When Called Upon, Mike Trout Will Be Playing Everyday

Mike Trout hit .326/.414/.544 with 33 stolen bases last year in Double-A and the best prospect in baseball is doing it again, hitting .400/.463/.600 (83 plate appearances) in Triple-A this year. He's only 20 years old, but could justify a roster spot at this very moment in time. So why didn't he make the team out of camp? More importantly, when can we expect Trout to be manning the outfield in Anaheim? Angels GM Jerry Dipoto spoke with Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, and it doesn't sound like it will be anytime soon.

"I want it to be when Mike is ready to take an everyday position on our club," Dipoto said. "Whether that's sooner rather than later, I can't tell you. ... He's off to a great start. I think that's what we all expected. We know what Mike can deliver," Dipoto said. "When we get to the point where we feel like there's an everyday position for him to impact the club, that's when he'll be here."

The Angels currently have Vernon Wells, Peter Bourjos, Torii Hunter as their starters in the outfield. Kendrys Morales is holding down the designated hitter spot, Bobby Abreu is backing up all of the above and the team is putting Mark Trumbo wherever they can - even at third base!

A man named after a fish hasn't been this popular since the Tim Salmon days in Southern California, and for a good reason: he's really good. But at least the Angels won't bring him up just to see him get inconsistent playing time like some other prospect on a California team.