Revere: Harper vs. Trout too close to call
Angels speedster is one of nine to play with both superstar outfielders
NEW YORK -- Ben Revere is one of nine players -- including Dan Haren, Sean Burnett, Trevor Gott, Mat Latos, Ryan Mattheus, Yusmeiro Petit, Danny Espinosa and Yunel Escobar -- to have the distinction of playing with both Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and current Angels teammate Michael Trout, two of the most recognizable players in baseball.
So who is better, Harper or Trout? It's difficult for Revere to pick. Both are off to a great start this season. Besides leading the Angels in hitting, Trout enters Monday night's game against the Rays leading the American League in on-base percentage, slugging and OPS, as well as finding himself in a first-place tie in batting average. Harper leads the National League in runs scored and has a .349 batting average with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs.
"They are the top two players in all of baseball," Revere said. "They have the same tools. They have power, plate discipline, great arms, they can run, steal bases, everything. They have God-given ability. They make the game look so easy. It's tough to really compare because their games are similar.
"The two guys are fun to watch, I'll tell you that."
Revere first met Trout in 2010, when both played in the Sirius-XM All-Star Futures Game. According to Revere, Trout's personality hasn't changed at all. The two-time AL Most Valuable Player Award winner doesn't treat the game like it's a job. He always has a smile on his face.
"He takes it all in. You only live once, so enjoy it," Revere said. "It's a blessing. Not too many guys play professional baseball. He enjoys the game. He is a calm person. He hasn't changed one bit."
Harper and Revere were teammates last season when Harper had a down year. The 2015 NL MVP Award winner hit .243 in 2016, but thanks to 108 walks, he registered an impressive .373 on base percentage. Even though Harper didn't have the type of campaign he's currently enjoying, Revere was still impressed by what he saw from the Nationals' right fielder.
"He is a guy who wants to win. He goes out there and just competes. He is definitely a competitor," Revere said. "I know he's had a great start to the season."