After a series of unfortunate events in 2020, Texas Rangers DH Willie Calhoun looks strong and healthy in a recent Twitter post.
Let’s be honest, 2020 was bad for a lot of people, but Willie Calhoun arguably had the worst luck of anyone in the baseball world.
Beginning with a Julio Urias heater to the jaw in spring training, a pandemic-shortened season and to top it off, a pulled hamstring early in his return to the field.
If there was anyone who needed 2020 to come to a close, it was Willie Calhoun.
The Texas Rangers’ designated hitter took to social media on Tuesday and posted this video of himself in the batting cages.
https://twitter.com/Rangers/status/1359298536777654272?s=20
Willie Calhoun looks jacked and Texas Rangers fans should be excited!
From the naked eye it looks like a normal swing, but to me, I see a healthy and strong player ready to get back to work.
From my perspective, this is the most balanced and powerful swing that I’ve seen from Calhoun.
Yes, it’s not against a big league pitcher, but it’s a good start.
Listen to the way the ball jumps off his bat. It’s a beautiful sound.
If Calhoun comes into camp healthy, he has the designated hitter job to lose.
If Willie Calhoun needed more motivation to play well, there is always recently-acquired Khris Davis who is looking for his share of the at-bats.
The Texas Rangers are set to have plenty of competitions this spring, including at designated hitter.
Baseball Reference projects Calhoun to hit .242/.304/.420/.724 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs.
They have Davis projected to hit .224/.305/.429/.733 adding 19 homers and 57 RBIs.
If these projections are anywhere near their actual production, the Texas Rangers could have a very interesting platoon at DH this season.
Although Willie Calhoun looks to be making his case early to keep his position, Davis’ motivation and change of scenery will make this a very competitive spring.
It will be interesting to see how this battle plays out. Anything can happen between now and April 1st, after all.