TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — For an imposing slugger with 61 homers in his first two major league seasons and fairly limitless potential, Mark Trumbo sure gets moved around a lot.
After stints as a solid first baseman, a less-than-solid third baseman and a thoroughly competent outfielder, Trumbo is heading into his third full season with the Los Angeles Angels primarily as a designated hitter.
The Angels' free-agent spending sprees on Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton are to blame for Trumbo's transience, yet the power hitter who plays for his hometown team doesn't seem terribly irritated by his now-annual moves around the diamond.
"It's kind of the way it's always been," Trumbo said Thursday at the Angels' spring training complex. "I think everyone would like to have a set position, but as the numbers shake out and the quality of the team we have, sometimes certain guys are better fits at certain spots. I just keep going and keep working."
The Angels are grateful Trumbo is amenable to the positions switches they've forced on him. He became an All-Star last season, yet he also carries the humility of a player who had turned 25 before he became a major league regular.
"His versatility is important because he (allows) us to keep a big bat in the lineup that we want to," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We explored third base last year, and that obviously didn't pan out, but his ability to play corner outfield, first base and also DH is going to get him at-bats. It's important because we can use the DH in a way to get other guys moving around and get them off their feet a little bit."
Trumbo is already addressing the potential pitfalls of life as a designated hitter, speaking with Scioscia and his staff about ways to stay involved while he's on the bench — and also what not to do, including over-analysis of video or too much work in the batting cage between at-bats.
"It might be a tad tougher to stay in the rhythm of the game if you're not out there playing defense," Trumbo said. "We're just trying to find a routine that works. It'll be trial-and-error a little bit at first, but we came up with some decent strategies last year so we're better prepared for this year."
Trumbo began his short major league career at first base in 2011, where he immediately filled the hole left by injured Kendrys Morales. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Tampa Bay's Jeremy Hellickson with 29 homers and 87 RBIs.
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