Meet #20 OF Dustin Kaats
Kaats is noted for his performances in batting practice- it is Kaats who typically hits the most, and the longest home runs during each session. He's begun to translate some of that power ability into game action, hitting two long home runs in the early going of the 2007 season.
Kaats was selected in the 47th round of the 2005 draft by the Florida Marlins. He split time a season ago between the Marlins' rookie Gulf Coast League affiliate and Jamestown, making 72 plate appearances for the Jammers in '06. He began the 2007 campaign in full-season Greensboro, but struggled in 23 plate appearances, batting .136. Kaats has shown much growth this season, however. In nearly the same amount of plate appearances as a year ago, Kaats has already more than doubled his RBI total from his 2006 Jamestown numbers and has posted an .826 OPS compared to the .687 figure he posted in the New York-Penn League last year.
In high school, Kaats was first team All-State and was second team All-Conference while playing for Yavapai College, striking five home runs in six College World Series games.
Away from the field, Kaats enjoys fishing, boating, golfing and traveling.