June 09--REPORTING FROM ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Mike Trout is on track to be a starting outfielder for the American League in the July 14 All-Star game in Cincinnati, ranking second among AL outfielders in Tuesday's most recent fan balloting update.
When the Angels star takes his position--either center or left field--and soaks in the scene at Great American Ball Park, he might feel like he had just been traded to the Kansas City Royals.
As of Tuesday, the Royals, who came within one win of a World Series title last October, would have seven All-Star starters -- catcher Salvador Perez, first baseman Eric Hosmer, shortstop Alcides Escobar, third baseman Mike Moustakas, outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon and designated hitter Kendrys Morales.
The only non-Royals would be Trout and Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, who holds a slight edge in votes over Kansas City's Omar Infante.
"I saw that," said Trout, who is hitting .283 with 16 home runs and 33 runs batted in entering Tuesday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Tropicana Field. "The majority of those guys are having great years, so you can't take it away from them."
The interest and exuberance of Kansas City fans is obviously reflected in this year's All-Star voting, but Trout said he didn't have a problem with the selection process.
"The fans have the right to vote," Trout said, "and they're out there voting."
