DENVER -- Mike Trout plans to participate in the Home Run Derby one of these years. However, it won't be this year, as the Los Angeles Angels center fielder declined an invitation to compete Monday in Cincinnati.
"I thought about it," Trout said before hitting two solo home runs Wednesday in the Angels' 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. "It's just one of those things. I am eventually going to do it. A lot of people wanted me to do it."
Trout said he will root for Angels teammate Albert Pujols and will pull for Todd Frazier of the Reds, who like Trout is a New Jersey native.
This will be the fourth straight All-Star appearance for Trout, who will start in center field for the American League.
The reigning AL Most Valuable Player, Trout, 23, is generally considered the best player in the game and one fans would love to see participate in the Home Run Derby. But again, Trout resisted any pressure from fans and friends to take part in the event.
"I was thinking about it," Trout said. "I have my mind set on one thing, and then I'd come to the field and other people would try to persuade me."
One of those people was Pujols, who will participate in his fourth Home Run Derby. Angels manager Mike Scioscia prefers his players bypass the event in which they take what he calls "full gorilla" swings that he believes are too tiring. That fear could be lessened this year, since the format was changed. Regardless, Trout did not talk to Scioscia before making his choice this year.
"It's his decision," Scioscia said. "I know they've adjusted some things, and I know they're going to continue to tweak it so it's not as demanding on each contestant. But I think he'd be fine."
Trout is hitting .302 with 22 homers, 48 RBIs and 62 runs. He has a .396 on-base percentage and a .584 slugging percentage. He is remarkably consistent and produces jaw-dropping performances -- one of which eventually might occur in the Home Run Derby.
"I'll do it one day, for sure," Trout said.
