Los Angeles Angels Promote Mike Trout

Not to be outdone by the Bryce Harper Hoopla, the Los Angeles Angels have promoted their own uber-outfield prospect Mike Trout from Triple-A Salt Lake City, using the rookie to replace faded veteran Bobby Abreu. Trout was hitting .403/.467/.623 in 20 games for the Bees, with 11 walks and 16 strikeouts in 77 at-bats. He had also stolen six bases in seven attempts while collecting five triples.

Trout's fast start is good to see. He was outstanding in the minors last year, hitting .326/.414/.544 with 33 steals and 11 homers in 91 games for Arkansas in the Double-A Texas League, but he struggled some during his major league trial last summer. He looked exhausted and off his game in the Arizona Fall League.

He's back to his normal self now, demonstrating premium athleticism, excellent defense and speed on the bases, gap power, and a very quick bat. He has nothing left to prove in the minors, and his makeup is considered as impressive as his playing ability.

Trout was a first-round pick in 2009, from high school in Millville, New Jersey. He's a reminder that great players can come from cold-weather Northern states, too, not just California and the South.