Gabe Kapler
| AB | 2983 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .268 |
| OBP | .329 |
| SLG | .42 |
| HR | 82 |
- Full name Gabriel Stefan Kapler
- Born 07/31/1975 in Hollywood, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Moorpark College
- Debut 09/20/1998
- Drafted in the 57th round (1,487th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 1995.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Kapler, a 57th-round pick when he signed out of junior college, no longer can be denied. After not panning out at Cal State Fullerton, he started his minor league career as a productive player and has become more productive with each passing season. He set a Southern League record for RBIs in 1998, and he's averaged 72 extra-base hits in his three full seasons in the minor leagues. He's never missed a game because of injury while moving through the New York-Penn, South Atlantic, Florida State and Southern leagues. Kapler has a weightlifter's build and has appeared as a model on the cover of nationally-distributed fitness magazines. There were concerns early in his career that he may be too muscle-bound, but he's geared his workout program more toward baseball and has proven to be a tireless worker. Kapler is a very confident player, but in a quiet way that rubs off on his teammates. He's never complained about a lack of attention; he's just kept producing to an extent that it has to be noticed. Strengths: Kapler is exceptionally strong and drives the ball well, especially up the gaps. He makes good contact for a power hitter. He's a good two-strike hitter who waits out the pitcher and seems to smell RBI chances. He is relentless in his work habits and approach to the game. He's solid defensively with average range and an accurate arm that is average-to-slightly above average. Weaknesses: There are times when Kapler tries to pull the ball too much and falls into bad habits. His tools have improved since he signed, particularly his speed, and he's more fluid since changing his workout routine. But Kapler doesn't have one tool that stands out above all others. All his tools grade average to slightly above average for a major league corner outfielder. The Future: Kapler will get a shot to win a spot on the major league club out of spring training. However, it would not be a surprise if he began the season at Triple-A Toledo because outfield is one of the rare areas where the Tigers have depth at the major league level.
