GRAY KOONCE

5/15/75; '93 60th (Detroit); Julian, CA (HS)
L/L; 6-4, 225

Level
BA
OBP
SA
AB
2B
3B
HR
BB
K
SB
CS
1994 R (Det)
.217
.372
.252
115
4
0
0
28
22
3
 
1995 A- (Det)
.280
.361
.374
289
16
1
3
35
63
8
 
1996 A (Det)
.239
.323
.346
486
22
3
8
58
97
7
 
1997 IND
.287
.422
.392
286
15
3
3
67
55
13
 
1998 IND
.331
.426
.517
242
15
0
10
38
41
0
 
1999 A+ (SD)
.285
.392
.443
474
16
1
19
76
110
4
 
2000 A+ (SD)
.295
.425
.505
475
40
3
18
107
105
0
 
2001 AAA (SD)
.214
.421
.500
14
1
0
1
5
6
0
0
2001 AA (SD)
.266
.429
.444
320
18
0
13
89
83
0
0
2002 AA (Oak)
.274
.440
.487
470
28
0
24
133
117
2
0
2003 AL (Oak)
.125
.125
.250
8
1
0
0
0
6
0
0
2003 AAA (Oak)
.277
.403
.542
480
23
1
34
98
119
0
0
2004 AAA (Oak)
.241
.362
.449
439
25
0
22
77
129
0
0

Koonce has become a "stathead" favorite because of his ability to draw sometimes staggering numbers of walks while hitting for good power. He had the patience from the start of his pro career, but it wasn't until after he'd washed out of the Tigers' organization and finished a year of independent ball that he developed the power. Eventually, Oakland acquired him in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft. He had a huge year in 2003, leading the minors in HRs. He was expected to compete for a bench job with the A's in 2004, but didn't win one and fell off quite a bit in AAA. Koonce is very slow, although he's considered an adequate defender. The Pirates signed him as a minor league free agent and invited him to spring training. Any enthusiasm over his 2003 showing has to be tempered by the knowledge that he turned 28 early in the season and may simply have had a peak year. Even so, the Pirates should have given him a legitimate opportunity to compete with Daryle Ward for a spot on the team, but he got little playing time. The Pirates under Dave Littlefield adhere rigidly to labels and stereotypes, and have not been willing to give opportunities to guys who have come to be regarded as "AAAA players." Koonce will be the starter at 1B, and the primary power source, for Indianapolis. It's doubtful whether he'll get a callup, regardless of how he does or what need arises.

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