Link Hangout

Jered Weaver is set for his first rehab appearance, Dane De la Rosa is making the most of his time in the bigs and, is Albert Pujols becoming irrelevant? My apologies for not having this up yesterday. But, when you get off of work at 2:30 am, you are forced with a choice between blogging…and bed. Obviously, I chose sleep.

Apr 7, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) looks for a sign in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Jered Weaver Set For Rehab Game, June Return Likely

Hurry up Weave, Joe Blanton needs to be pushed out to sea, and we can’t do that until you come back.

De La Rose is Finally Awarded For His Perseverance

And he’s been good, for the most part. He’s also shown quite a few times why he toiled away in, mostly, independent leagues for 10 years.

Money Quote:

"He was 23. He sat out the season, worked in real estate and decided he would rather try baseball again."

Man, that sounds like the life.

The Jeff Mathis Experience

Jeff Mathiss has a new team. And even they can’t figure out ow he still has a job in Major League Baseball

Money Quote:

"Mathis will take on the role of backup and veteran mentor for Rob Brantly, who is already struggling to hit in his second season in the majors (.240/.312/.313, .281 wOBA)."

It looks like Jeff’s work, is already done.

Overthinking It: This Week in Catcher Framing

I see ya Hank, I see ya.

Coello Using Forkball to Make Strong Impression

Calling the impression Robert Coello is making right now with the Angels “strong,” may just be the biggest understatement of, like, ever.

Money Quote:

"“I couldn’t throw a knuckleball, so that’s the only way I could get back at the guy playing catch with me. I just figured it out, played with it and when they converted me, I kept it.”"

And we, the fans, are the benefactors of that.

After Years as the Best, Pujols Irrelevant

I can’t help bu believe that Pujols is going to break out of this slump that he is mired in. You don’t become the “”best hitter of your generation” by being mediocre, ever. He turned it around last year. There’s no reason to suspect that this is going to last all season. If it does, expect the “boo birds” to follow him around this year.

Money Quote:

"It was a never-ending cycle for him. They said he was slow – he stole 16 bases the next year."

Albert, you’re slow. And don’t you dare try to pull this off.