Angels News: Mike Moustakas Has Been a Breath of Fresh Air for Halos
Solidified for his place in Kansas City Royals history, Halos' trade acquisition Mike Moustakas was teetering on being out of the league in his stops after the team that won World Series glory.
Supplying a three-run homer in their most recent win against the Giants, the man affectionately known as Moose has redefined his career since becoming an Angel in what's been a welcome sight for both team and player.
“It feels great. I know I can still compete at a high level. I know I can still play this game at this level and be a productive bat and third baseman as long as I’m healthy. … I feel like there’s some more left in the tank to maybe play for another couple years.”
Moustakas isn't the only one who's noticed his current great play for his new squad as skipper Phil Nevin also had much to say on the veteran's contributions for the team this year.
“Just pro at-bats. You can see a guy that understands what a pitcher is trying to do to him. He studies it. He’s always asking questions, but he also has a history in his head, what teams are trying to do to him. He talks about it a lot in the dugout, which is a big leadership quality he has. You can tell he goes up with a plan. Nobody’s perfect every time but you certainly see a different side of him when guys are out there. The concentration goes up. The focus goes up. He sticks to his game plan. That’s what the best RBI guys do.”
Though the bulk of the work to carry the team has gone on Shohei Ohtani's shoulders, Moustakas has stepped up in a big way in absence of his teammates due to injury.
If the Angels do make the postseason, it'll be thanks in large part to Moustakas' own surprising contributions for the red and white.
