Kernels' Trout moving on to bigger pond

He's gone.

Cedar Rapids Kernels outfielder Mike Trout has finally moved on to a bigger pond. The mega-prospect will play in today's Major League Baseball Futures Game in Anaheim, Calif., and stay in Southern California to join the high-Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Trout cleaned out his locker at Memorial Stadium before hitting his flight west Saturday morning. The parent Los Angeles Angels have yet to announce the promotion, placing Trout on the Temporary Inactive List.

But it's a done deal.

"We knew about a month ago that this was what was going to happen," said Kernels hitting coach Brent Del Chiaro. "We'll be fine. We'll just have to have other guys step up."

Trout's absence didn't hinder the Kernels' offense much Saturday night, as Cedar Rapids posted nine hits and beat Peoria, 6-5. New leadoff hitter Jean Segura has homered, as has Jeremy Cruz. New center fielder Matt Long had a triple prior to Cruz's long ball.

Trout, 18, proved a while ago that he had conquered low-A. He had one of the best half seasons in the 100-year history of the Cedar Rapids club, finishing with a .362 batting average in 81 games.

He also leads the Midwest League in stolen bases (45), hits (113) and on-base percentage (.454). His .526 slugging percentage is fourth.

He's got a way to go before reaching the big leagues, but local fans think he will eventually be the best position player the Angels have sent to Cedar Rapids in the 17 years the two have been married. That's not just an indictment of the Angels, who have not had a truly great major league player come through town.

This kid can play and is a potential big league star.

"What more was there for him to prove at this level?" said Kernels season-ticket holder Jim Bain of Cedar Rapids. "He's the best hitter I've seen here. There's nobody even close.

"It's just his speed. He he turns it on going from first to third ... Just look at all the infield hits he had."

The Futures Game is 5 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.