Angels celebrate long-term deal with Trout

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ANAHEIM, California -- The Los Angeles Angels on Saturday celebrated the six-year contract extension for rising star Mike Trout, worth a reported US$144.5 million (105 million euros).

“I can"t explain the feeling right now. I"m just happy to be here for the next seven years,” the 22-year-old Trout said during the announcement in Angel Stadium parking lot.

Word of the deal had leaked on Friday night, when multiple media outlets reported the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year had agreed terms on the deal that will kick in 2015.

The Angels had already signed Trout to a one-year deal for US$1 million, wanting to get that taken care of before the season started as they worked on a long-term pact.

This way, the long-term deal won"t count toward their salary cap in 2014, helping them avoid a luxury tax payment.

“I look at the franchise and what"s best for the franchise. You have a very respectful young man, who"s very bright, very family oriented — that was a very important thing, how respectful he is to his family and to the organization,” said Angels general manager Arte Moreno.

The star outfielder finished the 2013 season by hitting .323, attaining league highs of 109 runs scored and 110 walks along with 27 home runs, 39 doubles and 97 RBI over 157 games.

A year earlier Trout was the 18th player to earn a major league Rookie of the Year award by unanimous vote when he was recognized as the AL"s best first-year player after batting .326 with a .399 on-base percentage, 30 home runs, 129 runs and 49 stolen bases.

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