Saturday, December 21, 2019

Welcome back, Erik Kratz


The big lug turns 40 in June. But he's seen the world, he knows how to mentor teenagers, and I gotta believe he can answer the call - short term, anyway - if/when Gary or Higgy tweak a G-string. We signed him yesterday. No ticker-tape parade or appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. But only two Octobers ago, he started in the NL playoffs for Milwaukee (and hit .625 - five for eight in the Divisional Series!) He's no Romine, but sometimes, it's the deals done in agate that make the difference.

Last year, we signed Gio Urshela, Cameron Maybin, Breyvic Valera and David Hale with barely a peep on MLB Tonight. 

This year, thus far, it's Kratz and two LH speed/glove outfielders, Zack Granite and Thomas Milone. Lottery tickets. Could Cashman get lucky again?

10 comments:

TheWinWarblist said...

đŸ¤¦

Anonymous said...

He's the only Yankee that I know of with a 1.000 BA with more than 1 at bat. Sure it's only two ABs, but it's still amazing. I wouldn't want to see that stat ruined.

JM said...

We're really gonna miss Romine. Really. Really really.

My prediction is, Sanchez is out for more than half the games this season. Nobody will pick up the slack...by "slack" I mean maintaining the lack of production at the plate at the same level. On the other hand, whoever steps in is bound to improve the defensive performance.

This is gonna suck.

Anonymous said...

Where's Betances?

Alphonso said...

JM...I think you are right. Gary misses half the games. And in the others, he hits .238 and strikes out three times per game, on average. His "thrown out stealing rate" will hover between 10-15%. And only 1 error per game will be on him.

ranger_lp said...

@Anonymous...they are not signing Toons from what I read.

Der Kaiser said...

I don't know anything about him, but this man's nickname is simply unacceptable. "Kratzy"? Erik Floyd Kratz is a great ballplayer name - and "Kratzy" is the best they could come up with? I assume he's been saddled with this sad sack nom de plume for years, so I can't even hold Booney responsible. But there are so many better possibilities!

Der Wolkenkratzer! (it would help if he were a few inches taller)
Rosenkratz! (it would help if the Yankees would also sign someone named "Guillen" or "Stern" to platoon with him)
The Kratzenjammer Kid! (it would help if he were a rookie, or else if he were the oldest player in the league)

At least I have full confidence that The Master will devise a suitable home run call. "Kratz me if you can!" "Kratz amore!" "Kratz-ie mille!"

HoraceClarke66 said...

I dunno, ranger. These guys are making out the Yanks may still be in the Hunt for Toonces:

https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-yankees/new-york-yankees-could-still-be-in-on-dellin-betances/

The bigger question, I think, is if we should be. Do we really want to sign a guy so fragile that a little half-jump off the mound leaves him out for the rest of the season?

ranger_lp said...

@Hoss...the problem is that when he pitches do we get Dellin or Fellin?

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