You Can't Always Get What You Want

American League Rookie of the Year Mike Trout of the Angels was sensational last season. He hit .326 with 30 homers, 83 ribbies and 49 stolen bases. His defensive prowess was advanced for his age. The guy can do it all.
Since he is not a free agent (2018) or arbitration eligible (2015), the Angels hold the hammer as far as his contract goes. Eventually, Trout will have the leverage over the team and he'll sign a crazy contract for say, 25-million a year over 6-years. Over 8-years? The point is he'll get his. No question. But for now, he's at the mercy of the Angels.
As a rookie last season, Trout made 400-thousand dollars, which is the minimum salary. That's pretty good income for a guy who turned just 21 in August. Not many people his age make that kind of scratch.
After the season he had, Trout asked for a salary this year of 1-million dollars. Or, as Dr. Evil might say it, "One meeeeelion dollars."
I don't think it was an unreasonable request. The Angels, using the leverage they have now, gave him a 110-thousand dollar raise to 510-thousand dollars. Trout signed and has no beefs with it at all. He knows that one day...
Meanwhile, in a related story, I asked my radio station for a 1-million dollar salary, since I feel I'm the Mike Trout of our radio station. Management said, "Nope. Sorry." So then I said I would settle for a 110-thosand dollar raise. That was denied too. But like Trout, I'll take it in stride knowing that my big pay day is coming! Yeah, sure it is.
Seriously, Trout is as fun a player to watch as I've ever seen. I can't imagine what his numbers will look like when he's done playing in 20-years so long he stays away from injuries and doesn't turn out to be a head case like his new teammate Josh Hamilton. Or, Alex Rodriguez.