Evan Gattis made the Atlanta Braves Opening Day roster reports the team's beat writer, Mark Bowman. After having an excellent spring where he displayed power, Gattis will now join the Braves and become a force off the bench. With Gattis's play, the Braves will have a bat that can reproduce and possibly exceed expectations in 2013.
Gattis has been going nuts on pitching, whether on foreign soil or in Spring Training. This past winter, the Braves 27-year-old minor-leaguer has hit a total of 21 home runs before taking hacks in the majors. It will be his first time in the big leagues and, if his numbers are anything like those compiled, he could be spending a lot of time in Atlanta.
Braves' general manager, Frank Wren, had heard about Gattis's power when the drafted him, but after seeing what he was capable of doing, he was astonished. "When we drafted him, the on thing they said was this guy can hit. But to say that anybody projected any of this, I think that would be really beyond expectations," said Wren.
Gattis began making noise over the winter while in Venezuela. In 195 at bats for the Aguilas de Zulia, "El Oso Blanco," which is Gattis's nickname meaning The White Bear, smacked 15 home runs while hitting .303 and driving in 44 runs. He also posted a .365 on-base percentage. So far this spring, Gattis has yet to disappoint. He has hit five home runs with 15 RBI and batted .358 with a .375 OBP in a total of 53 at bats. Not only can he hit, but Gattis, as displayed by his numbers, can also get on base.
Finding players who can get on base will be key for the Braves. The last thing they want is for guys like B.J. and Justin Upton and Freddie Freeman to step up to the plate with the bases empty. These guys are projected to hit anywhere between 25-30 home runs.
Gattis, who has been a catcher during Spring Training, will be backing up Gerald Lair and possibly getting a couple of starts, though his strength is offense. Brian McCann isn't expected back in the Braves lineup until mid-to-late April due to shoulder problems. It will be a chance for Gattis to impress and break into the position he loves playing.
Gattis will join guys like Reed Johnson, either Chris Johnson or Juan Francisco and possibly even Jordan Schafer on the Braves' bench. There's power, speed and veteran leadership on this bench along with a lineup full of talent.
The Braves open the season with the Philadelphia Phillies on Apr. 1. Check out other Braves news and predictions for the 2013 season. Right beneath this article.
You can follow me @Frankie_SWR as the Braves will be one of the teams I will follow closely in 2013.