Atlanta Braves Should Pull the Plug on Alberto Callaspo
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It is just not working.
On May 1st, Chris Johnson was placed on the disabled list with a broken hand. On that day, Alberto Callaspo went from a part time player to a full timer. Here’s what he’s managed to accomplish at the plate since that date:
38 plate appearances (31 AB). 4 hits, 4 runs scored, 2 RBI. That’s a .129 batting average.
You could argue that he was doing better in the platoon – and you would be right. But even so, he’s only at .250 (and dropping like a rock) against right-handed pitching. His numbers vs. LHP are at the Bingo Night level (O-67).
- His last extra-base hit? April 28… the same day as his last multi-hit game (part of a 2 for 6 effort).
- His slash line? Down to .218/.307/.276 with a .222 BABIP and 64 wRC+. The only good numbers I can find are that Callaspo’s walk rate is close to double that of his K-rate… the only way his OBP peeks above .300.
Even on defense it is difficult to justify his presence: his .939 fielding percentage (3 errors) is better than only Chris Johnson (.857; 2 errors).
When ranking all third basemen by fWAR (min 50 PA), then only 2 worse than Callaspo (38th, with -0.4 fWAR) are Josh Harrison (Pirates, -0.6) and Casey McGehee (Giants, -0.8). Even Kelly Johnson comes in at 20th (0.4).
It’s bad, and changes are needed.
What to Do?
Option 1. The immediate change I would recommend is to start using Pedro Ciriaco. Remember him? He was called up on May 2nd, but only seen the plate twice. Oddly enough, he still has as many RBI (2) and more XBHs (1) than Callaspo in May via those 2 plate appearances.
Since Chris Johnson is still on the shelf, Callaspo probably needs to be retained for a while. But please, Fredi Gonzalez: stop using Albert!
If after 2-3 weeks of trying Ciriaco, the Braves aren’t satisfied with the results, then Chris Johnson should be on the cusp of a return. If the results are actually decent, then there would be cause for handing Callaspo a check for the balance of his $3 million contract and adding a warm departing pat on the back.
Option 2. Play Philip Gosselin. You can certainly argue that he’s earned the chance, but the problem here lies in Goose’s versatility to play virtually any position. Atlanta needs that flexibility – to allow a double-switch at any position… plus the evident baseball savvy to make the right move on the bases when necessary. But if you think that Ciriaco can provide that kind of flexible support, then use Gosselin at 3rd base.
Option 3. Release Callaspo and call up Jose Peraza, which would necessitate moving Jace Peterson to third base. There are several reasons not to do this move, though: (a) it’s still a bit too early to avoid Super-2 status…and could be a little early, period; (b) while he’s hitting well at AAA (up to .305 now after a slow start); he is (c) not yet taking enough walks: 5.6%, though OBP is at an acceptable .348.
Either way: Callaspo has been given enough cord, especially over the past 2 weeks…it’s time to pull the plug.