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The Angels have reached September 1st and GM Tony Reagins and Mike Scioscia have the option of expanding the roster calling upon players from the minor leagues to help boost the big league roster.

Who will be getting the call?

First off, expect the Angels to recall players on a minor league rehab stint and activate players from the disabled list. That means we’ll see the return of Jason Bulger and Brian Stokes as well as Maicer Izturis and eventually Joel Pineiro.

Second on the list will likely be players who have been up with the club already this year. Robb Quinlan, Matt Palmer, Kevin Frandsen and maybe Bobby Cassevah and Cory Aldridge.

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Eric Denton is the head writer and content editor for LA Angels Insider.com

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According to MLB sources and first reported by Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, an “unknown American League team” has claimed Halos first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli on waivers. The White Sox, Rays, or Tigers could be suitors.

The Angels have until Monday afternoon to either work out a deal and trade Napoli or they could pull him back and keep him for the remainder of the season. With virtually every Major Leaguer on waivers, it’s likely that Angels GM Tony Reagins is gauging interest for a potential move in the offseason. It’s also possible the claim was made to block Napoli from going to a playoff bound club.

As I have discussed here, Napoli is likely to be moved at some point for a few reasons.

Most Angel fans have believed for years all the Angels had to do was play Napoli everyday and he’d become a 30 HR 100 RBI force in the lineup. Napoli has gotten his chance playing in 112 of 129 games in 2010. Unfortunately for the Angels, the more Napoli has played, the more his OPS has decreased.

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Eric Denton is the head writer and content editor for LA Angels Insider.com

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While Rays outfielder Carl Crawford did tell “Angels On Air” host Jeff Biggs (interview can be heard here) that he would consider Anaheim his new hometown, it will ultimately be economics that will determine his 2011 team and beyond.

He said his first choice would be to remain with the Rays but with their budget limitations and top prospect Desmond Jennings ready to take over an outfield spot it is highly unlikely he will return. Unfortunately for the Halos, there are going to be many teams pursuing Crawford and the Angels may not be able to get into a bidding war.

Here’s the problem…

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Eric Denton is the head writer and content editor for LA Angels Insider.com

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Tampa Bay Rays star Carl Crawford talks about his All-Star experience with Torii Hunter in his ear about playing in Anaheim.

He speaks about his pending free agency and if the Angels would be a team he would consider signing with.

Crawford is one home run away from becoming just the eighth player since 1900 with 100 home runs, 100 triples, and 400 stolen bases. Crawford is the exact type of dynamic offensive player the Angels could use.

Click here to listen to Carl Crawford discuss his future.

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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Triple-A first baseman Mark Trumbo talks about his breakout season.

Through 124 games for the Salt Lake Bees, Trumbo is batting .290 with 29 HRs and 101 RBI with a .906 OPS. Trumbo also gives his take on the jump from AA to AAA, Peter Bourjos’ promotion, his AAA All-Star appearance, and a potential promotion to Anaheim in September.

Click here to listen to Mark Trumbo – LA Angels Insider Podcast

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In 2009, Brian Fuentes led the Major Leagues in saves with 48. Granted, they weren’t all pretty and Angel fans still remember the fastball that Alex Rodriguez belted out of Yankee Stadium in the ’09 ALCS; but overall Fuentes has been a solid closer for the Angels.

Just one season later, with the Angels at a mediocre 60-61, Fuentes has just 23 saves. He also has finished just 31 games in 2010. Fuentes contract includes a vesting option for 2011 if he finishes 55 games.

With just 41 games remaining, a lackluster offense and relievers setting him up who are not getting the job done it seems Fuentes is headed towards free agency. With an ERA presently at 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.16, plus being left handed he is likely to have quite a few suitors.

So in the offseason of 2011, not only will the Angels have to take a hard look at upgrading their core of set up men, they may also need a new closer. Those returning next season the Angels are going to have to right their ship or the 2011 club may have the same bullpen issues they do in 2010.

Click here to continue Brian Fuentes Should Remain an Angel

Eric Denton is the head writer and content editor for LA Angels Insider.com

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On Monday, the Halos agreed to terms on a $2.3 million deal with Kaleb Cowart. Cowart was named the 2010 Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year. The high school pitcher and switch-hitting third baseman hit .654 with 11 home runs, 55 runs scored, 59 RBI, and 36 stolen bases (in 36 attempts) at Cook County.

In this edition of LA Angel Insider Podcast, Cowart talks with Jeff Biggs about his decision to sign and start his professional baseball career. Cowart is expected to join the Angels’ Arizona Rookie League team.

Click here to listen to Kaleb Cowart – LA Angels Insider Podcast

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The first Cy Young award winner in Angels history Dean Chance is the focus of this edition of LA Angels Insider Podcast.

Chance was the winner of the 1964 Cy Young Award back when the award was only given to one pitcher n a season. Dean led the American League in wins (20), innings pitched (278?), and earned run average (1.65, which is still a franchise record). He was also third in the American League in strikeouts, with 207. Chance pitched 11 shutouts that season, winning five of those by a 1-0 score.

Chance talks to Jeff Biggs about his time with the Angels, what Los Angeles was like in the early ’60s, playing in Chavez Ravine, his teammate Bo Belinsky, and former Angels owner Gene Autry.

Click here to listen to LA Angels Insider.com Podcast – Dean Chance

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It’s rare that you read anyone advocating for a .167 hitter to return to the lineup, but in the case of Brandon Wood the Angels should give him another chance.

With the acquisition of Alberto Callaspo it is likely that the Angels will stick with him as the starting third baseman over the next couple of seasons. However, when the Angels needed to call up an extra reliever last week they chose to send down utility man Kevin Frandsen and keep Wood around. The move makes sense on a practical level. Frandsen can go back to the minors, while Wood is out of options and the Angels would risk losing him to another team.

So the question is worth asking, if Wood is valuable enough to the organization that they are choosing to basically play with a 24-man roster (Wood has appeared only once since July 20) why are they not using him?

Click here to continue Play Brandon Wood at LA Angels Insider.com

Eric Denton is the head writer and content editor for LA Angels Insider.com

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Jeff Biggs speaks with author and Angels historian Rob Goldman. Goldman’s ties to the Angels go back more then three decades, and include stints as team batboy in the mid-70s and visiting clubhouse attendant.

Rob talks with Jeff about Jim Fregosi , Nolan Ryan , Jim Abbott , Reggie Jackson, and Bo Belinsky . In the second half of the conversation, Rob and Jeff talk about his new book, “Always An Angel,”   co-written and focusing on former Angels outfielder Tim Salmon , as well as his previous book about the history of the ball club called “Once They Were Angels .”

Click to listen to LA Angels Insider Podcast : Rob Goldman

Click here to read our review of “Always An Angel: Playing The Game With Faith and Fire .”

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