Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. Just what the young man needs. Should Angels fans be a little skeptical about Trout too?
Not if reviews of the 6-foot-2, pounder with blazing speed, excellent outfield instincts, advanced plate discipline, power potential and solid mental makeup are to be believed. Four seconds is top speed for a major leaguer. Baseball America is to publish its annual top prospect list Wednesday. Callis has Trout at No. Two other editors have Harper at No. With his crew cut, blond hair, square jaw and stout build, Trout does bear a striking physical resemblance to a young Mantle.
But the expectations of being a Mantle-type player would be a burden on any prospect. You know you have to put up some good numbers and do well. Trout is graded an 80 runner on the to scale used by scouts. About the only knock on Trout has to do with his throwing arm, which is below average by major league standards.
High, at No. Trout had an impressive professional debut in , hitting. Then he soared up the prospect charts in , hitting. It was the way Trout attacked the game, worked counts and hit with two strikes, ran the bases and blended with teammates.
Trout has been leading off, but considering his size and age, the Angels project him to hit for more power as he grows stronger. Sometimes it never comes. There has been speculation that Trout would be in the major leagues this season, but he probably will start at double-A Arkansas.
