Tuesday Halolinks: Free agents and simulations

Remember last season's SBNation's GM Simulation?  (SBNation's GM Simulation Thread - Halos Heaven) Well, they're at it again.  I know there were a couple of people interested in doing it this season, but I can't remember who they are.  I hope Turks Teeth will accept his promotion and take over the GM spot from me, as I've accepted a front office spot with the Denver Dream of the Lingerie Football League, where I hope to take a "hand-on" approach to talent evaluation.  (Hey!  It's my simulation, I can run it any way I want!).  Anyway, here's the email I received from the guy running the show:  "That season is upon us again. If you are interested in participating in the Winter Offseason Sim for SB Nation again, I am tentatively planning on having it November 9-12. We will start on a Sunday evening this year and wrap up by Wednesday afternoon."  Let someone (me, him, maybe Turks Teeth) know if you're interested.

Non-simulation Halolinks:

• Yay, we can start tracking free agents, and start spouting off who we think the Angels should sign, and start being obnoxious about who's the best fit.  Angels aim to add the right pieces in free agency -  angels.com, "Potential targets The likes of James Shields and Max Scherzer figure to be out of the Angels' price range. If they go after starting pitching, they'd prefer to acquire a cost-controlled arm via the trade market. If they go the free-agent route, think guys like Ryan Vogelsong, Kyle Kendrick, Aaron Harang and Jason Hammel (just to name a few). A lefty reliever like Andrew Miller would be ideal, but he'll likely get too expensive, so guys like Zach Duke, Joe Beimel and Thatcher could factor in. Free-agent utility infielders include Jed Lowrie, Clint Barmes and Emilio Bonifacio, though Bonifacio doesn't play shortstop. Beginning Tuesday, free agents can negotiate with other teams."
• So this Trout kid is turning out to be pretty good: Peers choose Trout as AL's Outstanding Player - angels.com, "Trout beat out Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez and Astros second baseman Jose Altuve in what is expected to be a precursor to locking down his first AL Most Valuable Player Award, which is voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and will be revealed on MLB Network at 3 p.m. PT on Nov. 13."  And kind of a nice guy: Mike Trout honored by peers: Angels Blog: Orange County Register, "For winning the award, Trout received $20,000 to put toward the charities of his choice. He earmarked half for the Dempster Family Foundation, an organization led by Ryan Dempster to raise money and awareness for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a variety of health issues."
• At first I thought, "What's Joe Smith doing playing in the Arizona Fall League?"  And then I realized "Smith" is a pretty common name.  Who knew?  Angels' Smith impresses in scoreless AFL outing - angels.com, "Angels prospect Nate Smith turned in his best start of the Arizona Fall League, but was stuck with a no-decision as the Mesa Solar Sox lost, 1-0, to the Salt River Rafters on Monday."
• Here's a list of players who will not be signing with the Angels this offseason: 12 players receive qualifying offers - MLB Daily Dish, "Twelve free agents received qualifying offers from their former teams by Monday's 5 p.m. deadline, as reflected by our Qualifying Offers Tracker. The twelve players are Max Scherzer and Victor Martinez (Tigers), James Shields (Royals), Ervin Santana (Braves), David Robertson (Yankees), Francisco Liriano and Russell Martin (Pirates), Hanley Ramirez (Dodgers), Pablo Sandoval (Giants), Michael Cuddyer (Rockies), Nelson Cruz (Orioles) and Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays). These players now have exactly one week to notify their teams if they will accept or decline the one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offers, and are now tied to draft pick compensation."
• Here's one who could, be probably won't: A.J. Burnett declines player option with Philadelphia Philles, doesn't intend to retire - ESPN, "Although he had said repeatedly during the season that he was leaning toward retirement, Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, told ESPN.com on Monday night that the 37-year-old right-hander "wants to pitch for a contender" next season."
• Shuck is moving to the baddest part of town.  White Sox claim J.B. Shuck off waivers from Indians - HardballTalk, "J.B. Shuck, whom the Angels traded to the Indians for cash considerations in September, has now been claimed off waivers by the White Sox."