The Los Angeles Angels are wisely trying to lock up young outfielder Mike Trout, but while contract discussions could be seen as a distraction for Trout, manager Mike Scioscia doesn't believe it will be an issue.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the Angels and Trout are discussing a six-year $150 million extension, and the Angels skipper doesn't believe it'll detract from Trout's concentration on the upcoming season.
"It's not an issue, and it's certainly not an issue with Mike," Scioscia said via ESPN.
Scioscia said that during his tenure with the Angels that stems back to the 2000 season, contract talks have never been a problem.
"We haven't had anybody here in 15 years because of a contract situation that hasn't come out and given 100 percent," Scioscia said, according to ESPN.
Trout told the media that he wasn't looking to discuss contract negotiations publically with any members of the media and was looking to keep the negotiations in-house.
"I know what you guys are going to ask," Trout said per ESPN. "I'm here to get ready for the season. I don't want to comment on the contract negotiations and stuff. I'm here to just get ready to prepare myself for the upcoming season."
Trout came up a month into the 2012 season and ended up walking away with the Rookie of the Year Award after hitting .326 with 30 homers and 83 RBIs.
In 2013, he was the runner-up for the American League Most Valuable Player Award for the second straight year, while hitting .323 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs. His great offensive weapons and defensive tools have made him one of the most revered players in the league heading into his third season.
"We know how tough it is not only getting to the big leagues but making it in the big leagues," Scioscia said. "The footprint that he's made was pretty big in his first full year. To keep filling that footprint and to grow is a challenge, and Mike has shown no drop with what he did last year."
Scioscia maintains that Trout doesn't "mind the limelight" and that the ongoing discussions won't be a distraction.
"There's no doubt that there are potential distractions there with what's happening," Scioscia said per ESPN. "He hasn't flinched. He's very grounded. He has everything sorted out on his priorities. He just wants to play baseball, and he's doing a great job of it."
Trout will try to do a good enough job to help the Angels make the playoffs for the first time since 2009 this season.
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