MATT KATA

3/14/78; '99 9th (Arizona); Vanderbilt Univ.
B/R; 6-1, 185

Level
BA
OBP
SA
AB
2B
3B
HR
BB
K
SB
CS
1999 A (Ari)
.261
.328
.365
318
14
5
3
28
46
5
6
2000 A (Ari)
.255
.327
.367
521
22
9
6
52
58
38
12
2001 AA (Ari)
.438
.500
.563
16
2
0
0
2
2
0
1
2001 A+ (Ari)
.296
.355
.419
494
19
6
10
41
79
30
8
2002 AA (Ari)
.298
.341
.443
578
33
9
11
37
79
12
7
2003 NL (Ari)
.257
.315
.420
288
16
5
7
25
53
3
2
2003 AAA (Ari)
.289
.327
.448
201
13
5
3
9
29
2
3
2004 NL (Ari)
.247
.301
.364
162
9
2
2
13
29
4
1
2005 NL (Ari)
.194
.306
.323
31
2
1
0
5
4
0
1
2005 NL (Phi)
.167
.167
.167
6
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2005 AAA (Ari)
.310
.329
.435
200
10
3
3
6
25
5
1
2005 AAA (Phi)
.313
.340
.385
96
5
1
0
4
14
2
1
2006 AAA (StL)
.263
.318
.429
331
20
4
9
18
48
4
4
2007 AL (Tex)
.186
.250
.300
70
2
0
2
5
18
1
0
2007 NL
.250
.258
.386
88
7
1
1
0
15
0
0
2008 AAA
.245
.289
.381
396
18
6
8
22
65
18
6

Kata made a minor splash when he got a lot of playing time with Arizona in 2003 due to injuries. He wasn't able to continue performing at that level, though, and drifted back to AAA. After spending 2006 entirely in the minors, he managed to catch on with Texas, but did nothing there, was waived and signed with the Pirates. He started off filling in with Indianapolis, but was added to the 40-man roster and called up in late June when Chris Duffy went on the disabled list. Former manager Jim Tracy quickly became attached to him, as he runs well, plays a lot of positions, and fits the stereotype of the very limited but "scrappy" white utility player. Tracy used Kata rather than Jose Castillo whenever possible, and although cliche-ridden observers like the Pirates' announcers quickly concluded he was a big success, the numbers show otherwise. Zero walks in 88 ABs isn't exactly a sign of a sound hitting approach. Fortunately, the team's new management designated Kata for assignment in October when they claimed Kevin Thompson off waivers. Kata opted for free agency and signed a minor league deal with the Rockies, but the Pirates reacquired him after Jorge Velandia opted for free agency at the end of spring training. He spent the year at Indianapolis playing every position on the field except pitcher and catcher, and making lots of outs. He'll most likely look for an opportunity elsewhere next year.

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