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| L.A. Angels Outfielder and the Future of Baseball, Mike Trout |
If you read one of my posts from a few days ago, you may remember that I all but labeled Bryce Harper and Mike Trout as being "over-hyped". While trying to make a case for Manny Machado and Jean Segura, I unintentionally neglected to give Harper and Trout their much deserved praise. Mike Trout left me no choice after he became the youngest American League player to hit for the cycle Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners. He is also the third youngest batter to hit for the cycle since 1930. For those of you who are unaware, a cycle occurs when a player hits a homerun, triple, double, and single throughout the course of a single game. Essentially, a batter achieves all four of the possible types of hits. By leading the Angels to a 12-0 victory, Mike Trout hit for the 294th cycle since 1882. Last year's American League Rookie of the Year and A.L. MVP runner-up is the real deal. It's hard to believe that Trout is dominating the sport at the age of 21. Less than a decade ago, Trout was playing on a 250 ft. little league field. As is baseball tradition, it's time for the Angels to uncork the bubbly on Mike Trout's career. Unlike last year, Trout is now legally old enough to drink some champagne. Take notes Nationals, you should be treating Bryce Harper the same way.
Great blog (and no, your mother did not put me up to it, even if I have known her since about 7th grade!).
ReplyDeleteI believe that an objective view of offensive statistics will reflect that over an equivalent number of major league games (say their first 90 or 100 or so), Manny Machado has both Harper and Trout beat. He also plays a more challenging defensive position, and one that he had never played until reaching the major leagues.
Every generation has their set of phenoms. All three of these guys are a treat to watch.
Without a doubt, Machado belongs in the same category as Trout and Harper. My third post, is actually devoted to why Machado and Brewers' infielder Jean Segura belong in the same class.
DeleteYou did bring up a great point. While I was strictly speaking about offensive numbers, defensively Machado is as elite as they come. The guy never played third base until getting the call to the Majors and is now arguably the best at fielding his position.
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