Boom!
Love this kid. Hoping he makes the roster!
4. Kole Calhoun (OF)
Bats: LeftThrows: Left Height: 5’9†190 lbs. DOB: 10/14/87 (Salt Lake/Angels): .291/.352/.488 with 14 HRs and 13 SBs
Kole Calhoun quietly puts up the numbers and demonstrates all the attributes managers love in a ball player, yet he gets overlooked by scouts who are concerned his 5'10 frame leaves little for projection. Oh but big things come in small packages, right? Calhoun has posted a .309/.396/.525 slash line in 294 minor league games and made his major league debut in 2012 in a reserve outfield role.
A true blue collar ball player who possesses plate discipline and professionalism, Calhoun could start the 2013 in the outfield on a lot of teams. Calhoun demonstrates solid pop and gets himself in good hitters counts with an advanced approach at the plate, enabling him to drive the ball. Kole doesn't have to worry about being platooned, as he's hit lefties as well as righties throughout his minor league career. Average speed, but takes good routes in the outfield and is a smart base runner, giving him the ability to steal 20-25 bases. Calhoun has a strong arm and can play all three outfield positions, though he profiles better in right field.
Former Angels Scouting Director Eddie Bane is high on this Arizona State Sun Devil who delivered with a .321/.478/.616 slash line along with 17 homers in 224 at-bats as a senior before Bane nabbed him in the 8th round. Look for Calhoun to at least lock up a spot on the bench out of spring training for the Angels, with an outside shot at claiming the right field job should Trumbo's second half woes at the plate carry over into spring camp. There's also a chance Trumbo could be given another crack at third base, giving Calhoun a shot at the right field gig. I suspect the very worst you're going to get out of Calhoun is a solid reserve outfielder and productive pinch hitter in the big leagues.