Death, taxes, and Giants transactions.
That appears to be the theme of the week.
A few transactions were made on Saturday and on Sunday morning, the Giants acquired veteran Erik Kratz in a trade for minor league infielder, C.J. Hinojosa.
But this isn't an article about moves being made, or trades being implemented. This is about the 38-year-old catcher who leaves a presence behind with anyone he meets -- and he's met a lot of people.
I appreciate the love and support I got from MKE. You are loyal fans and you welcomed me in with open arms and me and family will never forget that. Thank you for giving me all you had because I gave it all for you and my teammates.— Erik Kratz (@ErikKratz31) March 24, 2019
Kratz coming to the Giants means this will be the eighth big-league team he will roster for and, in total, 11 organizations -- er, 12 now.
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Last season, during his time with the Brewers, he became the oldest position player to make his first postseason start since Lave Cross did in 1905.
And how did he do during that debut? Well:
During Game 2 of the National League Division Series, he hit a two-run, eighth-inning single that gave the Brewers a 2-0 advantage in the eventual 4-0 win over the Rockies. And he was beyond thankful for the opportunity as he told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy last year.
"If you told me 16 years ago that I'd be here today I wouldn't have changed the path that I took," Kratz said. "I never gave up. I've been blessed every day to be in this situation."
His friends had surprised him during the postseason -- and each one of them sported one of his jerseys from each of the teams he played on. And when he was asked about what they would think about seeing him on the big stage, they would probably ask about his "nasty facial hair" and say he "looks fat on TV."
I spoke to Robert Murray who is the Brewers beat writer for The Athletic. Through the phone, you could hear his excitement at the opportunity to talk all things Kratz.
"This is right up my alley," he told NBC Sports Bay Area. "I love Kratz."
Then Murray told me a story about him. One that made Murray a little sad Kratz would no longer sport a Milwaukee uniform.
"I had asked Josh Fields if he knew anyone in the Brewers' clubhouse besides Yasmani Grandal when I heard Kratz say in the background, 'Robert, that's a stupid question." After the interview, I asked him what made the question stupid when he replied, 'You should know by now that basically everybody in baseball has played baseball with Erik Kratz." Even in the toughest of situations, knowing on Feb. 1, that he wouldn't make the Brewers, he was a true professional and kept a strong sense of humor."
Murray said that is what he will remember about Kratz.
Don't worry, I didn't rub it in his face too much the Giants had gained a great human, but I will say it got me excited to see what he can add to that team, to that clubhouse, to that organization.
Almost forgot about this special @ErikKratz31 moment. Pauses to thank plate ump Ted Barrett before running out to celebrate the Brewers' NLDS sweep. (h/t @billzuckerpr) https://t.co/Hxu5BMXNDK— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 24, 2019
For those of you who say, "I don't care, give me his stats." This isn't one of those articles.
You know where to find his numbers.
