Houston Astros: Evan Gattis: The Forgotten Man of 2017
2. Power Shortage?
In theory, one of the biggest reasons that Evan Gattis has faded into the background as far as individual player recognition has been his shrinking power numbers in 2017.
El Oso Blanco has made a name for himself across his fabled and storybook career so far by way of the monster home runs he has launched. That, along with his burly physique, make him a player for most opposing pitchers to fear when he steps into the batter’s box.
But in 2017, his menacing presence and stares have not been seen or felt as much by pitchers.
As a result, Gattis has seen some of the weakest power numbers of his career. Posting only a .424 slugging percentage and a below average ISO (isolated power) of .158, it is a wonder where and when the bear will tap into that power of his.
Especially, when you consider that, over his career, his numbers in those 2 categories are .478 for slugging and .227 for ISO. Those are elite numbers, by the way! Additionally, while he has averaged 18 at-bats per home run, or AB/HR, over his career, he is only averaging 33 in 2017.
For further context, instead of averaging a home run every 4-5 games, he has only done so every 8-10 games this season. Again, he’s only played in 48 of the 77 thus far.
Patience Really is a Virtue!
Is the lack of power troubling? Perhaps. Enough to hit the panic switch on Evan Gattis? Hardly.
Lest we forget, of his 32 long balls last season, 19 of them came post All-Star Break. Arguably, next to Alex Bregman and his debuting season, the Big White Bear WAS the offensive ex-factor in the second half of 2016. He kept the Houston Astros competitive, despite the team missing the playoffs last year.
LATE EDIT: El Oso Blanco hit THIS monster bomb into the second deck of Safeco Field in Seattle on Sunday in the finale against the Mariners. This gave him his 5th long ball on the season. Still behind last season’s numbers, but still possessing of that thriving power!
Gattis himself even said in a recent interview with USA Today that his home runs will come in good time. Here’s a quote from him:
"“They do come in bunches. I’ve done OK for not doing much yet.’’"
I happen to think he may just be on to something here! We all know, like He-Man, HE HAS THE POWER!!!! Gattis just needs the opportunities to be able to flex it.