Top prospect Mike Trout will not be short-term solution to Angels’ LF woes
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Fans see a left-field platoon of light-hitting Alexi Amarista and even lighter-hitting Reggie Willits, and it’s no wonder they’ve been clamoring for the Angels to call up their top prospect, 19-year-old double-A outfielder Mike Trout.
But Manager Mike Scioscia said Wednesday that despite Trout’s hot start in Arkansas and the minuscule production of those filling in for the injured Vernon Wells and Howie Kendrick, the Angels will not call up Trout and plug him into their outfield right now.
“That’s a huge risk to take with a player with his upside,” Scioscia said. “He’s made an incredible amount of progress, and maybe in a month, this would be a different conversation. But right now, there is some growth that is needed before he’s ready for the major leagues.”
Trout, ranked the top prospect in all of baseball by ESPN.com and MLB.com last winter, is hitting .308 with a .415 on-base percentage, six home runs, four triples, seven doubles, 17 runs batted in and 28 runs in 39 games at Arkansas.
Known for his blazing speed and advanced plate discipline, Trout has nine stolen bases in 13 attempts, 24 walks and 29 strikeouts. That, however, does not mean he is ready for the big leagues.
“He needs to see a variety of pitchers, to get on base and experiment with jumps -- there are a lot of things in his game that will benefit from playing in the minor leagues that will give him a better chance when that opportunity comes,” Scioscia said.
“The jump from low Class A to double A is the toughest jump in baseball outside of the one from triple A to the big leagues. He’s making adjustments, and I hope they continue. Right now, he’s not an option, but we’re excited about his progress.”
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-- Mike DiGiovanna
Photo: Angels outfielder Mike Trout walks back to the dugout during an exhibition game against the Dodgers on March 29. Credit: Kirby Lee / U.S. Presswire