Angels report: Inside pitch
In many other organizations, Mark Trumbo would have established himself as the first baseman of the future with a 36-homer season in Class AAA.
Even though the Angels have gone through 10 first basemen this year, that is not a position of need. Kendry Morales is expected to return from the season-ending fractured ankle he suffered May 29 and reclaim the position in 2011.
So Trumbo spent some time in the outfield this season (22 games in right field, one in left for Class AAA Salt Lake) and will work out there with the Angels this month after joining the team Tuesday as a September call-up. When the season ends, he will head to Venezuela to play winter ball, primarily as an outfielder.
"I'm getting more comfortable," Trumbo said of playing the outfield. "The whole offseason, I'm going to be working as hard as I can to grasp everything -- the nuances of playing out there. The month I'm here (with the Angels), I'm sure I'll learn quite a bit from these guys.
"I guess I'm still kind of trying to find a position. My main strength is my bat, and I'm just going to try to do everything I can to give myself the best chance I can coming into next spring."
When Trumbo's bat is ready, the Angels will likely find a position for him in their lineup. But manager Mike Scioscia indicated Trumbo is not as advanced as Morales was when the Angels made him their everyday first baseman in 2009.
"Kendry had gotten looks up here before that and really showed he was ready for the challenge of the major leagues," Scioscia said. "Mark's not quite there.
"He's certainly a bat we're excited about and a bat we're excited about seeing how it's going to play."
INDIANS 6, ANGELS 1: Lou Marson's first career grand slam broke up a close game and sent the Indians to a second consecutive victory over the Angels. The Angels have lost 16 of their past 23 games, including five consecutive games at home (three to Baltimore, two to Cleveland) for the first time since April 28-May 2, 2006. They were held to one run or fewer for the 11th time in their past 23 games. Torii Hunter's solo home run was their only score.
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