After adding free agent slugger Albert Pujols this winter, many expected the Los Angeles Angels to entertain trade offers for young first baseman Mark Trumbo. Rumors have swirled concerning the futures of Trumbo and fellow first baseman Kendrys Morales, but earlier this week the Angels cleared up some of the speculation surrounding the pair.
Thursday Bill Plunkett of the OCRegister.com spoke with Angels general manager Jerry DiPoto, who told Plunkett that he sees Trumbo as an asset rather than a trade chip at this point.
DiPoto said there are several different ways for players to get at-bats in the American League, ranging from designated hitter to the corner infield and outfield spots. DiPoto told Plunkett that the Angels currently “have three different players (Trumbo, Pujols and Bobby Abreu) with the potential to be four different players (adding Morales) as assets” in those areas.
While Trumbo’s primary position was first base in 2011, the 25-year-old also played left and right field for the Angels last season. LA hopes to try Trumbo out at the hot corner as well, increasing his flexibility and allowing the Angels to keep his bat in their lineup. DiPoto noted that the Angels are not looking to turn Trumbo “into an every-day third baseman”, but instead to make it another option and position for the slugger to play.
The Angels hoped to begin introducing Trumbo to his new position this winter, but his stress fracture has limited this opportunity. Still, DiPoto said the injury setback doesn’t change anything regarding Trumbo’s future with the club.
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