Yahoo! Sports' Steve Henson recently compiled a list of 2012 MLB Spring Training winners and losers. Angels second-year outfielder Mike Trout is considered one of the losers. Trout, who is considered one of the top prospects in Major League Baseball, has struggled through spring training and he wasn't helped by a virus that caused him to drop several pounds.
Due to his spring training, he will begin the 2012 season in the minor leagues.
In just about everyone's estimation, Trout is in the conversation along with Bryce Harper and Matt Moore as the best prospect in baseball. Power, speed, defense - Trout has it all. Except that he hasn't handled pitchers in the major leagues well so far.
The center fielder hit only .220 with a .671 OPS in 40 games with the Angels last season, and followed that with a spring that never really got started. Shoulder tendinitis has kept him from throwing, and a lingering virus caused him to drop nearly 20 pounds. He'll begin the season at Triple-A Salt Lake City.
Trout should be able to battle back quickly if he puts weight back on and gets his head right. If that's the case, this will be just a small bump in the road on what could be a great career. However, if this shakes his confidence badly and causes him to struggle in the minors, his career could suffer greatly.
For more on the Angels, head to Halos Heaven, and for more spring training updates, follow SB Nation Los Angeles' StoryStream.
