Gabe Kapler

2013

There was no outlook written for Gabe Kapler.

2011

It was often a mystery last season as to why the Rays had Kapler on the roster, and why they actually played him a game or two a week. Other than providing a "clubhouse presence," which doesn't win championships, Kapler did little offensively. Known in the past as a lefty-killer, he recorded only a .560 OPS vs. left-handed pitching in 2010. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him coaching somewhere in 2011.

2010

Kapler re-signed a one-year deal with the Rays and will see time in right field. He did most of his damage against lefties, hitting all eight of his homers against them. His playing time could be more limited this season if the Rays move Ben Zobrist to right field. Either way, he'll occasionally spell all of the outfielders as a spot starter.

2009

Kapler hit .301/.340/.498 in 2008 after being out of baseball and was one of the better bench players in the league. His season was cut short when he tore a back muscle in September. He should be fully healthy for spring training and will compete for a platoon role in right field or reserve outfield role with Tampa Bay.

2008

The Brewers lured Kapler out of retirement to enter their outfield mix with a non-guaranteed, one-year deal in December. In 2007, Kapler spent the season managing in the Boston organization, but he apparently impressed scouts during the winter and will push for a reserve spot during spring training. He's nothing more than a pure dart unless he's able to lock down a share of the regular at-bats in Milwaukee's vacant left field situation.

2007

Kapler has made a living as Boston's fifth outfielder for the past four seasons, but that has come to an end. He announced his retirement and will manage Boston's low-A affiliate in Greenville.

2006

Kapler is recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles' tendon and will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2006 season. He's currently a free agent, but could resurface in Boston -- an organization he likes -- where he continues to do community work in the offseason.

2005

Kapler signed to play baseball in Japan in 2005.

2004

Kapler hit well enough for Boston and may have bought himself a bench role for 2004. He fit in well with the team after his arrival, and may be willing to stick around in a reduced role. If he stays in Boston, he'll get 300-350 at-bats.

2003

Where did Kapler's power go? While he hit a ton of ground balls as a member of the Rockies, he didn't have that problem in Texas. Kapler isn't really young anymore, but he only has Jay Payton to beat out for playing time, which isn't an insurmountable task.