While the Los Angeles Dodgers were shuffling non-roster invitees and Minor Leaguers in and out of their early Spring Training games, Willie Calhoun — one of the organization’s top prospects — remained in dugout.
Calhoun appeared off the bench March 5, which was the Dodgers’ 10th Cactus League game of the year. Up to that point he’d been undergoing a “crash course,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“He ascended through talent, and to be a complete baseball player is really important. We’re hitting him from all angles and he’s doing a great job.”
Calhoun’s early work during camp included fielding extra grounders at second base, and additional focus on conditioning and weight training. “The main thing is he gets it and has bought into it’s going to help him in the short and longterm,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers were mindful of the heavy workload, and found it prudent to not add to Calhoun’s day, Roberts went on to explain.
While there have been some questions over Calhoun’s ability as a second baseman, the Dodgers have not given any indication of having such concerns. Roberts said the organization strictly views the 22-year-old as a second baseman.
“The actions are pretty good and the work ethic is there,” Roberts said. Calhoun has worked extensively with Dodgers third base and infield coach Chris Woodward, both prior to and during Spring Training.
“[Woodward] said he likes [Calhoun’s] actions, but there are some mechanical things he can clean up,” Roberts said. “The aptitude and willingness is there. Woody had him a little before camp started, and even now, said there’s been drastic improvement with Willie’s defense.”
Entering Sunday, Calhoun is batting .304/.333/.391 with two doubles and three RBI in 13 Cactus League games. Since the slow start, he’s appeared in each game since debuting against the Seattle Mariners on March 5.
This year is Calhoun’s first significant experience in Major League camp. He appeared in four Cactus League games last year, making one start. The Dodgers selected Calhoun in the fourth round of the 2015 Draft.
