Feb 17, 2013; Maryvale, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman
Mat Gamel(24) poses for a picture during photo day at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Braves have signed Mat Gamel (1B, 3B) to a minor league deal, per Ben Nicholson-Smith .
#Braves agree to sign former #Brewers first baseman Mat Gamel to minor league deal per industry source http://t.co/3yZYsLr8tg
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 13, 2013
Marlins considered for 3B RT @bnicholsonsmith: #Braves agree to sign former Brewers 1B Mat Gamel to minor league deal http://t.co/Gk3R8N1kXy
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 13, 2013
Update:
Mat Gamel is out of minor league options. #Braves plan to use him some at 1st and 3rd (assuming he makes team)
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 13, 2013
Mat Gamel was a former top prospect for the Brewers (#34 in the nation prior to the 2009 season, per Baseball Prospectus), and was projected to be their starting 1B each of the last 2 seasons. Two ACL injuries to his right knee, one in 2012, and another in February of this year, unfortunately ruined his young promising career.
If he can stay healthy this time around, Gamel can possibly provide a big boost to our bench as a lefty power bat; the last full season he played, (2011, at AAA, he hit .310/.372/.540/.912 with 28 HRs, in 545 PAs. This is a no-risk, but potentially high reward move. He’s projected to be above average with the bat per Steamer and and Oliver statistical projections, with good power.
It’s not clear what this could mean for Joey Terdoslavich (or possibly signing Eric Chavez), but at least we have multiple options now. This is an A+ move for the Braves in my opinion.
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