2013 Angels in Review: The Backups

Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) makes a diving catch for an out off a ball hit by Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler (5) in the fourth inning of the game at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Every team from every season ever has had to use a plethora of backups and callups to fill out the roster. This post isn’t for all of them. I have to draw the line somewhere, I mean, if I talked about every player that that was used in some small capacity during the 2013 season, this thing would run around 5,000 words and the comments would have a bunch “TL;DR’s” in them. Hell, I would even comment “TL;DR.”

So let’s just get it out of the way right now that, if you were hoping to read about Brendan Harris here, you will be disappointed. You want to read about Barry Enright? Sorry. I don’t want to talk about him. Brad Hawpe? Negative. Some players actually made an impact on a semi-semi-regular basis, and I decide who was worth talking about.

Now that we have the ground rules out of the way, let’s move on.

Andrew Romine

Austin’s brother appeared in 47 games for the Halos in 2013. He still isn’t much of a hitter, but his .259/.308/.287 slash line should give you some hope that the Angels have a viable slap-hitting backup should a slap hitting regular go down. There were rumors that Romine could be the front runner for the starting third base gig in 2014. That, of course, would be glorious. If only so I can watch people melt because there would be even less power at third base.

Collin Cowgill

Acquired from the Mets for Kyle Johnson, Cowgill saw tons of playing time after Albert Pujols‘ season ended. What did he do with that playing time? He hit 231/.271/.374, that’s what he did. He also grew some kind of beard on his face, at least, that’s what I think it was.

Luis Jimenez

Lucho finally arrived in the big leagues, and to much fanfare as well. He got off to quick start, and his enthusiasm was a breath of fresh air. And even though he hit .260/.291/.317, I don’t see much big league success for the third base prospect. And that is because of one number. That number? 1.8%. In 110 plate appearances, Lucho walked 1.8% of the time. Even Brandon Wood is saying, “Dude, you need to be more patient.” I like his fire and passion, but I hope he’s not a starter next year.

Grant Green

Grant Green is the reason that Howie Kendrick might be expendable this offseason. He hit .280/.336/.384 with a .319 wOBA and and wRC+ of 104. He looked ho-hum defensively, but if you are worried about Kendrick being traded before the 2014 season, fear not, there is another.

Kole Calhoun

Last, but certainly not least, is the ginger prospect who finally got a shot. A shot that he didn’t let go to waste. Angels fans salivated over the idea of Calhoun finally getting a chance this season, and he did not disappoint them. In 58 games and 222 plate appearances, Calhoun hit .282/.347/.462 with a .351 wOBA and wRC+ of 126. If the Angels plan on moving Peter Bourjos this offseason, I will only be ok with it if Calhoun gets his starts.

My apologies to you Tommy Field, Efren Navarro and Jon Hester fans. Hopefully next season they wont need to be mentioned even this much.