Mark Kotsay Rumors
By Tim Dierkes [January 29, 2009 at 3:30pm CST]
Links for Thursday... RotoAuthority ranks the catchers for fantasy baseball. Dave Cameron reminds us that talented minor leaguers often have delayed success in the bigs. MLB.com's Mychael Urban talked to Mark Kotsay, who did not enjoy the free agent experience. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone transcribes a Tim Redding MLB Network interview, where it was revealed that the Rockies, Pirates, and Orioles had interest before the pitcher signed with the Mets.
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By Tim Dierkes [January 15, 2009 at 7:38pm CST]
7:38pm: The AP has the details: Kotsay makes a base salary of $1.5MM, but he gets $200K if he makes 300 plate appearances and an additional $200K for every 50 times up after that, up to 500 plate appearances. He could make up to $1MM on top of his base salary. 3:59pm: According to Art Martone of the Providence Journal, the Red Sox announced the Mark Kotsay signing today. He gets a one-year deal. The Sox also designated reliever David Aardsma for assignment.
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By Tim Dierkes [January 8, 2009 at 11:51pm CST]
According to Sean McAdam and Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, the Red Sox reached an agreement with outfielder Mark Kotsay on a one-year deal worth $1.5MM plus incentives. Kotsay will back up Kevin Youkilis at first base and complement Rocco Baldelli as an extra outfielder. Kotsay was one of few viable options at center field among free agents this year, but he still could not find a regular job.
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By Nat Boyle [December 28, 2008 at 10:18am CST]
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a number of items to cover in today's Sunday paper: While the Mets are front-runners in the Derek Lowe sweepstakes, the Red Sox have a lot of money to play with having lost out on Mark Teixeira and could make a strong play to outbid competition. The Dodgers and Rangers are interested in Andy Pettitte if he doesn't accept the Yankees reduced $10MM offer. Don't rule out a return to the Red Sox for Mark Kotsay as a fourth outfielder and added infield depth. Cafardo reports a source close to the talks says...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 7, 2008 at 12:11pm CST]
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has the latest on the Red Sox. GM Theo Epstein says there's one deal he might be able to do before the winter meetings, possibly involving Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo. The free agent market for center fielders and shortstops is weak this year. Cafardo doesn't believe the Sox are in on C.C. Sabathia or A.J. Burnett, and he says they're unsure about Derek Lowe. However, Buster Olney says "there is an expectation within other quarters of the AL East that the Red Sox will get in on the Burnett bidding." Cafardo does see...
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By Tim Dierkes [October 21, 2008 at 9:24am CST]
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke to the press yesterday, resulting in a slew of articles in the Boston papers. Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe runs through the team's entire 25-man roster. Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald looks at Epstein's to-do list, as does Joe McDonald of The Providence Journal. Paul Kenyon of the Journal looks at the team's minor free agents. An overview of various common topics: Jason Varitek. Silverman sees an effort to re-sign him for one or two years, while McDonald thinks he will look for three or four. Massarotti thinks things could get nasty...
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By Steve Adams [August 31, 2008 at 5:18pm CST]
Sunday afternoon is here again... let's have a look back at some of the moves and rumors since last time: The injury-plagued Red Sox acquired Mark Kotsay to help compensate for their injuries. In exchange, the Braves received minor league outfielder Luis Sumoza. Nice acquisition by the Red Sox; Kotsay has been swinging a solid bat this season. The Twins acquired Eddie Guardado from Texas in exchange for minor league pitcher Mark Hamburger. Guardado has spent the majority of his career with Minnesota and provides a solid arm to the bullpen. To make room for him, they DFA'd Mike Lamb....
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By Tim Dierkes [August 27, 2008 at 12:03pm CST]
12:01pm: According to ESPN's Keith Law, the Braves will receive minor league outfielder Luis Sumoza. 10:23am: Rosenthal says it's done, though the prospect remains unknown. He is now saying Kotsay did waive no-trade rights, and received $325K to do so. 9:14am: Rosenthal says it's close, but the teams have not yet agreed on the mid-level prospect. He says Kotsay does not have no-trade protection this year. WEDNESDAY, 8:41am: The latest - The Boston Globe's Amalie Benjamin wrote late last night that a deal had not been agreed upon. Meanwhile, John Tomase of the Boston Herald notes Kotsay's strong relationship with...
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By Tim Dierkes [August 25, 2008 at 1:53pm CST]
Here's a look at the latest blog post from MLB.com's Jim Molony. Molony agrees with previous reports - the Red Sox are eyeing outfield help. An inquiry on Darin Erstad fizzled, while Mark Kotsay remains on the radar. Drew might be headed to the DL. The Red Sox might also be eyeing another starter, given Josh Beckett's injury. Molony speculates that Kevin Millwood or Vicente Padilla could make sense (both have cleared waivers). Molony expects Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson to be traded this winter. Johnson, 26, slipped to .264/.333/.405 in 482 plate appearances this year. He'll be arbitration-eligible for...
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By Nat Boyle [August 24, 2008 at 9:34am CST]
On August 18th, Rosenthal mentioned Mark Kotsay had cleared waivers, and that Brian Fuentes had not yet been placed. Here's an update, from today's Inside Pitch video: The Brewers and Red Sox are both showing interest in Kotsay. The Brewers would only pursue a trade if Ryan Braun's ribcage injury worsens, and so far he looks more than fine. The Sox made a play for lefty-hitting Brian Giles before Giles vetoed the deal, so it makes sense that they'd exert similar effort toward Kotsay. Even more so now that J.D. Drew has a herniated disc. Fuentes is expected to be...
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