Top 100 Angels #78 Alberto Callaspo

The Los Angeles/California/Anaheim Angels have played almost 60 seasons of baseball. As the baseball world is suspended due to circumstances outside its control, it is time to look back at the history of this organization. There have been many talented players to put on the uniform, and we at Crashing the Pearly Gates wish to highlight the best who have ever represented the Angels. Without further ado, here we go!

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The Angels got exactly what they were looking for upon re-acquiring Alberto Callaspo from the Royals. A middle infielder by trade, the Angels were looking for a versatile piece to help them that year and beyond. Callaspo, with a 7.7 bWAR as an Angel between 2010 and 2013, delivered exactly as promised though surrendering farmhand Will Smith hurt, one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball today.

Callaspo was easily the best defender the Angels could sport at the hot corner, and his acquisition begun to put the future of Brandon Wood into doubt. Not that Wood did himself any favors with a sputtering .382 OPS, though (not OBP, OPS). It’s unfortunate that the Angels were never able to make the playoffs during Callaspo’s tenure as they sported very, very good teams, with a monster 1-2-3 of Dan Haren, Jered Weaver, and Ervin Santana in 2011.

Callaspo’s .266/.332/.370 line between 2010-2013 won’t turn heads, but he rarely struck out (less than 200 K’s total across those four seasons) and walked twice more than he came up empty.

In 2013, the Angels jettisoned the veteran Callaspo for infielder Grant Green, an A’s top prospect. The Angels had been fond of him dating back to the 2009 draft, and acquired him in a move that bought them salary relief. Ironically, Green’s acquisition was made for the identical reason as Callaspo’s: a versatile piece who can fill in when needed. The only difference was that this time, it was a dud.

Soon after, Callaspo washed out of the big leagues due to lack of hitting ability and Green could never figure it out at the plate, either. But not before Callaspo delivered a couple of very underrated seasons in the field. So long to Alberto Callaspo, the most underrated third baseman the Angels have sported this millennium.

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...Rev Halofan
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Trusted Member
3 years ago

That 2012 team really could have put a postseason run together had they made it. Callaspo showed up every day and hardly dazzled but never disappointed.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
3 years ago

Hot Dog was as steady as they came. Solid defense, solid at bats in which he rarely got himself out. Not a highlight reel, but a solid player.

red floyd
Legend
3 years ago

HOT DOG!!!!

Also,

n 2013, the Angels jettisoned the veteran Callaspo for infielder Grant Green,

To the great joy of Christie2002.