MiLB Profiles Former Doubleday Erik Kratz

"If the day comes when I'm done playing, I want to say at the end that I've put everything I had into it. I want to say that I've worked hard to be in the best shape I can and to be prepared every day, whether I'm playing or not." This philosophy, he knows, "won't make you a big leaguer over night. But it is a mindset that will help you to improve." -- Erik Kratz.

Earlier today, Josh Johnson posted a profile of current Pittsburgh Pirates minor league catcher, Erik Kratz at MiLB.com.  Kratz, who made this year's International League All-Star team, just returned from a successful competition at the 2010 COPABE Pan-American/World Cup Qualifier Tournament in Puerto Rico.

Erik started his career as a 29th round draft pick of the Tornto Blue Jays in 2002.  In 2003, he spent 49 games with the Blue Jays' then-affiliate Auburn Doubledays, and hit .312.  In 2004, he returned to the NYPL team for another 10 games where he hit .308.

From 2002 through 2008, Erik went from Rookie ball in the Pioneer League (Medicine Hat) to the AAA International League (Syracuse).  After his 7th season, Erik became a free-agent and decided to find a team where he could get more playing time.  He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates and was assigned to their AAA affiliate in Indianapolis.

In 2009, Kratz was named to the AAA International League (IL)/Pacific Coast League (PCL) All-Star Game, and was named "Top Star" of the game.  In 2010, he again made the IL team.  During the game, he was notified that he had been promoted to the Big Leagues for the very first time.  He stayed with the Pirates for 9 games before returing to Indianapolis in August. 

Erik recently cleared waivers and is still with Pittsburgh.  However, the door remains open for him to find a team that will give him a better chance to make it back to "The Show".