Angels' Calhoun Looking For Opportunity
TEMPE, Ariz.—Kole Calhoun doesn't have the kind of eye-popping skills that would make him a top prospect, but he has enough tools to help the Angels in a reserve role.
That could make this a season of uncertainty—and limited growth—for the 25-year-old outfielder, who would benefit from playing every day at Triple-A but might spend much of 2013 on the bench in the big leagues.
"At this point in his career, Kole is looking for opportunity, and his growth will come facing major league pitching," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "There's only so much you're going to learn playing Triple-A. You have to carve a spot for yourself, and that's what he's trying to do."
The lefthanded-hitting Calhoun, an eighth-round pick out of Arizona State in 2010 hit .298/.369/.507 with 14 home runs, 30 doubles, seven triples and 73 RBIs in 410 at-bats with Salt Lake last season. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder is an excellent defender at three outfield spots and a good baserunner and bunter, as he showed in a 21-game big league cameo last season.
But with Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Peter Bourjos entrenched in the Angels outfield and Mark Trumbo and Vernon Wells in reserve, there isn't much room for advancement in Anaheim.
"No doubt, this team is stacked, top to bottom, which is great for the ballclub and the fans," Calhoun said. "I think anybody who gets a job playing outfield for this team, it's going to be well-deserved."
Calhoun, who is playing some first base this spring in an effort to increase his versatility, is competing with Scott Cousins and Bill Hall for a reserve spot. His biggest challenges will be adjusting to a significant reduction in playing time and coming off the bench to face tough late-inning relievers.
"He has an opportunity to earn a spot on the club," Scioscia said. "But if he's going to be a role player, he has to get used to keeping himself sharp for when he gets chance to play."
Angel Food
• Reliever Bobby Cassevah, whose once-promising Angels career was derailed by a rotator-cuff injury last season, cleared waivers and was outrighted off the 40-man roster. The righthander, who went 1-1, 2.72 in 30 games for the Angels in 2011, opted to become a free agent.
• Andrew Romine, the favorite to win the utility infield job with the Angels, gave up switch-hitting in 2012 and will hit strictly from the left side this season.
E-mail
PrintTEMPE, Ariz.—Kole Calhoun doesn't have the kind of eye-popping skills that would make him a top prospect, but he has enough tools to help the Angels in a reserve role.
That could make this a season of uncertainty—and limited growth—for the 25-year-old outfielder, who would benefit from playing every day at Triple-A but might spend much of 2013 on the bench in the big leagues.
"At this point in his career, Kole is looking for opportunity, and his growth will come facing major league pitching," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "There's only so much you're going to learn playing Triple-A. You have to carve a spot for yourself, and that's what he's trying to do."
The lefthanded-hitting Calhoun, an eighth-round pick out of Arizona State in 2010 hit .298/.369/.507 with 14 home runs, 30 doubles, seven triples and 73 RBIs in 410 at-bats with Salt Lake last season. The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder is an excellent defender at three outfield spots and a good baserunner and bunter, as he showed in a 21-game big league cameo last season.
But with Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Peter Bourjos entrenched in the Angels outfield and Mark Trumbo and Vernon Wells in reserve, there isn't much room for advancement in Anaheim.
"No doubt, this team is stacked, top to bottom, which is great for the ballclub and the fans," Calhoun said. "I think anybody who gets a job playing outfield for this team, it's going to be well-deserved."
Calhoun, who is playing some first base this spring in an effort to increase his versatility, is competing with Scott Cousins and Bill Hall for a reserve spot. His biggest challenges will be adjusting to a significant reduction in playing time and coming off the bench to face tough late-inning relievers.
"He has an opportunity to earn a spot on the club," Scioscia said. "But if he's going to be a role player, he has to get used to keeping himself sharp for when he gets chance to play."
Angel Food
• Reliever Bobby Cassevah, whose once-promising Angels career was derailed by a rotator-cuff injury last season, cleared waivers and was outrighted off the 40-man roster. The righthander, who went 1-1, 2.72 in 30 games for the Angels in 2011, opted to become a free agent.
• Andrew Romine, the favorite to win the utility infield job with the Angels, gave up switch-hitting in 2012 and will hit strictly from the left side this season.
indicates Premium Content | Copyright © 1999-2013 Baseball America Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved. | Site Map | FAQs | Careers | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Return/Refund Policy.
Baseball America, 4319 South Alston Avenue, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27713. | Follow us on: 
