ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A Mike Trout-themed backdrop was stationed in front of the main entrance to Angel Stadium on Sunday afternoon, right in front of an electronic banner that marked the occasion with the word "loyalty." Trout stepped to the podium amid a chorus of "MVP" chants from the 3,000 or so fans who arrived early for an exhibition game to celebrate the 12-year, $426.5 million contract that will make him the pre-eminent member of the Los Angeles Angels for his entire career.
Trout, as graceful an athlete as this game has ever seen, looked rattled.