Ex-Kernel Trout on fast track to the major leagues

By Matt Nelson

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Mike Trout has known high expectations since he was selected in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

But after winning the Minor League Player of the Year award last year and being named MLB.com's top prospect, the pressure seemed to increase for the center fielder who hit .362 and was the Midwest League's MVP despite spending just half a season with the Cedar Rapid Kernels.

“You know I block it out,” said Trout, who's playing this season for the Angels' Double A farm team in Arkansas. “When I get on the field, I just go out there and play and have fun. All that stuff, I don't listen to any of that stuff. I don't even think about it when I'm out there on the field. I just go out there and have fun and play a good game with my teammates.”

Trout, whose success continued in the second half of 2010 while playing high A ball, said there is plenty he can improve on as he works to reach the majors.

“Just little things, you know,” he said, “Defensive reads in the outfield, getting good jumps on the balls, working on my swing, staying straight, not pulling off the ball, staying through it, giving my team the opportunity to win.”

Even though it's a new league and a new park for Trout, he has his former Kernels manager, Bill Mosiello, as his current manager.

“He's good. He teaches us the game the right way,” Trout said. “He's always there for us, and we're out there having fun like he is.”

Mosiello will continue to help Trout develop this season - but for how long? Through 19 games, Trout was hitting .268 with four home runs for the Double-A Travelers.

Trout spent much of spring training in the big league camp and may see a promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake or maybe even to Anaheim before the year is done.

“You can't look forward more than a season,” he said. “You got to go one step at a time and just try to win for the organization.”

Trout may be on a fast track to the big leagues, but the Angels don't really need to rush him along.

After all, he doesn't turn 20 until August.

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