Kole Calhoun making an impression
The Angels have spent the last few years filling out their lineup with high-priced free agents, but the way Kole Calhoun has performed to close out 2013 might have them rethinking that strategy.
A minor-league standout since the Angels drafted him in the eighth round in 2010, he's done his best to show he's not just a product of the heavy-hitting California and Pacific Coast leagues, batting .412 (14 for 34) with two homers in his last 10 games. The recent surge has earned him at-bats against left-handed pitchers and given Fantsay owners reason to believe he's more than just a Quadruple-A player (when his batting average dropped to .215 in mid-August, it was looking iffy, especially given his lack of pedigree).
As things stand now, he won't have a place to play when Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Peter Bourjos return from their injuries next season, but maybe Calhoun gives the Angels trade bait. Or maybe he compels them to deal Bourjos finally after toying with the idea the last few offseasons.
If a spot opens for Calhoun somewhere in the majors, I'm thinking he'll be one of my favorite sleepers come draft season. You know I like those high-OBP types.
