[Corsi Combover]

Quote

The Red Sox are also negotiating with Mark Kotsay to return as a backup first baseman and outfielder.

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/base...x.ap/index.html

Quote

Epstein went on to say that the Red Sox are closing in on a deal with a first basemen/outfielder, which some believe may be Mark Kotsay. When asked about the player, Theo said “more on that next week, perhaps.”

Source: http://sonsofsamhorn...=findpost&pid=0

This post has been edited by Corsi Combover: 09 January 2009 - 12:33 AM

[NJ Fan]

I really like the depth that this re-signing would provide. One of those guys that I was not that familiar with beforehand. He filled a huge void at 1B (very capably) when Lowell went down last fall.

[George from Maine]

This is great news. The Sox will have some real depth in 2009.

When Drew needs a month off, Rocco and Kotsay splitting time will work out well.

[SoxFanPJ]

Kotsay makes sense because of his versatility and even though he didn't hit well in his 84 at bats in Boston last season, he provides Tito with another flexible defender.

Kotsay: CF/LF/RF/1B
Baldelli: CF/RF/LF
Lowrie: SS/3B/2B
Lugo: SS/2B emergency 3B/OF
Ellsbury: CF/LF/RF
Youkilis: 1B/3B

One interesting thing to think about is that if someone like Saltalaacchia is acquired in a trade he can play C and 1B, so you could theoretically carry 3 catchers. Variek, Bard and Salty.

[Rough Carrigan]

He's still a good fielder but I don't see any particular offensive value to Kotsay. What particular offensive skill does he possess at this point in his career? Maybe I'm setting the bar too high. How many bench guys really can hit in any particular way? I just wish Kotsay had some situation at which he was very good, such as if he couldn't hit lefties at all but could rake off righties. Ehh.

This post has been edited by Rough Carrigan: 08 January 2009 - 11:11 PM

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Rough Carrigan, on Jan 8 2009, 11:07 PM, said:

He's still a good fielder but I don't see any particular offensive value to Kotsay. What particular offensive skill does he possess at this point in his career?

A fifth outfielder who is a pretty good bet to post a .325 OBP or better who can also back up first base. Not a bad guy to have on the bench, IMO.

[philly sox fan]

Snodgrass, on Jan 8 2009, 11:10 PM, said:

A fifth outfielder who is a pretty good bet to post a .325 OBP or better who can also back up first base. Not a bad guy to have on the bench, IMO.

The problem is that in the days of 12 man staffs there isn't room for 5th outfielders any more. Sox have just 4 bench spots to work with. One goes to the back up catcher - no clue. One goes to an infielder who can play SS - Lugo for now. One goes to a quality OF who complements the starters - Baldelli is a nice fit there.

And to me that last one should be a guy who carries more of a bat than a punchless .325 OBP.

Kotsay might be alright as the 5th reserve, but I don't think he brings enough to the table as the 4th.

[PedroisGod]

What makes us so sure that Mark Kotsay is the 1st baseman/outfielder? Kevin Millar is a 1st baseman/outfielder as well....

[rembrat]

PedroisGod, on Jan 8 2009, 11:54 PM, said:

What makes us so sure that Mark Kotsay is the 1st baseman/outfielder? Kevin Millar is a 1st baseman/outfielder as well....

You have to believe the 1B/OF in question is a LHH.

[ConigsCorner]

It's probably not worth much, but Heyman mentioned Hinske today on the Baseball Channel. However, once Baldelli was finalized, he felt that this was probably not going to happen. Coincidently, Millar was a studio guest and he did very well IMO.

[JakeRae]

ConigsCorner, on Jan 9 2009, 12:02 AM, said:

It's probably not worth much, but Heyman mentioned Hinske today on the Baseball Channel. However, once Baldelli was finalized, he felt that this was probably not going to happen. Coincidently, Millar was a studio guest and he did very well IMO.

I was about to make a post stating my hope that the OF/1b is Hinske. He seems like the best option still out there in that he has a legitimate power bat.

[Corsi Combover]

Quote

With the signing of outfielder Rocco Baldelli, and deals with starters Brad Penny and John Smoltz, as well as first baseman-outfielder Mark Kotsay close to being finalized, the Red Sox [team stats]’ offseason kicked into another gear yesterday.

Source: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basebal...&position=0

[Corsi Combover]

Quote

Mark Kotsay, whom the Sox obtained from Atlanta last August, has agreed in principle on a one-year deal to return to the club, pending a physical and completion of the contract. Kotsay will earn $1.5 million plus incentives.

Source: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basebal...&position=4

[knucklecup]

That was quick.

From close, to being finalized, to done...

[drleather2001]

knucklecup, on Jan 9 2009, 01:34 AM, said:

That was quick.

From close, to being finalized, to done...

This offseason reminds me of 2002-2003, when the FO picked up seemingly random parts at low cost to mold around a pre-established core and had very good results. In a way, I'm as excited about next year as I have been since 2004.

[The Boomer]

drleather2001, on Jan 9 2009, 12:57 AM, said:

This offseason reminds me of 2002-2003, when the FO picked up seemingly random parts at low cost to mold around a pre-established core and had very good results. In a way, I'm as excited about next year as I have been since 2004.

Not each signing worked out then (or will now) but that's the offseason that Ortiz and Mueller (to name two of those acquisitions) arrived as bargains. Last year's injury situation made it clear that depth and flexibility were more needed (for now at least) than another regular to compete for playing time in a set lineup. They are a little better protected if Lowell or Ortiz (or both) come back with diminished performance or injury problems. Only a good young catcher is needed to cross the last item off Theo's off season shopping list.

[drleather2001]

The Boomer, on Jan 9 2009, 02:04 AM, said:

Not each signing worked out then (or will now) but that's the offseason that Ortiz and Mueller (to name two of those acquisitions) arrived as bargains. Last year's injury situation made it clear that depth and flexibility were more needed (for now at least) than another regular to compete for playing time in a set lineup. They are a little better protected if Lowell or Ortiz (or both) come back with diminished performance or injury problems. Only a good young catcher is needed to cross the last item off Theo's off season shopping list.

Oh, I agree. I'm just saying that this sort of (for lack of a better term) "bargain-basement" shopping, as opposed to picking a high-priced FA or trading for a key piece (a la Schilling, or Beckett, or Drew) is something that most Sox fans will agree is reminiscent of Theo's MO from the get-go. Now, sometimes it's panned out (as you mentioned), and sometimes it fizzled (2005 comes to mind). But, aside from catcher, there are no obvious holes in the makeup of the team, just as there were few glaring holes in the 2002 team moving into 2003 (aside from closer).

It will be interesting to see what will happen.

This post has been edited by drleather2001: 09 January 2009 - 01:28 AM

[SoxScout]

I like the signing if he is used the correct way. I am nervous that Francona will play all these Proven Vets more than we will like, however..

[TomRicardo]

Kotsay was ok back up OF. He is a terrible backup 1B. He has no bat to speak of and absolutely killed the team in the ALCS.

I rather try to trade the Yankees for Swisher.

[biollante]

In the last 2 years, he has not had the same level of at bats as before. This is much less than what he was earning before. (always hard to tell when you don't know the incentives in the contract) I do think that these low profile signings have become a staple of the off season. The proof will be in the pudding.