Mike Trout puts on another show with crazy catches, home run & more
This was the 'Mike Trout Show' again on Monday, and that was no more evident than the flick of the wrist of Yankees outfielder Chris Young.
Young was robbed by Trout of extra-base hits in consecutive at-bats. Trout had another one of those leaping, sprinting, out-stretched arm catches at the edge of the grass in the third inning. Young could've dealt with that, but the same thing happened in the fifth inning. It was nearly a replay of the same fantastic catch in which Trout had to sprint back and make a thrilling catch.
One month ago, Trout started playing more shallow in center field under the tutelage of bench coach Dino Ebel. He has such range in the outfield tracking down balls hit over his head that he's feeling groovy playing more shallow.
Young flicked his wrist at Trout in center field like it was no big deal. It wasn't frustration. He was just playing around with Trout. It was a sign of respect, and Trout smiled about it, too.
Trout was at it again Monday, doing a lot of everything. He had three fantastic catches and the game-winning home run in a 4-1 Angels win over the Yankees. He also drew a walk and stole a base.
"It was obviously a good one," Trout said. "I take pride in my game, defensively and offensively. I was telling a lot of people if you're not doing it offensively, you can take some hits away from them guys, so it's a good one."
It was a great one. Judge it by Young.
It couldn't be more fun to watch this kid. The reigning AL MVP just keeps getting better. And smiling every step of the way and chomping on that gum like there's no job that's more fun on earth.
And he's right.
Trout became one of six American League players - joining the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Mickey Mantle - to hit 20 home runs or more in four seasons before turning 24 to start a season.
"That's the first I've heard of that. Obviously, it's humbling, but we've got a series to win (Tuesday)," Trout said.
It's easier when Trout is taking away hits and runs.
Ebel tipped his cap on both of those catches in which Trout took away extra-base hits from Young. Trout credits Ebel with pushing his comfort zone just a bit.
"I feel more comfortable going back on balls as opposed to running in on balls, especially in twilight zone," Trout said. "It's tough to see. Tonight, just trying to take away hits. If they get hit over our heads it's a double. You have to tip your hat to them and go from there."
But all the hat tipping and wrist flicking was done Trout's way.
C.J. Wilson sure benefitted and was grateful.
"Real shocker that Mike Trout hits home runs and saves a couple of runs with his defense," Wilson said in fun.
About the only thing Trout couldn't do was say 'barreled' when talking about his home run in the third inning of C.C. Sabathia. Trout stumbled on the word twice before getting it right.
He doesn't need third chances on getting things right in the outfield. If it's this side of the Honda Center, it seems Trout will make the catch. Young's shot in the third inning had Trout wondering, but he got a great jump on the ball. Angels manager Mike Scioscia thought it would be dicey. But Trout still got to it.
"The first one for sure, I didn't think I was going to catch it," Trout said. "I just put my head down, ran as fast as I can and looked up and I had a chance."
Then he smiled.
The same reaction he had when Young waved off the catch. All in good fun.
