Jason Vargas as a trade candidate, grading Jerry Dipoto‘s offseason pitching moves and, despite the struggles, the Angels are in it for the long haul.

Trade Candidate: Jason Vargas

Of all the possible trade candidates that reside in Anaheim right now, Vargas, and all of the different scenarios involving him (thanks to the CBA), make him the most interesting trade candidate.

Grading Dipoto’s Offseason Pitching Moves

In my opinion, the author of this isn’t being harsh enough to Dipoto. Joe Blanton, and all of his terribleness, drags the grade down to a solid “D” at the very least.

VIDEO: Trout and Bourjos discuss their home run robbing catches against J.J. Hardy

I was unaware that J.J. Hardy and Peter Bourjos were workout partners in the offseason. This should make for some interesting banter in the mess hall.

Trout, Harper, Machado and Staying Healthy

Putting my obvious bias in favor Mike Trout to the side, Manny Machado could be my favorite player on another team because of his age and ability. Bryce Harper is Byrce Harper. And he really is must see TV. But I would pose this question to the author: Trout looks well-defined, but not overly-built. If he doesn’t develop the power that we’ve seen, would he (the exec.) have called him a “physical strength guy?”

That Time Tebow Almost Became an Angel

And thank goodness this never happened. Could you imagine if Hank Conger had actually been able to learn how to properly “Tebow” from the man who made it a “thing?” Walk offs would never have been the same.

Struggling Angels in it for the Long Haul

I love when reporters talk to Mark Trumbo. He is easily one of the more well-spoken players in that clubhouse. But this “long haul” is getting longer and longer with each game.

Mike Trout has faith in Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols, can Jered Weaver cure the Angels pitching woes and, it’s that time of year when we start talking about the draft.

Trout Believes Hamilton, Pujols Will Find Their Groove

Ah, the enduring optimism of the youth. I hope that Hamilton and Pujols get their groove back But with each passing game, it feels less and less likely.

Can Weaver Cure Angels’ Pitching Woes

No. Why? He’s one starter. He pitches once every five days. And not to mention, the pitching staff had markedly improved in the two weeks prior to his return. The Angels need each portion of the team to “click.” And all at the same time.

Trout Leads AL Outfielders in All-Star Voting

Welcome to being at the top of the totem pole in the popularity contest Mr. Trout. Let us know what the drinks are like up there.

Vargas Named AL Pitcher of the Month

Congratulations, Jason Vargas. You Dirtbag, you.

Efren Navarro – Stuck in Minor League Purgatory

This is what happens when you are an all-glove, no-stick, first baseman like Efren Navarro is. It is also what happens when you are blocked by Albert Pujols, Mark Trumbo and C.J. Cron. Sorry, Efren.

Josh Hamilton: 365 Days…and Counting

Ruh-roh

Dodgers and Angels Spend Big Money on Big Names, but Still Lose

Big markets absorb ideas from small markets. But, apparently, this idea is taking it’s sweet time in getting to Southern California.

Angels Look to Reload System in Draft

One problem, they don’t get a pick until 58 players have already been selected. They will be selecting a lot of organizational fillers this year. There’s a non-zero chance that they get lucky and grab a player or two that can provide replacement level depth to the big league club, but I’m not to confident that it’s a lot higher than zero.

After Jered Weaver went down with a broken left elbow, all eyes turned to C.J. Wilson. Wilson was supposed to be the de-facto ace of the staff. He was decidedly, not. When Tommy Hanson was placed on the restricted list, this only increased the load that the remaining opening day starters would have to shoulder. Who stepped up the most? Jason Vargas.

Vargas scorched through the month of May with a 5-0 record and a 2.30 ERA. It was literally, “Win Day,” whenever the lefty from Apple Valley, CA stepped onto the mound as the Angels won all six of Vargas’ start during the month. Vargas was so good, that when Major League Baseball announced it’s Players of the Month earlier today, Jason Vargas was named the AL Pitcher of the Month. His NL counterpart, Patrick Corbin. Interesting side note; Jerry Dipoto traded for both of these guys.

Jason’s five wins during the month of May, aren’t the most for an Angels pitcher in a single month. That record belongs to Chuck Finley who won seven games in the month of July in 1997. But Vargas’ five wins did account for 31.3% of all Angels wins last month, and the six games he started that the Angels won account for 37.5% of all Angels wins, in May. Makes me feel a little better after I went all fan boy on him a couple of weeks ago here.

Congratulations on the hardware, Jason Vargas. Now, how about giving Joe Blanton a few tips on how to do what you did last month?