Erik Kratz has been around for a while. He has a great
reputation as a defensive catcher. Supposedly, pitchers love to throw to him.
His bat looks a better than the average catcher and the power looks like it
could be around league average if not a bit better. Last season in the minors
he hit .266/.326/.540 with eight homers in 141 plate appearances. He was called
up to the Phillies and received 157 PA in which he batted .248/.306/.504 with
nine homeruns. He was scheduled to spend 2013 in the majors as a back-up but
thanks to Carlos Ruiz getting himself suspended, Kratz figures to get an extra month
of starter at-bats. He should be more than worth his purchase price.
UPSIDE: 350abs, .250/.310/.460 with 15 homers and a few
stolen bases.
