Los Angeles Angels: All-Star Preview

With the starting rosters of the 2013 MLB All-Star Game being announced tomorrow, Angels fans have to wonder who will be representing the Halos in the midsummer classic on July 16th. Unfortunately for Angels fans, the team’s sub-par first half will see them send only one position player to New York. Here’s a closer look at the Angels dim All-Star Prospects: (This covers position players only) LOCK: Mike Trout Trout has put together another solid 2013 campaign for the Angels. He is currently batting .314, and also boasts a .389 on base percentage (OBP). Undoubtedly, Trout is perhaps the most exciting, young talent in the game and is a sure thing to start in the outfield for the American League. Trout and fellow outfielder Adam Jones possess a choke hold on two of the three starting spots, after the most recent voting results have been revealed . Although having a relatively more quiet season in terms of media coverage, Trout has silently, if that’s the right word to use, been just as good. Expect the face of the Angels franchise to be starting the All-Star Game for several years to come. Not only a fan-favorite of the Angels, he will command the attention of the New York crowd.     SNUB: Howie Kendrick It is a known fact that Kendrick will not make the All-Star Game this season, and I feel that’s a shame. The Angels second baseman has been on an absolute tear with his bat this season, and already is one of the better gloves in the American League. Kendrick is unlucky to be in the same league with the likes of superstar second baseman Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia. Both have better numbers than Kendrick, which is rightfully fair they play in New York. But, Kendrick’s season has been vastly overlooked by fans, and experts alike. The fact that he’s struggling to finish All-Star voting in the Top 5 for his position is ridiculous to me. The Halo’s second baseman possesses awry similar numbers to Cano and Pedroia. Kendrick is proof that the public doesn’t always get All-Star voting correct.   Major Offensive Categories Cano (NYY) – .292 AVG, .371 OBP, .529 Slugging Percentage Pedroia (BOS) – .325 AVG, .406 OBP, .449 Slugging Percentage Kendrick (LAA) – .318 AVG, .361 OBP, .466 Slugging Percentage     LONG SHOT: Mark Trumbo Trout’s sidekick leads the Angels with 19 home runs and 53 runs batted in. He has definitely helped lessen the impact of the struggles of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton this season. A homegrown product, Trumbo has also been a hot trade commodity as of late. He trails in the voting for the designated hitter spot, and from the latest American League tally, the Angels slugger comes in at 5th. Trumbo might make news not for an All-Star appearance, but perhaps one of the infamous midseason trades right at the All-Star break.