouled a ball off his right big toe in Saturday's loss against Texas."
- Let's hope the rotations one consistent starter can keep it up: Royals-Angels Preview - Yahoo! Sports. "He (Jered Weaver) has won all six of his starts since returning from a stint on the disabled list June 20, posting a 1.51 ERA in that stretch. The right-hander, who finished second to Verlander in the AL Cy Young voting last year, is especially dominant at home, going 15-2 with a 1.46 ERA in 23 starts over the last two seasons. That includes a staggering 7-0 record and 0.67 ERA in eight games in 2012."
Why do I hear the "Jaws" theme music in the background? Angels' Wells closer to coming off DL and taking unknown role - Yahoo! Sports. "Wells went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run Tuesday night in his fifth game on a rehab assignment with Class AAA Salt Lake. Wells has gone 8-for-20 with a double, two home runs and three stolen bases in his first game action since tearing a ligament in his right thumb May 20." At least he's hitting...and checkout those limber legs he's showing off! Three stolen bases? Holy crap, Salt Lake may make the playoffs!
An now, time for our daily trade talk portion of Halolinks. You know, where I link to fabricated news stories about players the Angels front office probably has never considered acquiring...Los Angeles Angels in significant trade talks with Tampa Bay Rays - ESPN. "The Los Angeles Angels and the Tampa Bay Rays are heavily involved in significant trade talks, but earlier discussions involving pitcher James Shields fizzled out, a source said Tuesday." By the way, wouldn't Cliff Lee be a fun acquisition? Looks like the Rangers are also in on the same pitchers as the Angels: Rangers Rumors: Josh Johnson, James Shields, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee - MLB Daily Dish
All of my bubbles are bursting: Hanley Ramirez traded to Dodgers in late-night blockbuster - Yahoo! Sports. "Ramirez and left-handed reliever Randy Choate reportedly are heading to the Dodgers for young righty Nathan Eovaldi and minor-league pitcher Scott McGough" I don't care what you guys say (or what stats you point to), I would've liked to have seen Han-Ram wearing a halo. Plus, Choate would have fit nicely into the pen.
Bubble #2: Hamels, Phillies in agreement on six-year deal for $144 million - CBSSports.com. "Hamels' deal beats Johan Santana's $137.5-million six-year Mets deal, making it the second highest ever give a pitcher. CC Sabathia's $161-million, seven-year Yankees deal is the record."
Bubble #3: Pittsburgh Pirates acquire LHP Wandy Rodriguez from Houston Astros - FOX Sports
Tough break (see what I did there?) for the Yankees: Alex Rodriguez breaks hand – USATODAY.com. "Rodriguez broke his hand when he was hit by an 88 mph changeup from Felix Hernandez in the eighth inning.
Is he crying? I know getting hit on the hand must really hurt, but WTF?
Mike Butcher can fix him: Can Josh Johnson Fix The Stretch? - FanGraphs Baseball. "To make matters worse, the most damage has come with runners already on — Johnson has allowed a .305 BABIP with the bases empty but a whopping .383 mark with runners on. The league typically allows more hits with runners on, but the league split is seven points higher with runners on, not well over 70."
Bud Selig thinks "Gomer Pyle" is still on the air and Lyndon Johnson is the current POTUS. Someone wipe the drool from grandpa's chin: Fans Want More Instant Replay But Does MLB Care? - FanGraphs Baseball. "Several times in the last two months, Commissioner Bud Selig publicly stated that "no one" is clamoring for more instant replay in baseball." Seriously, it'd take like 3 days to get the film developed so someone could review the play. We can't wait three days for instant replay review!
Not really sure what's going on here: A Tip for the Youngsters - Baseball Nation
Although this has nothing to do with baseball, this is one of the coolest things you'll see today...unless you're celebrating Ladybugs b-day with her. You know, her being so cool and all. Okay, I'll move on: Interactive Graphic: Lolo Jones, Cleared for Takeoff - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com. "The London Olympics will be Jones’s second trip to the Olympics in the 100-meter hurdles. Take a look at how she does it. " Thanks to Deadspin for the original link.
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