This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If you are a baseball fan and didn't get a chance to watch the Los Angeles Angels' No. 1 prospect, Mike Trout, the price of the ticket suddenly became much more expensive.
The 20-year-old Trout, whose initial absence from the Salt Lake Bees' lineup Friday was attributed to illness, was called up to the big leagues after Los Angeles released outfielder/designated hitter Bobby Abreu following a loss at Cleveland.
Although the news was officially released through channels, the Angels tweeted the report midway through the Bees' 12-7 loss to Reno at Spring Mobile Ballpark.
"I can't comment on hearsay," Salt Lake manager Keith Johnson said, adding that a player like Trout makes an impact when not in the lineup.
Two plays typify Trout's speed. He once scored from first on a single to the right-field gap. He also smashed a stand-up triple to left-center field — without drawing a throw.
"He's a dynamic player," Johnson continued.
On Friday, Salt Lake jumped out to a 6-0 lead, then watched as the Aces scored 10 unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
"We did a lot of good things tonight," Johnson said. "Preventing the big inning was not one of them."
Trout's absence will most likely be felt in the next few days.
"Last year when we lost a guy or added a guy, there's always a ripple effect," Johnson said.
To get Trout into its starting lineup, Los Angeles will eat the rest of the $9 million owed Abreu. Trout played in 40 games for the Angels in 2011, hitting .220 with five homers.
It was that kind of day for Major League Baseball as the Washington Nationals also made room for their No. 1 prospect, Bryce Harper.
What will Trout's absence mean to the Bees' offense, one that leads the PCL in batting and runs scored? In 20 games for Salt Lake, Trout pounded the ball at a .403 clip with a PCL-best five triples and 21 runs scored.
The swift 6-foot-3, 200-pound outfielder was also 6-of-7 in stolen base attempts.
martyr@sltrib.comTwitter:@tribmarty —
Storylines Aces 12, Bees 7
R Friday's loss marks the third time this season Salt Lake has lost after leading by six or more runs.
• Bees second baseman Andrew Romine knocks in three runs with three singles.
• The starting pitchers for Salt Lake and Reno combine for 12 hits and 10 earned runs.