NewsAngels ink their second pick Trout
Outfielder was selected 25th overall in First-Year Player Draft
By Quinn Roberts / MLB.com
07/02/09 9:24 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- Before the start of Thursday's series against the Orioles, the Angels agreed to terms with outfielder Michael Trout of Millville (NJ) Senior High School on a Minor League contract.Trout, the Halos' second selection in the first round and 25th overall in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, will leave for Arizona on Friday to begin playing in the team's farm system.
Before Thursday's game, Trout took batting practice with Angels manager Mike Scioscia in attendance, hitting a few balls out of the ballpark he hopes to get acquainted with soon.
"He [Scioscia] was yelling at me because I was watching them as they went out," joked Trout.
Batting .531 with 18 home runs, 49 runs scored and 45 RBIs as a senior in 2009, Trout finished in the top 10 among his area's high school rankings in all the major batting categories, however Trout says he does not try to be a home run hitter.
"I really just try to go out there and get base hits and find the gaps," said Trout.
Growing up in New Jersey, Trout is oddly a lifelong Phillies fan, something he knows is going to have to change once he puts on the Angels uniform.
"It is such a great program and great organization they have here," Trout said. "I am glad to be with them."
Trout expects to play center field because of his love to run in the outfield, something that makes him a perfect fit for the position.
Yet, with the Angels employing eight-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter in center field, Trout knows he has a long road ahead of him to get to the Majors.
"I expect to be up here in two to three years," Trout said. "I will push myself to get up here as quickly as I can."
Talking before the game with Hunter, Trout made sure to let him know about his plans and future with the Angels.
"I told him I want his job," laughed Trout. "But it is going to be hard because he is a pretty good guy."
Quinn Roberts is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
