Background:Trout looks like a safety, which is fitting because that was the position he played in high school football in New Jersey. As a result, he was overlooked in the 2009 draft. He was considered a tools prospect, but raw because of his light baseball résumé. The Rockies drafted pitcher Tyler Matzek with the 11th pick, one of their most bold moves given how much they paid over slot. Matzek has muddled through the minor leagues, plagued by major command issues. The Angels selected Trout with the 25th pick overall. By his first season in the minor leagues, it was obvious that they had struck gold.
What’s up: Trout is this generation’s Rickey Henderson. The center fielder, who turns 21 on Tuesday, has been timed at 3.6 seconds to first base. “I am pretty fast. But he just goes and goes. I haven’t seen anything like that,” said Rockies all-star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Trout has shaken up baseball like it’s his own personal snow globe. He was the American League’s player and rookie of the month in July. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he’s the first player to the win the rookie award three consecutive months. Trout batted .392 in July, with 10 home runs and 18 extra-base hits. Even when he delivers a single, it often evolves into a double with his ability to steal a base.
Renck’s take: Baseball is a concert divided into solo performances. As such, the notes of one player can carry more weight. And no other player has meant more to his team this season than Trout. The Angels were baseball’s most disappointing team when he arrived at the end of April. They’ve been one of the most interesting since. Don’t think Trout is in rare company? He is the first player since Henderson in 1985 to have a .350 batting average, 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases before August. In other words, it might be time to collect his baseball cards and hide them in the attic.
