Thursday, June 7, 2012

Trumbombs Galore (28/81)

Mark Trumbo had his first multi-home run game, Garrett Richards got his first career win, and the Angels spanked the Seattle Mariners 6-1 in the second game of the series.


I usually use an image from the game, but I found this website today that specializes in custom Angels t-shirts and couldn't pass up the opportunity to plug the site, Harness the Halo. I would prefer the shirts to be about $5 cheaper, but they're pretty good. If you're an Angel's fan, you should check them out.

Back to the real story: Mark Trumbo

Before Spring Training had even began, the "experts" were already writing off Trumbo's Rookie of the Year runner up as a fluke. They said that his OBP was too low to be valuable on a team that specialized in small ball, and he wouldn't be able to match his home run total again thanks to his strikeout rate.

As the season went on, Trumbo began getting more consistent at-bats and becoming more comfortable in the batter's box. His average and home runs began reflecting this confidence and now Trumbo is one of the hottest hitters in baseball (and he's a THIRD STRING FIRST BASEMAN).

"Experts" will be quick to point out that Trumbo's pace is unsustainable for a player of his skill level and that he'll come back down soon. They might be right, but I'm not so sure. One thing that hasn't been accounted for is Trumbo's determination. He has shown this season that he is one of the hardest workers on the Angels team when he tried to learn a new position once Albert Pujols came to town. He has also focused his approach at the plate and is striking out less and walking more. He knows what kind of reputation he earned last season and is doing everything in his power to change that. Pitcher's are noticing it too and are being more selective of their pitches to the former Villa Park High School standout.

However, they're not succeeding all the time as Trumbo turned Trumbombs into Trumbo Jacks Tuesday night.

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