OAKLAND — Mike TroutHe did the same thing he does every day. He answered any question, no matter how difficult or not, without complaining. This was before Tuesday’s game, when he stood in front of dozens upon reporters. Angelsdugout, and spoke until there were no questions left.
There are many important questions that need to be asked about the future of Angels. Why did they have yet another losing season — the seventh in a row? Next year will be different. How does the sale of the team impact the franchise’s ability to compete in the short term?
Trout is able to answer these questions fairly, as part of his $426.5million contract that requires him to be a representative of the team. But he can’t be expected to have all the answers. Trout may have many questions.
“It’s tough,” he said. “With the owners saying we’re selling the team, I don’t know what kind of spot (general manager Perry Minasian) is in.”
A response like this is short, but it’s very telling. This was in response to a question about the speed at which the Angels could return to contention. And not even the team’s franchise player knows if the GM has the resources or support to make that turnaround.
Trout should have answers about the team’s failures. But he shouldn’t have to answer for them. And he shouldn’t have to provide cover for his team’s GM.
Only one person is qualified to answer questions. It isn’t manager Phil Nevin. It isn’t Minasian. And it isn’t team president John Carpino.
It’s with whom the buck stops. Team owner Arte Moreno has stated his intention to sell the team — in a press release — but nothing beyond that.
