Angels prospect wins HR Derby

July 2nd, 2009, 2:04 pm · 4 Comments · posted by BILL PLUNKETT, OCREGISTER.COM

Double-A first baseman Mark Trumbo edged Chris Carter, 11-10, to win the Home Run Derby contest before Wednesday’s Texas League All-Star Game.

Trumbo (who was also selected to the North Division roster for the game) trailed Carter 10-7 going into the final round but added four in the final go-round while Carter ran dry.

Here’s what Trumbo had to say to MiLB.com:

“I’ve known Chris for a long time. He has tremendous power. I was surprised he didn’t put any up in that last round.”

Trumbo said it was his first home run derby since he was a high school junior.

“I haven’t hit in one of these in a long time, so it was real fun for me.

Ironically, Trumbo has only seven home runs with Double-A Arkansas this season after hitting 32 in Class-A and Double-A last year.

“I’m much happier with what I’ve done in the games. This is nice, but of late things have been coming around a little better. I’ve worked hard all year. I had a slow start, but it seems to be coming around a little more.”

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Posted in: Angels • Minor leaguers

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Angels 2009 projections

Player	Projection
Mike Napoli	.246/.351/.481
Jeff Mathis	.222/.288/.364
Kendry Morales	.274/.317/.430
Howie Kendrick	.304/.335/.440
Erick Aybar	.268/.309/.369
Chone Figgins	.278/.354/.367
Brandon Wood	.237/.295/.424
Maicer Izturis	.273/.343/.383
Juan Rivera	.273/.321/.453
Bobby Abreu	.282/.376/.440
Torii Hunter	.273/.331/.462
Vladimir Guerrero	.306/.369/.513
Gary Matthews, Jr	.260/.331/.402
Ervin Santana	3.87 ERA
John Lackey	3.82 ERA
Kelvim Escobar	3.93 ERA
Jered Weaver	3.94 ERA
Joe Saunders	4.24 ERA
Dustin Moseley	5.34 ERA
Brian Fuentes	3.33 ERA
Scot Shields	3.67 ERA
Jose Arredondo	3.75 ERA
Darren Oliver	4.01 ERA
Justin Speier	4.23 ERA
Kevin Jepsen	5.05 ERA

(These projections are an average of six common statistical forecasting systems. They are based on the players' previous performances, ages and, in some cases, physical characteristics.)

Papagiorgio says:

July 2, 2009 at 4:02 pm

Sweet a middle infielder with power. The Angels have no need for that.

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Stephen C. Smith says:

July 3, 2009 at 4:08 am

Trumbo isn’t a middle infielder, he’s a first baseman. There was some talk during spring training about converting him to left field but that hasn’t happened.

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Jake Logan says:

July 2, 2009 at 6:53 pm

I’m sorry to burst your bubble Papagiorgio, but Mark Trumbo is a LONG way away from big-league ready. He’s getting chewed up in Double-A. He’s hitting .263, with an OBP of .308 and an OPS of .713. 54 strikeouts in 254 ABs and only 19BB. Those are not impressive numbers, especially in Double A. Unfortunately being able to hit them out in BP or in a home run hitting contest is not the same as doing it in a game. My question is how did he make the All-Star team?

Stephen C. Smith says:

July 3, 2009 at 4:07 am

Trumbo came out of his slump three weeks ago. He was batting .205 on May 20, so his AVG is up about 60 points since then. In his last 19 games, his AVG/OBP/SLG are .382/.405/.553 (.958 OPS). Let’s also note that his home field is the most pitcher-friendly park by far in the Texas League.

Some people delight in bashing these kids while they’re down. Let’s be fair and also credit them when they’re doing well.

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