Mike Trout Promoted

I could've made a title with a number of horrible puns, but I chose to keep it simple. After completely dominating the Midwest League with Cedar Rapids, the Angels promoted top prospect Mike Trout to Rancho Cucamonga. Trout is probably the biggest prospect that I'll cover this year, and no disrespect to the other players in the league, but I thought I should write about him since there will be a lot of interest.

Trout first game some national attention as the only draft pick to appear at the MLB Network studio during the draft in the network's two year history of broadcasting the event. Of course he had a distinguished career at Millville Senior High School in New Jersey as one of the state's best hitters of all-time and also being named to the High School All American Team.

He was certainly one of the best prep hitters in the country, but organizations tend to be wary of players in the northeast due to the weather and a lack of quality competition. Because of this, Trout fell to the 25th pick in the 1st round where the Angels were happy to select him. After signing, Trout reported to the Arizona Summer League, where he tore up the pitching and was named the league's best prospect by Baseball America. In 39 games, he batted .360/.418/.506, scoring 29 runs, hitting 15 extra base hits, stealing 13 bases and showing a good approach at the plate. He struggled in five games with A Cedar Rapids at the end of the minor league season.

In a 2010 return to Cedar Rapids, Trout in a word, dominated the competition from the start of the season. His final line in 81 games with Cedar Rapids is .362/.454/.526 and 76 runs scored, 32 extra base hits, 45 steals and again showing a great plate approach. April is his only month with an OPS below .900, and that still checked in at .892. He's the Midwest League leader in a number of categories, and his numbers hold up well compared to players in other leagues too. Trout may only be 18 years old still, but his performance definitely dictates he's ready for a new challenge.

In their recent midseason update, Baseball America ranked Mike Trout as baseball's second best prospect, saying that not only does he have great numbers, but scouts are raving about his effort and energy too. Other sources also believe that Trout is a top five prospect in the game now. Scouts believe he has five tool potential, the best of which might be his speed, rated a 75 or even 80 depending on the report. The speed shows off on the bases and in the field, and they were both on display in yesterday's Futures Game. He makes great contact, and if he fills out the power could come too.

Rancho Cucamonga has been stealing bases all year, but they lost some of their speed due to two promotions. They've had a bit of a patchwork outfield lately, and Trout should help solidify that if he's able to make the adjustments to the new level. All of Trout's plate appearances this year have come leading off, and I'd imagine he'll be at the top of the Quakes' lineup too. His addition to the lineup should help spark Rancho Cucamonga in a tight playoff race and help out a lineup that's already very good.