BUCS CATCH JOURNEYMAN KRATZ THE HALOS
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired catcher Erik Kratz from the Los Angeles Angels for cash.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
Usual starting Pirates backstop Francisco Cervelli broke the hamate bone in his left hand recently, and that's the impetus for this move. Pittsburgh must now turn to light-hitting backup Chris Stewart as the primary catcher, so Kratz is expected to back him up (and possibly push him for starts with Cervelli is out). Both Kratz and Stewart are 30-somethings and journeymen, though Kratz probably has a little more talent with the bat. Stewart additionally is dealing with a sore foot, so Kratz might start regularly right away.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
Kratz was not with the Angels for very long after signing a minor-league deal with them this May. He did not appear in any games with the big club (and the team already has several others ahead of him on the catching depth chart), so this was just a case of the Angels moving on and getting a little cash in return for his services. Kratz had no future in the Angels organization (or anywhere in Major League Baseball at this point in his career).
Fantasy impact
There is little to see here fantasy-wise. It hurts a bit for fantasy owners of Cervelli (since he has an above-average bat for a catcher), but neither Kratz nor Stewart is likely to remind anyone of Buster Posey anytime soon.
