He's only 19, but Angels outfielder Mike Trout is being called up from Class AA.
Angels Calling Up Top Prospect Mike Trout
Bill Plunkett (via the Orange County Register):
In the manager's office after Thursday's game, Angels manager Mike Scioscia and GM Tony Reagins discussed their options for nearly 30 minutes after center fielder Peter Bourjos injured his hamstring in the eighth inning.
The result of those deliberations — top prospect Mike Trout will be promoted from Double-A Arkansas in time for Friday’s game against the Mariners.
This probably isn't a Wally Pipp situation, and it's completely possible that Trout will be sent back to the minors before long. Bourjos hasn't yet been placed on the Disabled List, and might not be. Bourjos isn't a great player, but he's a decent hitter and a fantastic fielder, and of course the Angels are locked into Vernon Wells in left field and Torii Hunter in right. Granted, if the Angels want to get radical they could trade Bourjos and install Trout in center field this month. But that seems like a lot of pressure on someone who doesn't turn 20 until next month.
Before this season, Trout was ranked by Baseball America as baseball’s No. 2 prospect, behind only Bryce Harper. Like Harper, Trout’s still just a teenager. Like Harper, Trout’s been crushing the baseball this season: .330/.422/.544 with Arkansas.
What really sets Trout apart is his speed. While he's not yet a truly accomplished base-stealer, the scouts say he's faster going to first base than Ichiro Suzuki. Oh yeah, and he's six feet tall and weighs 220 pounds.
Yes, the scouts are head-over-heels in love with this kid.
It’s not really a matter of whether or not he sticks in the majors, but when. Maybe not this time, given the Angels’ crowded outfield when Bourjos is ready to play. But unless something odd happens, Trout’s upcoming stint with the club should serve as a fine preview of the next six years (at least).
For more about Trout and the Angels, please visit Halos Heaven.
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