Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout Deserves AL MVP Consideration

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels has been the brightest star in Southern California this summer.

The 20-year-old rookie sensation has been the best surprise of the season for a team that has needed every bit of production he's given them following a dismal start to the 2012 season.

Before anyone threw a pitch on Opening Day, the expectations in Anaheim were high for the team that had just signed veteran superstar slugger Albert Pujols. Trout was an afterthought at that point.

But it wouldn't be long before his defense, determination and pure skill would help the Angels climb out of the sub-.500 hole and get within reach of the powerful Texas Rangers. He leads the team with a .341 batting average, has added 12 home runs, 40 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 64 games.

The team started the season a franchise-worst 6-14 through the first 20 games before Trout came along and literally saved the season. His value to the team can't be understated when looking at how his energy rubbed off on the rest of the team.

Pujols, who went 117 plate appearances before finally hitting his first home run, needed support, and Trout gave it to him. The pitching staff, with the exception of Jered Weaver, was mediocre through the first month of the season, and the bats hadn't woken up.

Mike Trout carried the team through its darkest hour.

And now that the rest of the roster has come out of its funk, the Angels are a powerful force in the American League West—thanks to their first-half MVP.

Given the circumstances surrounding the 2012 Los Angeles Angels, there's no reason he shouldn't be considered the American League's Most Valuable Player.