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Brent Gates
#5 | Third Base | Minnesota Twins | Roster
Profile | Statistics | Splits | Career Notes | Game Log | Batter vs. Pitcher | Hit Chart
Through October 3, 1999
YR
1999		 G
110
 AB
306
 R
40
 H
78
 2B
13
 3B
2
 HR
3
 RBI
38
 BB
34
 SO
56
 SB
1
 CS
3
 OBP
.328
 SLG
.340
 AVG
.255

Profile & Scouting Report

  Daily Performance Charts: Compare to other players
 
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190 lbs.
Throws: Right
Bats: Both
Positions: Third Base, Second Base, First Base, Shortstop, Designated Hitter
Born: March 14, 1970, Grand Rapids , Michigan
Drafted: Selected by the Oakland Athletics in the first round (26th pick overall) of the 1991 free-agent draft.
Acquired: Signed by the Seattle Mariners as a free agent before the 1997 season.
Pre-Majors Highlights: Did not miss a game in his career at University of Minnesota, starting 179 consecutive games ... Became first Golden Gophers player to hit over .400 since 1982 (Terry Steinbach) ... Broke Steinbach's career record for batting average with his .387 mark ... Earned All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year honors following final season.
Personal Information: Married (Tiffany) with a daughter (Taylor.)

Scouting Report

1999 Season
Manager Tom Kelly likes having fundamentally sound veteran players on the bench, and Brent Gates fit the bill in 1999. Seeing considerable action at second and third base spelling Todd Walker and rookie Corey Koskie, Gates played particularly well in May and June. He slumped in the second half to finish with numbers almost identical to what he did in 1998.


Hitting, Baserunning & Defense
A switch-hitter who's more effective against lefthanders, Gates' plan is to punch liners through the infield. He has very little power and only average patience, making his overall offensive contribution rather slim. He bunts decently and can execute the hit-and-run. Gates' speed is average and he isn't a threat to steal. He works hard and knows his fundamentals, which makes him a sound defensive player. He doesn't really have the arm for third base but is reliable. Gates made no errors in 46 games at second base.


2000 Outlook
The Twins dropped Gates from the 40-man roster at the end of the season. The same thing happened last year before he returned to Minnesota. That scenario may play out again.


Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 2000 STATS, Inc.
Commercial distribution without the express written consent of STATS is prohibited.


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