TEMPE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Angels are wasting the greatness of Mike Trout. It’s not just that they are one of only seven teams not to win a playoff game since Trout debuted in 2011. It’s also because they have not supported him with players who get on base in front of him.
New Angels manager Brad Ausmus faces the same riddles that vexed his predecessor, Mike Scioscia: where should Trout hit? And can anybody on the roster get on base consistently in front of him?
Last year the Los Angeles analytics department recommended Trout hit in the second spot.