The Phillies were looking for pitching depth in the 2014 offseason. The team felt that they could get it in the form of right-handed pitcher Brad Lincoln. So, the Phillies shipped their backup catcher Erik Kratz and prospect Rob Rasmussen to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Kratz. While the Phillies added a very solid backup catcher in Wil Nieves, Rasmussen pitched more innings and was more effective in the major leagues for the Blue Jays than Lincoln, and Kratz now finds himself in the World Series.
Kratz was the subject of a piece in the Montgomery County, PA publication The Reporter, which covers news in the Telford, PA native's hometown. Kratz found the trade to be a surprise:
“I never thought I would get traded from Philly,” Kratz said. “I got traded twice in six months and I thought that would never happen. I have been super thankful to have this opportunity with Kansas City.”
Kratz joined the Royals in July after a trade deadline trade. The Royals made only one trade the entire deadline: acquiring Kratz from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Danny Valencia. Despite the slow trade deadline, the Royals find themselves in the World Series. While Kratz has yet to appear in a postseason game, he remains on the roster as a backup for Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez:
“I take a look at the scouting reports,” Kratz said. “(Pitching coach) Dave (Eiland) gives his report, Sal does his report, pitchers do their report and we all get together and get things right. We do that every day. I think that is part of what I bring to the table.”
“I have to be ready,” Kratz said. “One, Salvy takes a beating, two these are close games and tied or one-run, I may need to pinch run for him. I have to be able to get in there. That’s my role. I embrace it and I love it.”
On August 18th, Kratz's readiness helped the Royals when Perez left the game early with knee pain. Kratz homered twice to give the Royals a 6-4 win.
Kratz likely will always been a Phillies favorite, given that he grew up in the area and appeared in the popular Godshall Meats television ads. While the Phillies ended the season out of the playoffs, it is nice to root for a former favorite.
