2011 MiLB AA Farm Report: Angels’ Mike Trout Can’t Be Held Down For Too Long
Still three months short of 20, Trout and his legit five tools continue to tear through AA. In a 57-game sample he’s batting .330 with eight homers and 22 RBI, including a .422 mark in June and four consecutive multi-hit games. His plate discipline continues to excel, drawing 33 walks (.434 OBP) against 43 strikeouts. And of course, he’s utilizing his wheels out of the leadoff spot at every opportunity, swiping 23 bags (56 last season) and legging out eight triples.
At 6’1 200 with broad shoulders, advancements in the power number are expected, but at this point that’s simply not his approach. He’s focused on solid contact, and arguing with the results is an exercise in futility.
Manager Mike Scioscia proclaims that Trout is not a major league option in the short term, however, that could change drastically if Peter Bourjos keeps swinging at air. The recently named Texas League All-Star will be playing in the show at some point in 2011.
Matt Dominguez, 3B Florida Marlins
Dominguez was given every chance to win the 3B job in spring training, but failed to distinguish himself at the plate.
After recovering from a fractured elbow (six weeks), he once again appears on the brink of a promotion. His overall statistics in the PCL don’t jump off the page (.253, four HR and 21 RBI), but he’s picked up the pace in June hitting .325 following a .186 May.
He hasn’t proven himself to be a consistent average hitter at any level and his K rates have been exorbitant (24.7% 2009, 19% 2010). However, he has displayed a willingness to draw a free pass, work counts and hit from behind the eight ball.
The soon to be 22-year old is a low-risk commodity, with gold glove capabilities at the hot corner and high baseball intelligence. With the Marlins needing an infusion of new blood, look for Dominguez to be playing everyday in Florida imminently.
Xavier Avery, CF Baltimore Orioles
Switching gears from two polished products to the abundantly raw Avery. The 21-year old outfielder’s game is centered around speed, speed and more speed. He’s stolen 20 bases, but his work in progress instincts have led to ten CS.
His first full season in AA (fourth overall in MiLB) has been a struggle at the dish. He’s sporting just a .255 BA and .313 OBP out of the leadoff spot, while striking out 67 times (26.8%). Avery’s BABIP is a stout .352, but he simply doesn’t put the ball in play, which is inexcusable for a left-handed hitter with long strides. He’s failing to put his greatest asset to use.
Last season’s combined RBI total of 66 is a distant memory, batting a dismal .182 with RISP and driving in only seven runs. The potential to become a top of the order disruptor is significant for Avery, but his plan of attack needs to change.
Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com
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(February 20, 2011 – Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images North America)
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