Mike Trout Discovers his Popularity

September 18, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder

(27) hits a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If ever there was a question as to who the most popular player on the Angels is, that question can probably be laid to rest.

After Mike Trout tweeted out that he would be from the Northeast to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Monday night, Trout was greeted by a mob of approximately 200 fans, clamoring for his autograph. Trout has certainly become a fan favorite quickly in his two full seasons with the Angels, and it is easy to see why. Already, he has finished second in the MVP voting over the last two season, has been an All-Star and a Silver Slugger both years and won the Rookie of the Year Award. His resume is already more impressive than most other players, and Trout is only getting started.

With his blend of power and speed, as well as his youth, it is easy to see why Trout would be sought out wherever he went. trout is the type of player that not only could the Angels build a roster around for the next few years, but he could also be the face of the franchise from a marketing perspective. Young and dynamic, Trout is the type of player that teams dream of developing.

Now, with the Angels reportedly interested in working out a long term extension with Mike Trout, it may be time to truly anoint him as the Face of the Angels. For as much as it would cost the Angels monetarily to lock up Trout long term, they could well make it back from merchandising and building the team’s marketing campaign around him.

As for Trout himself, he may just be learning exactly how popular he is. And chances are, he will no longer be tweeting out his travel plans in the future.

"“I shouldn’t have done that,” Trout joked Tuesday morning. “It was crazy.”"