Eye To The Off Season: Can Mark Trumbo Play Third Base?

The Angels managed a win against the Blue Jays albeit likely a day too late. The offense exploded for ten runs and fifteen hits. The victory moved the Halos to three games behind the Red Sox ion the Wild Card race (1.5 back of Tampa) and kept them five back of the Rangers in the AL West.

Mark Trumbo connected for a three run shot in the top of the 4th which put the Angels up for good at 9-2. The blast was the 29th on the season for Trumbo in what has been an impressive rookie campaign. Trumbo’s emergence as a legit power threat has the potential to give the Angels a potent offensive lineup in 2012 – contingent on the return of a healthy and productive Kendrys Morales.

If Trumbo – who was drafted out of high school as  a third basemen can learn to field the position capably  the Angels (as presently) constructed would have a great chance at reaching the post season. The Angels gave Trumbo a few starts at third base this year in winter ball (with poor results) so its likely this is somethign they will again pursue this off season.

For his part Mike Scioscia agrees saying:

"“He was an awful player at third base,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia agreed. “But he was an awful player at first base at first too, and you can see how much he has improved.”“If he’s going to play (winter ball), it’ll be a great venue for him to explore other positions,” Scioscia said. “We’d like him to get more comfortable in the outfield, first of all. Obviously, third base would be in consideration."

"“I think it (a move to third base) is something you’re going to see explored at some point.”"

Let’s take a look at how the Angels lineup could shake out with Trumbo manning the hot corner.

Assuming Kendrys Morales can finally return from his disastrous injury and hit similarly to the way he did before he was hurt – the cuban slugger will likely return to his position at first base. The severity of his leg injury will likely force Morales into more appearances at DH as well. This creates a log jam for the 2012 Angels at DH since the likely emergence of  LF Mike Trout will force Abreu, Wells and Hunter (all signed through 2012) into more DH at bats.

In steps Trumbo.

If Mark can successfully navigate the move to third base he will give the Angels something fans have been dying for since Troy Glaus left town – a power hitting third basemen. Trumbo’s presence at third base would also likely allow the Halos to shop one of their quality utility men (Maicer Izturis or Alberto Callaspo) for some badly needed veteran relief help. The potential everyday lineup with Trumbo at third has the potential to finally end the two year run scoring drought.

• Peter Bourjos – CF
• Erick Aybar – SS
• Howie Kendrick – 2B
• Kendrys Morales – 1B
• Mark Trumbo – 3B
• Torii Hunter – RF
• Vernon Wells – DH
• Hank Conger – C
• Mike Trout – LF

Bobby Abreu – assuming he is not moved in the off season – would be around to start at DH against tough righties and Wells and  Hunter would essentially alternate between  right field and DH along with Morales. Alexi Amarista or Jean Segura would adequately fill the utility void for either Izturis or Callaspo giving the Angels an added element of speed off the bench.

I know theoretically the season is not over YET – but Trumbo’s potential move to third base along with the healthy return of Kendrys Morales are definitely things to get excited about for next season.