Vlad hit it where others only Dreamed

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim right fielder Vladimir Guerrero won the Home Run Derby on Monday night, hitting 17 homers and beating Toronto's Alex Rios who faded in the final round 3-2 at the All-Star competition. Guerrero, who hit just two homers in his only other derby appearance back in 2000, also fashioned the contest's most awesome blast: a 503-footer to left that fell just short of the gigantic baseball mitt in the left field bleachers — a object that still hasn't been hit during a game in the park's short 8-year history.
Vlad a citizen of the Dominican Republic said through an interpreter, "The first time I came in 2000, I swung at every pitch, so this time I came back with a different philosophy, I was going to take a pitch to rest in between. ... There was nothing in the ballpark that I was aiming for." Some advice passed down from GA that was given to him by Troy Glaus.
The Gold Ball came into play after the ninth out was recorded in any at-bat taken by each hitter. For every home run hit before the 10th and final out, MLB and State Farm combined to donate $17,000. That figure represents the 17,000 State Farm agents working across the U.S. and Canada. Proceeds from the Gold Ball contributions continue to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, MLB's official charity. A total of $254,000 was earned for charity on the evening, $85,000 alone by Rios, who spanked out five Gold Balls before recording his last out of the second round.

Shufflemaster

Scioscia will be using the All-Star break as a chance to retool, reshuffle, and give a break to a few on the halo’s rotation -- unfortunately the Angels will go with the same five starters, when the season starts back up on Friday (Colon will still be there).

When The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (just wanted to say that ridiculous name) start the second half, they'll begin with Kelvim Escobar on Friday in Texas, followed by Jered Weaver and John Lackey finishing out the series against the Rangers. No doubt the top three pitchers we have at the moment. Following an off day on Monday, the Angels will start road warrior Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon on Tuesday and Wednesday, against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, at Tampa.

Lackey will get a little extra rest, because the Big Texan -- 11-5 with a 2.91 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 120 2/3 innings -- is headed to San Francisco for Tuesday's All-Star Game.

On a side note look for your favorite Rally Monkey founder to be swimming for Home Runs in McCovey Cove both during the All-Star game as well as the Home Run Derby.

Napoli and infielder Aybar on the 15-day DL

Our beloved Angels placed catcher Mike Napoli and 2B/Util infielder Erick Aybar on the 15-day disabled list. At the same time, the Halo’s optioned outfielder Nick Gorneault back to The Salt Lake Bees. We all knew his move up was going to be short, but I wish he could have spent more time on the roster. His call up was done to boost his confidence, which had decreased after losing out on the utility outfielder spot to Reggie Willits.

To replace Napoli, Aybar and Gorneault on the roster, the Halos recalled former top prospect Jeff Mathis from the Bees and activated from the 15-day DL Garret Anderson and infielder Maicer Izturis whom were working out with Rancho Cucamonga.

Napoli suffered what was reported to be a high left ankle sprain when he slid his leg out in an attempt to block the plate from Melvin Mora. Guerrero in right field made one of the greatest throws of the year, but when Napoli applied the tag on Mora, his spikes drove into Napoli’s left shin guard. It was on the final play of the Angels-Orioles game yesterday in Baltimore and when Napoli went to congratulate his teammates, he fell after only a few steps. Although X-rays taken on Sunday were reported to be normal, Napoli has returned to Anaheim. He will be examined tomorrow by Dr. Kenneth Jung, a foot and ankle specialist in Los Angeles. This marks the first time he has been on the disabled list in his career.

Mathis appeared with the Angels in the 05-06 seasons, registering a .155 average with two home runs and six RBIs in 28 games.

Mike Napoli was hitting.243 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 56 games.

Let’s trade for Bonds.

Really lets look back over the last few years and see what’s he has done and then we can all come to the conclusion I have. Over the last three years Berry has had 12 hits in 2005, 99 hits in 2006 and 53 hits this year. Wow. Now let’s look at GA. He could not possibly hold a spoon to Bonds? We last three years he has 349 hits. Sure GA has only his 37 Home Runs but surely Bonds has hit a ton more…46? Ok I know Bonds can hit a lot more than GA but I would never trade even my immortal Andy Sheets whom is retired for Bonds and his inflated head and salary. But I would trade for Dunn or Griffey. And the way Griffey spoke about Seattle he would not mind coming back to the west coast.
But there is one thing we would be missing if we traded for an outfielder. Where would they play? Would it be better to trade for a Catcher or Third baseman? I would say yes. Someone from the infield would better suit our needs, which I am not really saying we have. I have come up with a list of players I think we should be after.
Alex Rodriguez (NyY- 3B,SS) He could become available if Yankees continue their awesome year. Long shot.
Miguel Cabrera (Fla - 3B) We would have to give up a lot but look what happened with the Ducks and their gamble. Long shot.
Troy Glaus (Tor - 3B,SS) Maybe the best fit out of them all.
Miguel Tejada (Bal - SS) I know he is on the DL but he is good.
Wild Card?
We don’t really need a trade in fact we will be having a few players coming off the DL soon and will have the problem of were to play them. And that is a problem that we can handle. Maybe we become sellers just because Rivera, GA and Dallas come back healthy and hammering. You ever hear of a player named Dontrelle Willis? Would make a nice addition.