USA's Arenado wowed by Trout: 'Now I know why he's the greatest'

United States third baseman Nolan Arenado has been thoroughly impressed by the tone set by captain Mike Trout as the squad prepares for the World Baseball Classic.

"He's bringing the best player in the world into the clubhouse," Arenado said Thursday, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. "He's a great teammate talking about the game."

Trout is appearing in his first World Baseball Classic and has displayed an exemplary work ethic and leadership style thus far, according to Arenado.

"He's always willing to talk about hitting and he works hard, man," Arenado said. "This guy works his butt off. Now I know why he's the greatest."

Team USA played its second tuneup game in as many days against Trout's Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Arenado made his presence known with a third-inning grand slam off Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson. Trout was hitless in a pair of at-bats with a walk as the United States won 6-0.

(Video source: MLB.com)

Team USA opens group play with a game against Great Britain on Saturday night in Phoenix.