The Los Angeles Angels fans were audience to a bittersweet scene. While Spring Training is underway in its full form, the Halos find themselves in a strange spot. Shohei Ohtani’s former team, the Angels bears a gem called Mike Trout. However, despite Trout, “Just seeing the ball better and being myself”, there’s something that lacking in Anaheim.
Though individual moments made the 3x AL MVP feel like “It’s slowly getting there but [Tuesday] was the best I’ve felt,” the team’s recurring struggles raise concerns. At this point, the Angels’ ability to overcome the inconsistencies is in question. Will this be a turnaround season for the Halos or will fans again experience familiar disappointment?
Trout Shines, But Angels Fall Short in Doubleheader
The Halos’ superstar Mike Trout launched a towering grand slam on Wednesday, only to witness the team suffer losses in both their split-squad games. On one hand, Trout’s blast offered a peek into his immense power and potential. On the other, the Angels’ overall performance was a glaring reminder of the challenges they face heading into the season.
Perhaps, Trout’s heroics were not enough, the Angels fell short in both contests. In Tempe, they fell prey to the Oakland A’s 12-5. And the other squad playing in Mesa lost a close 6-5 battle to the Chicago Cubs. This double defeat unfortunately highlights the inconsistencies that have littered the optics surrounding the Angels in recent years.
The Angels manager, Ron Washington displayed a sense of confidence in Trout’s ability. Talking about his peak form while also acknowledging room for improvement, he said, “He’s a superstar, but he’s in Spring Training, too. And there’s a lot of things that, because of the injuries that he had and the time that he missed, he has to fight to get the things that he wants”. Adding to his manager’s opinion, the 32-year-old too addressed the scenario.
Mike Trout Eyes Strong Return Despite Setbacks
Trout, acknowledged the work needed to reach his true potential, echoing the manager’s sentiment. He shared, “When I’m recognizing pitches early, that’s when I know I’m pretty close. When I recognize the zone, my hits and production will come.” That said, the 11x All Star is on a mission to bounce back after a prematurely concluded season that saw some great numbers. He slashed .263/.367./.490 with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs in 82 games before he missed a majority of the second half due to a fractured left hamate bone last season.
While one hopes to see more of Trout this upcoming season, his Spring Training performance shoes promise. While the results at the moment must not be overanalyzed, the Angels’ dual defeat is a cautionary point. Though while a healthy and focused Mike Trout can be a game-changer, the team overall needs an all round effort from all facets of the game.
