Random Athlete Of The Day- Adam Piatt

The former Mississippi State Bulldog was drafted in the 8th round of the 1997 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. Piatt was drafted as a third baseman, and his success in college transferred right over to the Minors.  He showed some power in Low A hitting 13 homeruns in 57 games, and he was promoted to the Modesto A’s the next season. Adam continued to hit with power, blasting 20 homeruns, and driving in 107 RBI’s. Then in 1999, Piatt dominated the AA and AAA levels. He had a statline of 39/138/.340 which earned him the Minor League Triple Crown. After proving himself in the Minors, Baseball America rated Piatt the #93 Prospect going into the 2000 season.

Piatt at 24 years old, finally got the call in 2000. Since Eric Chavez was at 3B Piatt had to make the move to outfield, but that didn’t affect his offensive game.  In 157 AB’s Piatt had 5 doubles, 5 triples, 5 homeruns, and 23 RBI’S with a batting average of .299.  He seemed like he was on pace to become an everyday starter, but then in 2001 he struggled with a batting average of .211, zero homeruns, and 26 strikeouts in 95 AB’s, and was diagnosed with viral meningitis. Piatt was sent back to the minors but called back up the next season.

In 2003 he got some of his power back and hit 5 homeruns, but not without a .234 BA. Billy Beane released Piatt, and he was claimed by the Devil Rays where his power would continue to disappear along with Piatt’s career in 2003.

Piatt’s Major League totals were: 16 homeruns, 57 RBI’s, 149 Strikeouts, and a batting average of .248.

Piatt’s career Minor League stats were: 551 hits, 139 doubles, 90 homeruns, and a .302 BA.

Piatt was later found in the Mitchell Report, and apparently took steroids in the 2002-2003 offseason (which really didn’t help him), and it was noted that he sold testosterone to star player Miguel Tejada.

Piatt was then later charged with Traffic Offense DUI and Damage Property…and then marijuana possession. After a few more charges he was taken to County Jail in Cape Coral, Florida.

Does anybody else see a movie here?

-Schotz