posted 5/9/12 9:23 PM PST
by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2012 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
C/1B/OF Evan Gattis, Double-A Mississippi (ATL)
season stats: .363 BA, 13 HR, 39 RBI, 10 2B, 14 BB, 16 K in 30 games (AA/HiA)
May 2-May 8: 9-for-27, 4 HR, 8 RBI
After bashing 9 home runs, 29 RBI’s and collecting 30 hits in 21 games for Hi-A Lynchburg, the Braves decided it was time to promote this week’s UTR Hitter of the Week Evan Gattis to Double-A Mississippi. Gattis has continued his red-hot pace, batting .321 with four home runs and nine RBI’s in only seven games including a single, a walk and two RBI’s in his May 1st Southern League debut vs. Mobile ace and Diamondbacks top prospect Trevor Bauer. The Forney, TX native has collected hits in 24 of his first 30 games and 11 hits in his last 10 games. The 25 year-old is catching in place of injured teammate Christian Bethancourt, but has also seen time at 1B and left field as the Braves do all they can to keep his bat in the lineup. Gattis’ performance may be the talk of the organization, but it’s his past that helps put his numbers into a more impressive perspective.
A highly-touted catcher out of Bishop Lynch HS (Dallas, TX), Gattis was on his way to play for Texas A&M University but the weight and stress of playing for the Aggies took hold. Gattis never reported and turned to drugs and alcohol. After a rehab stint, he found his way to Seminole State Junior College (OK), but his lack of contentment with life and a left knee injury led him to completely walk away from the game. Gattis spent the next three years traveling the western U.S. living out of his vehicle and working several odd jobs. Then on a whim, a phone call and advice from his step-brother, Gattis enrolled at Div. II Texas-Permian Basin College and solidified a spot on the team. He earned All-Heartland Conference and Regional 2nd Team honors in 2010. The Braves took notice, drafting Gattis in the 23rd round of the 2010 draft. He needs to polish his overall skill-set behind the plate and in the outfield but it’s not out of the question to see Gattis with Triple-A Gwinnett or even in Turner Field by year’s end.
Honorable Mentions
OF Nelson Perez, Hi-A Daytona (CHC): .320 BA, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 4 2B, 4 3B, 21 BB, 32 K, 3 SB in 29 games; 13-for-27, 2 HR, 8 RBI in last week.
OF Willy Garcia, Lo-A Bradenton (PIT): .248 BA, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 5 2B, 4 BB, 30 K, 3 SB in 30 games; 11-for-33, 4 HR, 10 RBI in last week.
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UTR Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
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