The Atlanta Braves might have another product of their farm system play a major role as Evan Gattis can impress during Spring Training. As Mark Bowman, Braves' MLB.com beat writers reports, the coaching staff in Atlanta is excited to see what Gattis can provide off the bench.
Gattis AKA El Oso Blanco (The White Bear) is coming off a red hot Winter League performance where he smacked 16 home runs while hitting .303 in 53 games played. Gattis, who plays the outfield and some first base, was officially brought into the Braves system as a catcher. In the Venezuelan Winter League, Gattis was a DH hitter where he provided most of his damage.
Unfortunately for the Braves, they are a National League team so if Gattis wants playing action, he'll have to come off the bench. The Braves look set in the outfield with the addition of the Upton Brothers this past offseason. They also added Chris Johnson to handle third base duties and Freddie Freeman doesn't look like he'll be surrendering first base to anybody.
At 6' 4", Gattis' reach makes him a great first baseman. He's also right handed, so if Freeman ever needs a break if he struggles, Gattis could be a great fill in until Freeman gets his swing back.
This is dangerous for a guy like Reed Johnson, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs before the 2012 trade deadline. Johnson came over in a deal with lefty pitcher Paul Maholm.
Gattis' winter ball success was not a one-time thing. In 2012, Gattis breezed his way up the ladder through the Braves minor league affiliates. He finished the 2012 campaign with 18 homers, 67 RBI while hitting .305 and an on-base percentage of .389.
He's got bat speed and power, which could help add more home runs to the Braves expected 2013 total. Gattis is 26 years old and, if versatile during Spring Training, he could find himself with a spot on the Braves bench.
