If you play in a deep enough Fantasy league, you're probably already familiar with Chris Colabello. He was that independent league standout who reached the majors at age 29 last year only to look like he belonged in an independent league, hitting .194 in 160 at-bats.
But of course, he didn't do all of his damage in an independent league. In between his stints in the majors at Triple-A Rochester last year, he hit .352 with 24 home runs and a 1.066 OPS in 338 at-bats. Clearly, it doesn't get much better than that.
You need look no further than Kila Ka'aihue to know the Quadruple-A player is real, but given how different Colabello has looked to begin this season, I get the feeling we prematurely labeled him such. He was living a dream last year, getting a chance to play at a level he probably thought he'd never reach. Maybe he was nervous. Maybe he wanted so badly to prove he belonged that he never allowed himself to get comfortable. Just because he's 30 doesn't mean he's immune to all the mental hurdles we'd halfway expect to trip up a rookie.
Colabello has hit cleanup for the Twins since their third game of the season, so they never lost confidence in him. His minor-league numbers are obviously too good to be true, but since they don't put clear limits on the upside, he's a worthwhile gamble. In leagues deep enough that Justin Smoak and Lucas Duda are already owned, consider putting in a claim.
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Brewers' Chris Colabello: Inks minor-league pact with Milwaukee
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Indians' Chris Colabello: Representing Italy in WBC
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Indians' Chris Colabello: Signs minor league deal with Indians
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Chris Colabello: Elects free agency
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