Remember Chris Shelton's nine home runs in the first 13 games for the Detroit Tigers in 2006? Stud or Shelton examines whether currently hot players are displaying a similar mirage or will continue to play at a high level.As promised in today's Roto Rush, we're gonna check out Mr. Alberto Callaspo. After another solid night Tuesday, Callaspo is hitting .379 with 16 runs, 2 home runs and 11 RBI. He also has a league-high 13 doubles and has walked twice as much as he's struck out (10 to 5). So, this is a joke right? He's coming back down to Earth immediately.
Not so fast ...
Last season, as a part-time player, Callaspo hit .305 in 213 at-bats. He walked 19 times and only struck out 14. He only had 8 doubles, but did compile 3 triples. This was all after a league transition -- he came over from the Diamondbacks of the National League -- to the more difficult league.
His minor league track record was really, really solid before being jerked around by the D-Backs. In 2005 he hit .304 with 29 doubles, 2 triples, 11 homers and 80 RBI in 139 games. In 2006 he hit .337 with 24 doubles, 12 triples, 7 home runs and 68 RBI in 114 games. Along the way, Callaspo walked 229 times while only striking out 145.
If you're looking for home run power, he's not your man. He does, however, have great gap power, good speed, and an incredible understanding of the strike zone. The Royals are playing good baseball right now, but they aren't a good hitting team just yet. Getting this kind of production from a middle infielder means it would behoove them to leave Callaspo in the lineup. Plus, he can play second or short.
Verdict: Stud. He's obviously not hitting .379 all year, but he's very legitimate in terms of the talent he's showing. At age 26 he'll continue to flourish into a solid everyday player. That is, of course, assuming Trey Hillman leaves him in the lineup.
