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A Dilettante's Career Recommendation for Trout

Grrrrrr.... - Ed Zurga

Trout will win MVP this year, but he has regressed in every area except for power (this has already been written about in other media outlets). Why? I believe it's because Trout is sacrificing his other tools for power.

Trout is the WAR hero and consensus greatest player in the game today in large part because he plays center field, and combines power and speed at rarefied levels. I don't need to rehash his rookie numbers, but the guy almost had a 30/50 season and played Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field. But if Trout continues to bulk up and lose mobility, I'm afraid he's going to a corner OF spot, and his value will decrease considerably, along with his stature in the conversation among all-time greats.

What is the solution? I recommend that he stop lifting heavy weights in the upper body, and look into something like plyometrics, much like Steve Finley did toward the end of his career. We know Trout will hit at least 30 HRs every year even without getting stronger. I figure adding muscle mass will mean he will increase his HR totals in his prime to 40-45. I think the extra 10-15 HRs will adversely affect his defense and speed.

Trout should focus on flexibility, elasticity and agility. The power is already there. He should be a 30-30 guy with 110 runs and 110 RBI from the 3-hole every year and winning Gold Gloves until his current contract ends at age 29 (at which point the Angels should cut him loose as the Cardinals did with Pujols). Who cares about the extra HRs? Someone talk to him please.

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