Fantasy Baseball Prospect Report: Mike Trout
Drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft, outfielder Mike Trout instantly entrenched himself among the teamโs best prospects. Opening the season at Single-A, he has done little to disappoint:
257 At Bats
.370 Batting Average (95 Hits)
6 Home Runs
35 RBI
59 Runs
34 Stolen Bases
.449 On Base Percentage
.553 Slugging Percentage
.420 Batting Average on Balls in Play
There is no question about his speed, which certainly has helped him reach the unrealistic BABIP.ย We all know heโs not going to be able to maintain that type of luck at the upper levels, but he certainly has the ability to hit over .300 in a season.
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He has a very good eye at the plate, walking (33) almost as many times as heโs struck out (39).ย Obviously, the strikeout rate is likely to increase as he moves up to higher levels, but his makeup tells us that the increase may not be all that drastic.ย Baseball America, who ranked him as the teamโs third best prospect prior to the season, said:
โTrout has a line-drive stroke, the ability to make adjustments and a refined batting eye. His strength and bat speed give him the potential for average power.ย โ
Heโs showing more power then he did after debuting in 2009 (one HR in 179 AB), but heโs never going to be a big source of power.ย Still, heโs showing the ability to get both doubles (15) and triples (7).ย Thatโs the type of bat that would do wonders atop the Angels order, donโt you think?
At 19, itโs unlikely that the speedster even sniffs the major leagues this season, especially with Peter Boujos, who has a similar skill set, playing in Triple-A.ย Come 2011, however, things will be a whole lot more possible.
Just look at the potential outfielder the Angels currently have:
- Bobby Abreu - 36-years old
- Torii Hunter - 34-years old (turns 35 in July)
- Juan Rivera - 31-years old (turns 32 in July)
You can also throw in Hideki Matsui, the normal DH, who is 36-years old.ย Itโs an old outfield, to say the least.
They also lack the spark at the top of the order, with the departure of Chone Figgins to Seattle.
In other words, Trout fills a need, and could be making waves as soon as 2011.ย In long-term keeper leagues, heโs certainly worth owning.
What are your thoughts on Trout?ย How soon do you think he makes a major league impact?ย How good do you think he could be?
Make sure to check out some of our Prospect Reports:
