Erik Kratz

Not to be confused with the musician, Eric Kretz.
Erik Kratz

Kratz's second stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016
Cleveland Indians
Catcher
Born: (1980-06-15) June 15, 1980
Telford, Pennsylvania
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 17, 2010, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
(through 2016 season)
Batting average .200
Home runs 24
Runs batted in 73
Teams

Erik Floyd Kratz (born June 15, 1980) is an American professional baseball catcher with the Cleveland Indians organization. Kratz played baseball at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School and Eastern Mennonite University until he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.

After playing for seven years with minor-league affiliates of the Blue Jays, from 2002 through 2008, Kratz signed a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates to play for the Indianapolis Indians in 2009. He made his Major League Baseball debut on July 17, 2010 to replace Jason Jaramillo. Before the 2011 season, Kratz signed a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies and played with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, appearing several times in 2011 and 2012 at the Major-League level and ultimately winning the backup catcher job on the Phillies' 2013 roster. He was dealt back to the Toronto Blue Jays organization prior to the 2014 season, dividing his playing time between Toronto and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons before being traded to the Kansas City Royals in July. He returned to the Phillies in 2015.

Early life

Kratz graduated from Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia.[1] While with the Eastern Mennonite Royals from 1999 to 2002, he caught every at-bat for every game he played and was named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of the Year twice.[2]

Professional career

Draft

Kratz was selected by the Blue Jays in the 29th round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He was the first player to be drafted out of Eastern Mennonite University.[3]

Minor league career

After the draft, Kratz worked his way up through the minor leagues over the course of 3 years with the Medicine Hat Blue Jays, Auburn Doubledays, Charleston AlleyCats, New Haven Ravens, and Dunedin Blue Jays. He then played the 2005 season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.[4] There, he had a .205 batting average, 11 home runs, and 34 runs batted in.[4] From 2006 to 2008, Kratz alternated between the Fisher Cats and the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs.[4] In 2006, he had a combined .228 average, 7 home runs, and 34 RBIs; in 2007, he had a combined .235 average, 13 home runs, and 49 RBIs; in 2008, he had a combined .239 average, 16 home runs, and 43 RBIs.[4] On June 9, 2008, he was named the International League Player of the Week.[4]

Pittsburgh Pirates

2009

Kratz (left), having a conversation with Virgil Vasquez, during his tenure with the Indianapolis Indians, triple-A affiliates of the Pirates, in 2009

In 2009, Kratz signed with the Pirates, who were in need of a primary Triple-A catcher after the call up of Robinzon Diaz to replace the injured Ryan Doumit. He played the 2009 season with the Indianapolis Indians and finished with a .273 batting average, 11 home runs, and 43 RBIs.[4] He was named the International League Mid-Season All-Star and the International League Triple-A All-Star Game Top Star on July 15 and the International League Post-Season All-Star on September 1.[4]

2010

Kratz began the 2010 season with the Indianapolis and finished his minor league season with a .274 batting average, 9 home runs, and 41 RBIs.[4] On July 14, he was named the International League Mid-Season All-Star for the second time.[4]

On July 12, 2010 the Pirates optioned catcher Jason Jaramillo to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians and the team announced Kratz would be called up to replace him.

He made his Major League debut on July 17, 2010 against the Houston Astros. He batted 7th and recorded his first hit against Astros starter Bud Norris, a single to right center field and drove in his first run later in the game. He finished the night hitting 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Kratz appeared in 9 games over a two-week period, batting .118.

Philadelphia Phillies

2011

Kratz signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 2011 season. He spent the season with their Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he batted a .288 BA with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs.[4] On July 13, he won his third International League Mid-Season All-Star award.[4] He was called up to the big league club on September 16,[5] and went on to play two games with the Phillies, recording two hits in six at-bats.

Kratz playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012

2012

Kratz opened the 2012 season with Lehigh Valley, but had several stints on the Phillies' active roster. He hit his first career Major League home run on May 22, a solo shot against Washington Nationals pitcher Tom Gorzelanny that landed in the center field bushes at Citizens Bank Park. Acting initially as a pinch hitter to replace the injured Jim Thome, Kratz later assumed a catching job following injuries to backup catcher Brian Schneider and All-Star starter Carlos Ruiz.

He quickly began producing offensively, registering a 1.395 OPS in his first 16 games. Ultimately, Kratz hit .248 with 9 home runs in 50 games and 141 at-bats.

2013

Kratz made his first Major League Opening Day roster with the Phillies in 2013. He served as the team's primary catcher while Ruiz served a 25-day drug suspension,[6] but was placed on the disabled list on June 9 with a torn medial meniscus and underwent surgery.[7] He returned to the club on July 21, and continued as backup catcher thereafter. Kratz finished the season with a .213 batting average, 42 hits, 9 home runs, and 26 RBIs.

Toronto Blue Jays

On December 3, 2013, Kratz, along with pitcher Rob Rasmussen, was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brad Lincoln.[8] Kratz had a strong spring, batting .400 before being demoted to minor-league camp in favor of Josh Thole.[9] On March 30, he was recalled from Triple-A after Casey Janssen was placed on the disabled list.[10] Kratz appeared in 6 games for the Blue Jays and batted .200 before being optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons to make room for J. A. Happ.[11] He was later recalled and played in 34 total games with the Blue Jays, batting .198 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI before being traded.[12]

Kansas City Royals

Kratz during his tenure with the Kansas City Royals in 2015

On July 28, 2014, Kratz was traded with Liam Hendriks to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Danny Valencia.[13] He had his first career multi-homer game on August 18 in a 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins.

On June 11, 2015, Kratz was designated for assignment.[14]

Boston Red Sox

On June 21, 2015, Kratz was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.[15] He was designated for assignment on June 25,[16] and elected free agency on June 29.[17]

Seattle Mariners

Kratz signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners on July 2, 2015. He was released on the July 15.[18]

Second stint with Phillies

On July 17, 2015, Kratz signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.[19] He was added to the active roster on September 1 and made his first appearance with the team since 2013 the following day, hitting a pinch-hit, two-run double against Matt Harvey of the New York Mets.

San Diego Padres

On December 11, 2015, Kratz signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[20]

Houston Astros

On March 28, 2016, Kratz was traded to the Houston Astros for pitcher Dan Straily.[21] On April 26 he was pressed into service as a pitcher during a blowout with the Astros. He was designated for assignment on May 16 and released on May 22.[22]

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

On May 27, 2016, Kratz agreed to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[23]

Second stint with Pittsburgh

On June 11, 2016, Kratz was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who added him to their 40-man roster.[24] On June 21, 2016 Kratz became the first player since 1879 to pitch and catch for two different major league teams in a single year. He tossed a scoreless inning while forced into relief for the Pirates in a 15-4 loss to the Giants. He allowed two hits and struck out Brandon Belt for his first out of the inning. His previous outing on the mound took place on April 26, 2016 for the Astros, against the Mariners, in which he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits over one inning in an 11-1 loss.[25] He was designated for assignment on July 19,[26] and elected free agency on July 22.[27]

Third stint with Toronto

On July 28, 2016, Kratz signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[28] In 19 games with the Buffalo Bisons, Kratz hit .155 with one RBI.[29] On November 7, he elected free agency.[30]

Cleveland Indians

On December 1, 2016, Kratz signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.[31]

Personal life

Kratz is a devout member of the Souderton, Pennsylvania Mennonite Church. Up until 2009, Kratz worked a construction job in the winter to support his family. He has a wife named Sarah and two sons named Brayden and Ethan; he also has a daughter named Avery.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Good, Sheldon (3 October 2011). "Ballplayer feels right at home". Mennonite World Review. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  2. ↑ "EMU, Christopher Dock grad gets big-league baseball call". Mennonite World Review. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  3. 1 2 Miller, Sam (September 14, 2012). "Pebble Hunting: The best story of 2012". Baseball Prospectus. Prospectus Entertainment Ventures, LLC. Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Erik Kratz Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights". MiLB.com. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  5. ↑ Zolecki, Todd (17 September 2011). "Brown among several Phillies callups". phillies.com: News. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  6. ↑ "Carlos Ruiz of Philadelphia Phillies suspended for 25 games after positive test". ESPN. November 12, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  7. ↑ Short, D.J. (June 10, 2013). "Erik Kratz to undergo surgery for medial mensicus tear in knee". HardballTalk. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  8. ↑ Silva, Drew (December 3, 2013). "Phillies acquire Brad Lincoln from the Blue Jays for Erik Kratz and Rob Rasmussen". hardballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  9. ↑ Kennedy, Brendan (March 26, 2014). "Toronto Blue Jays name Josh Thole backup catcher; Erik Kratz cut despite strong pre-season". thestar.com. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  10. ↑ Franzoni, Kyle (March 30, 2014). "Toronto Blue Jays Send Casey Janssen To DL, Erik Kratz Recalled From Buffalo". jaysjournal.com. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  11. ↑ Davidi, Shi (April 13, 2014). "Jays put Izturis on DL, Happ to be activated". Sportsnet. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Erik Kratz Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  13. ↑ Chisholm, Gregor (July 28, 2014). "Blue Jays shore up infield depth, acquire Valencia". MLB.com. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Royals designate Erik Kratz for assignment". ESPN.com. June 11, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  15. ↑ Doyle, Ricky (June 21, 2015). "Red Sox Claim Veteran Catcher Erik Kratz Off Waivers From Royals". nesn.com. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  16. ↑ "Pedroia goes on Boston disabled list with strained hamstring". bellinghamherald.com. June 25, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  17. ↑ Gitlin, Marty (June 29, 2015). "Former Red Sox C Erik Kratz chooses free agency". fantasynews.cbssports.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  18. ↑ Smith, Elliott (July 15, 2015). "Mariners release Triple-A catcher Erik Kratz". fantasynews.cbssports.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  19. ↑ Lempert, Jason (July 17, 2015). "Catcher Erik Kratz joins Phillies on a minor league deal". fantasynews.cbssports.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Padres' Erik Kratz: Signs with the Padres". cbssports.com. December 11, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Padres acquire RHP Dan Straily from Houston Astros". MLB.com. March 28, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Houston Astros: Transactions". houston.astros.mlb.com. MLB Media. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  23. ↑ Todd, Jeff (May 26, 2016). "Angels To Sign Erik Kratz To Minors Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
  24. ↑ Wilmoth, Charlie (June 11, 2016). "Pirates Place Francisco Cervelli On DL, Acquire Erik Kratz From Angels". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  25. ↑ Erickson, Andrew (June 21, 2016). "Pirates' Kratz makes history on the mound". Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Pirates' Erik Kratz: DFA'd by Pirates". July 19, 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  27. ↑ Todd, Jeff (July 22, 2016). "Minor MLB Transactions: 7/22/16". mlbtraderumors.ocm. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  28. ↑ Nicholson-Smith, Ben; Davidi, Shi (July 28, 2016). "Blue Jays to sign veteran catcher Erik Kratz to minor-league deal". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Erik Kratz Register Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  30. ↑ "International League Transactions". MiLB.com. p. November 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  31. ↑ Adams, Steve (December 1, 2016). "Indians Sign Michael Martinez, Erik Kratz To Minors Deals". mlbtradeumors.com. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
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