The Royals announced today that they have reinstated catcher Erik Kratz from the 15-day disabled list and designated him for assignment (Twitter link). The decision means that Drew Butera will be Kansas City’s backup to Salvador Perez going forward.
The 34-year-old Kratz had previously served as Perez’s backup, although he scarcely saw action due to the excellent young backstop’s exceptionally high workload behind he dish. Kratz picked up just five plate appearances in four games with the Royals this year and has been on the disabled list since early May with inflammation in his left foot.
Most of Kratz’s career has been spent with the Phillies, but he’s also had brief stints in Toronto and Kansas City. All told, Kratz has shown nice power but low batting average and on-base capabilities, as evidenced by a .217/.270/.400 batting line. He’s also a skilled pitch-framer, however, and he’s thrown out 32 percent of attempted base-stealers in his big league career.
Butera, 31, is considered by many to be an excellent defender in his own right, however, which is largely why he has amassed 771 big league plate appearances despite being one of the least productive hitters in the game. The longtime Twin is a career .182/.236/.265 hitter in parts of six seasons with the Twins, Dodgers, Angels and now Royals. Kansas City acquired Butera from the Angels on May 7 in exchange for infielder Ryan Jackson.
Interesting Butera over Kratz
If it had been me, I would have taken Kratz.
Butera’s a better defensive catcher. Which says a lot considering Kratz is decent himself. I also think Butera’s a better contact hitter, though he lacks Kratz’s power. Overall I think it’s a wash. Neither guy would play much anyway, and if Salvy should go down with a significant injury, the Royals would probably look outside the organization to fill his shoes.
Comparison of career numbers would say Kratz is the superior defender. Just because Ned Yost gives an opinion does not make it truth.
The Royals are going to have to find someone to spell Perez. The guy plays every freaking day, his body is to large to hold up to that type of use for very long. I am a Royals fan but what they are doing to Perez is almost criminal. They signed him to that crazy awesome deal and now he is the rental car that you bought insurance on and you drive it like you stole it.
Perhaps what the Royals really need to find is a manager that understands a catcher, regardless of skill set, if played every inning of every game, will eventually wear down.
And Slavy is the kind of player that will BEG to play every day. He could get days off if he wanted to but he likes to play the game. I don’t see him staying this way his entire career but for now while he still “feels good”, let him play! Remember, Salvy didn’t HAVE to sign the deal. He could’ve held out for more but he signed it so stop trying to put blame where it doesn’t belong.
When did America stop believing in personal responsibility? Oh, about 20 years ago…..”it’s everybodys fault but mine!!”
I agree, I did not mean to imply that Salvy is some sort of victim here because he signed this deal early on in his career when the Royals took a huge risk on a guy that hit like crap in the minors. My point is that given his size and the fact that he has had knee issues in the past I just don’t see him holding up to this many starts. The stupid part is that if you look at stats on Sal when he is given a day off a week his numbers offense jumps up for two days after the day off. When he does not get a day off his numbers get worse every day until a break. Just poor managing and Sal looked horrible during the playoffs with the bat. Yes he had the big hit in the wild card game but mostly he was swinging at everything. I know the Royals feel they got a great deal and they don’t care about his long term career because they won’t be able to afford him when he hits the open market. Sal just needs to protect himself and his knees if he ever wants to get a big pay day. He is a great hitting catcher but not good enough to be a DH in my opinion.
The rangers should take him both of their catchers are itting sub .200.
He would do well in Texas, especially with his long-ball capabilities
A low OBP means he’s destine to become a Mariner.