Fantasy Impact: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have called up outfielder Mike Trout. In a corresponding move, the Angels released veteran outfielder/designated hitter Bobby Abreu.

The Angels Get: A physically-gifted, five-tool player in the promising Trout. The 20-year-old outfielder was simply dominating Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .403/.467/.623 batting line with one home run and six stolen bases in 20 games in 2012. Trout is a rare prospect in the sense that he boasts tremendous athleticism AND  a strong understanding of the game. He is extremely disciplined hitter for his age, as evidenced by high walk rate in the minors. His power is still developing, but Baseball America rates his future power tool at 65 on a 20-80 scale. Despite his pedigree and strong track record of success in the minors, Trout struggled a bit in his inaugural stint in the majors in 2011. He hit just .220 with five homers, four steals and an on-base percentage of .281 in 40 games. That being said, he can offer fantasy owners plenty of stolen bases  and runs with ever-improving power numbers and an acceptable batting average. A .270 batting average with 8-10 homers and 20-plus steals seem like reasonable expectations for this season, given his ability to receive ample playing time. He should be an immediate add in AL-only leagues and speculative add in deep mixed-league formats (16 or more teams).

Fantasy Players Impacted: The 38-year-old Abreu, a shell of his former self at the plate and in the field, was released to make room for Trout on the Angels’ 40-man roster. However, there are several other Angels whose playing time situation could be affected by Trout’s call-up. Manager Mike Scioscia must distribute playing time in the outfield for veterans Vernon Wells and Torii Hunter, as well as gifted young centerfielder Peter Bourjos. First basemen/failed third basemen/part-time outfielder/part-time designated Mark Trumbo has also been seeing time in the outfield after performing poorly in an early-season attempt to man the hot corner.  How will Scioscia keep them all happy and the lineup? Well, it looks like that’s not possible.  It is an extremely complex situation, but the organization’s decision to call up Trout suggests they want to get him in the lineup. Expect the Angels to turn to the player(s) who are performing well at the plate and in the field.  I expect Trout and Hunter to be the most fantasy-useful of the bunch moving forward.

Players This Helps

Trout

Players This Hurts

Abreu (no longer gainfully employed)

Hunter (potential for lost playing time)

Bourjos (potential for lost playing time)

Wells (potential for lost playing time)

Trumbo (potential for lost playing time)

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