I've gotten current Angel Kevin Frandsen's autograph several times in spring training with the San Francisco Giants and maybe once in 2009 when he was with Fresno Grizzlies [when the team was playing in Las Vegas] - so I guess I knew who he was before being acquired by the Angels.
However, after being a waiver wire claim from the Boston Red Sox earlier in the year, Frandsen may have emerged as a semi-regular in Anaheim - with a gaudy .352 batting average [nice to look at, not likely to last] in 91 at-bats so far.
Several years ago, the Giants were looking to get Frandsen into their starting lineup, but I think an injury wiped him out for a whole season - and he had to work his way back to the Major Leagues.
Between the nicks and dings suffered by Maicer Izturis and the injury suffered by Erick Aybar in 2010 - the Angels have had to move Brandon Wood [the once heralded uber power-hitting prospect of the organization is floundering] to shortstop, allowing Frandsen to get some playing time at third base.
As an Angels' fan, I've noticed if a guy is going to be called up to the 'varsity' team in Anaheim - Manager Mike Scioscia is going to find an opportunity for the player to play a role with the team as opposed to merely have the guy rot on the bench.
If Frandsen sticks around, it looks like he'll be another 'scrappy,' guy Angels fans will come to embrace - he reminds me a little of Scott Spiezio, who blossomed as an Angel 10 seasons ago after being a castoff from the another Major League organization.
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