http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4311661

According to ESPN sources, the Blue Jays are open to dealing ace Roy Halladay. J.P. Riccardi should be drug tested, IMO. Opens up to the possibility of acquiring arguably the best pitcher in baseball. What would it take? Could John Lackey be included in the deal? Although Halladay's deal expires after the 2010 season, he would have to waive his no-trade clause for any deal to be able to be pushed through.

There have been rumors that the Ninja is trying to acquire another ace. 

Los Angeles de Anaheim have last four of their last five. Granted they were playing really well prior to this most recent losing streak, but during another painful loss last night, I couldn't help thinking how we're suddenly making this home field advantage thing very interesting. I had an ugly 2005 Steve Finley flashback.

I think the team needs a shot in the arm. I think the Izturis injury was more of a setback than anticipated. I think Howie needs a day off. I am interested to see what Soth has up his sleeve.

I'd like to see a lineup change for a game or two. Maybe DH Morales for Rivera. Maybe sub out Howie for a day off. The guy's hitting .224 in August. Figgins can't buy his way on right now. Aybar needs a day off soon, who's going to play SS?

September can't seem to come soon enough to see guys like Brandon Wood, Jason Bulger and Matt Brown.

Is anyone else worried about the team right now? I think losing homefield advantage has really hurt us in playoffs past. It doesn't seem to be a big deal for Soth. I know we have been a good road team in 2008, but I'd rather be playing at the Big A in October.

Los Angeles Times reporting...this is just coming across the wire...that Kelvim Escobar might be shut down the season because of the pain he experienced in his rehab outing. Not such good news for us Angels fans...

This is not a completely unexpected development, but certainly looks like a disappointing one. Kelvim certainly would have shored up the bullpen a little bit.

What are everybody's thoughts on this?

Escobar out for the season...

Hey Coach Mike,

If you're listening, I think your batting order needs a little work. Here is my suggestion. Fellow Angels fans, feel free to agree or disagree.

player/pos/hits/justification

1. Figgins, 3b (S)

2. Kendrick, 2b (R) - not hitting with enough power to hit third, but it doesn't make sense to hit him seventh

3. Kotchman, 1b (L)- the 3 best hitters for average on the team are Figgins, Kendrick and Kotch

4. Vlad, RF (R)- the only bad part of hitting him fourth is he gets less at bats than he does in the three hole

5. Hunter, CF (R)- the one weak link in my order is it leaves Guerrero and Hunter hitting back-to-back as right handers

6. Anderson, DH (L)- come on Mike, he's too old, too slow to play LF...DH the man

7. GMJ, LF (S)

8. Napoli/Mathis, C (R)

9. Izturis/Aybar, SS (S)- I like them both in the 9 spot. Gives the team some speed out of the last spot in the order, and essentially gives the team another leadoff guy for some innings.

Any thoughts? I mean obviously, Quinlan tends to play vs. left handers and so on. But this would be the general idea. Scioscia remarked recently that he thinks Kendrick should be hitting out of the three hole. I must say, I also like the Figgy-Izturis-Kendrick-Vlad batting order too.

But I think you put your highest OPS guys in the top 3 with Vlad as the prototypical cleanup guy.

Thoughts?

By the way, new member of the board here, this is my second post. Angels fan living here in Salt Lake City, UT.