World Baseball Classic (WBC) USA team captain Mike Trout (LA Angels) showed strong expectations ahead of the tournament.
In an interview with local media ahead of an exhibition game against the Cleveland Guardians on the 7th (Korean time), Trout said, “I’m very excited. In yesterday’s game, I played up to the 7th inning and got into the 4th at-bat, and I’m in very good shape.” .
Trout started as center fielder against the Cincinnati Reds the day before and recorded 1 hit and 1 RBI in 4 at-bats. On that day, against Cleveland, he went out as a designated hitter and went 2 at-bats without a hit.
The US national team, which has Group C league in Phoenix, Arizona, will have an official WBC match against the San Francisco Giants as a night game in Scottsdale on the 9th, and will play a second match against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on the 10th.
For Trout, it’s to play against an Angels teammate. The Angels’ starting pitcher on the 10th is Tyler Anderson, a left-handed pitcher. Anderson changed into an Angels uniform last winter for three years and $39 million.
Trout will play as the designated hitter on the 9th and center fielder on the 10th.
Trout said, “It’s a game I’m looking forward to. It’s going to feel a little weird, but I think people will ask, ‘Are you going to come and change here (the Angels Clubhouse)?’ said.
Group C matches will be held at Chase Field in Phoenix. The US will face off against the UK, Mexico, Canada and Colombia. The match against Mexico is expected to be the most difficult to secure first place in the group. The Mexican starter is actually Patrick Sandoval. Sandoval will face off with teammate Trout as the Angels’ second starter.
If the U.S. advances to the quarterfinals, it will play from there until the final at Londippo Park in Miami. Trout said, “We’re a great team. It’s like playing an All-Star game. It’s pretty cool to get to know players from other teams. I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s a special and great tournament.” ” said
Trout did not compete in the WBC in 2013 and 2017. At that time, preparation for the season was the priority, and there was little interest in international competitions. At the time, Trout promised, “If you call me to the 2021 competition, I will participate.” The 5th competition, which was originally scheduled to be held in 2021, was postponed for two years due to the corona pandemic. When Trout was contacted by Tony Reggins, the general manager of the US National Team, in July of last year and asked to take over as captain, Trout readily agreed.메이저사이트
Trout is the best baseball player in existence, boasting the highest ransom in the major leagues. As a rookie of the year, he was named MVP three times and was named an All-Star 10 times in a row. In his last season, he showed off his slugging power by hitting 40 home runs despite missing 43 games. He was on pace to hit 54 home runs if he played in all 162 games.
But Trout has yet to win a championship in the pros.
In March 2019, Trout signed an extended contract with the Angels for 12 years, $426.5 million (approximately 553.8 billion won), virtually guaranteeing his active service until retirement. If the United States wins this WBC, it will be a great honor for Trout.