Mike Trout has had a whirlwind last eight months.
Historic rookie season, awards galore and a controversial runner-up MVP finish all made for an unprecedented 2012 for the Angels' outfielder.
However, playing for Team USA will not be added to the list as the 21-year-old informed USA Baseball that he will not play in the World Baseball Classic this Spring.
The news, first reported by Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, is hardly a shock considering that Trout has yet to play a full 162-game slate with the Angels, having come up in late April last season after beginning the year with Class AAA Salt Lake.
Also, there's getting used to playing left field on a full-time basis, as the Angels project a starting outfield of Trout, Peter Bourjos and Josh Hamilton, with Mark Trumbo serving as the primary DH while also getting games at both first base and right field when Hamilton needs a breather.
Besides, Team USA is hardly hurting for outfielders, and skipping the event will give the wunderkind Trout the chance to develop chemistry with his teammates throughout the Cactus League schedule without the worry of leaving for two weeks from a critical training camp for the Angels.
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