Mike Trout throws out runner trying to advance (GIF)
By Hayden Kane
The Los Angeles Angels have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout.
That is not to engage in a nonsensical debate between “old school” and “new school” or to disparage the best hitter in baseball, Miguel Cabrera. That is just to state a fact about the incredible all-around game that the 22-year-old outfielder offers each and every night.
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He hits, he fields, he runs the bases, and he sure can throw a baseball. Nori Aoki of the Kansas City Royals was reminded of that fact when he tried to advance to third base on a flyball Friday night.
Aoki broke one of the rules of baserunning by making the third out at third base. Is it worse when you make that third out by trying to run on Trout? It certainly doesn’t make it any better.
Even with some up-and-down moments at the plate and a strikeout rate that’s through the roof, Trout is already almost a three-win player in 2014. This play was another reminder of why. As for the Angels, people around the league are starting to take notice: with a 27-20 record and a stellar run differential (+49), they look like a team to be reckoned with in the American League.