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Indians Sign Casey Kotchman

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | February 3, 2012 at 7:33am CDT

The Indians announced that they have signed Casey Kotchman to a one-year contract. Casey Close of Excel Sports Management represents the first baseman, who will earn $3MM in 2012.

Kotchman signed a minor league deal with the Rays about a year ago, and posted an unexpectedly strong .306/.378/.422 line in 563 plate appearances. Kotchman, who turns 29 this month, is a ground ball hitter who had 36 extra base hits in 2011. UZR suggests he is an above-average defensive first baseman. He ranked 36th on MLBTR's list of top 50 free agents entering the offseason.

The right-handed hitting Matt LaPorta and the switch-hitting Carlos Santana had been projected to share time at first base in Cleveland this year. Kotchman, who bats from the left side, now figures to get most plate appearances against right-handers and Santana may still see time at first against left-handers.

Corner infielder/outfielder Shelley Duncan is out of options, while Laporta has options remaining, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. This could play into the team's decision process between now and Opening Day. The Indians acquired another first base option, Russ Canzler, earlier this week. 

The first base market has settled in recent weeks, with Kotchman, Carlos Pena and Prince Fielder all finding new teams. Derrek Lee is one remaining free agent first base option, but it's unclear whether he'll play in 2012.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com first tweeted news of the agreement, with Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer adding the terms of the deal (Twitter links).

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Cleveland Guardians Transactions Casey Kotchman

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View Comments (53)
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53 Comments

  1. mike melusky

    13 years ago

    Orioles could have really used him…

    Reply
    • Dan Mazzaro

      13 years ago

      they could use anybody..

      Reply
      • popular_mechanics_for_pitchers

        13 years ago

        Not VandenHurk

        Reply
    • Dan Mazzaro

      13 years ago

      they could use anybody..

      Reply
  2. JacksTigers

    13 years ago

    Look out Fielder. Look out Hosmer. Look out Konerko. There’s a new sheriff in the AL Central.

    Reply
    • popular_mechanics_for_pitchers

      13 years ago

      Deputy Kotchman reporting for service

      Reply
    • R.D.

      13 years ago

      Shed a tear for Justin Morneau. 

      Reply
  3. Encarnacion's Parrot

    13 years ago

    Poor Matt LaPorta. You know you’re bad when..

    Reply
    • Lastings

      13 years ago

      And to think, he was the staple of that Sabathia trade… Looks like it, may be all up to Brantley now to make something of that trade…

      Reply
    • Lastings

      13 years ago

      And to think, he was the staple of that Sabathia trade… Looks like it, may be all up to Brantley now to make something of that trade…

      Reply
    • popular_mechanics_for_pitchers

      13 years ago

      Your bad

      Reply
      • Jason

        13 years ago

        Um…

        Reply
        • UrkillingmeSmalls

          13 years ago

          Indians also got Rob Bryson, who looks like he could be a very good reliever. 

          Reply
  4. Shawn Ryu

    13 years ago

    Good move if he came cheap, he was impressive with the Rays last season.

    Reply
  5. Largebill 2

    13 years ago

    He batted an empty .300, only 11 homers. Waste of money to sign a free agent who isn’t an upgrade over what we’ve got.

    Reply
    • User 4245925809

      13 years ago

      Sad but true.. A super spray/line drive hitter when he was at his best.

      Reply
    • dpm21

      13 years ago

      Not an upgrade? Last time I checked a .300 BA is much better then LaPortas poor BA and defense. Platoon Kotchman with Santana and Canzler and first is dangerous.

      Reply
      • Dan Mazzaro

        13 years ago

        I don’t think anyone should say “dangerous” but we get the point

        Reply
        • dpm21

          13 years ago

          ^this guy

          Reply
          • Dan Mazzaro

            13 years ago

            ^this guy?

            Reply
            • Encarnacion's Parrot

              13 years ago

              ← This guy.

              Reply
    • $7562574

      13 years ago

      kotch will provide top notch defense and respectable offensive numbers. he is also one of the best persons in mlb.

      Reply
      • fxx3605

        13 years ago

        people. not persons. stop it. /s/

        Reply
    • vtadave

      13 years ago

      Pretty sure Kotchman is an upgrade over LaPorta.

      Reply
    • bigpat

      13 years ago

      Sadly he is a decent upgrade over LaPorta unless he finally delivers on all of that potential he was supposed to have.

      Reply
    • Yankees420

      13 years ago

      I don’t see how the batting average is “empty” considering his OBP was .70 points higher (8.5% walk rate).  Now, taking exception with a 1B that can only hit 11 HRs, I can get on board with.

      Reply
  6. User 4245925809

    13 years ago

    oops….

    Reply
  7. alan104

    13 years ago

    The Indians signed a really decent player. Solid defense with some occasional pop. I hope Casey has a great year, just not against the Rays.

    Reply
  8. $7562574

    13 years ago

    good luck, kotch. from an angels fan who always were rooting for you.

    Reply
    • thebigbangdito

      13 years ago

      ditto

      Reply
    • thebigbangdito

      13 years ago

      ditto

      Reply
  9. Brett S.

    13 years ago

    Ill take his glove, and he is better than Laporta, but the Indians needed a bigger bat.

    Reply
    • TSR3000

      13 years ago

      Not necessarily.  A lot of IFs but if we stay healthy, we have a decent lineup.

      Reply
      • dpm21

        13 years ago

        ya that’s our biggest problem. So many variables in our lineup

        Reply
      • dpm21

        13 years ago

        ya that’s our biggest problem. So many variables in our lineup

        Reply
    • TSR3000

      13 years ago

      Not necessarily.  A lot of IFs but if we stay healthy, we have a decent lineup.

      Reply
  10. CardsEagles1489

    13 years ago

    Game changing stuff right here folks..

    Reply
  11. CardsEagles1489

    13 years ago

    Game changing stuff right here folks..

    Reply
  12. leachim2

    13 years ago

    And Juan Rivera is making more than Casey Kotchman.

    Reply
  13. leachim2

    13 years ago

    And Juan Rivera is making more than Casey Kotchman.

    Reply
  14. theroundsquare

    13 years ago

    I suppose he’s planning on that high BABIP continuing based on a lot of ground balls getting through the Tigers infield.

    Reply
  15. MrSativa

    13 years ago

    Great sign. Cleveland infield just got a lot stronger plus his bat I do believe is back. What Kotchman realized last year he had a bacterial virus from Lazik surgery that impaired his vision – last year was simply a year where he could see the ball again and getting his confidence back.

    He’ll make it tough to platoon. LaPorta needs to step up his game. He’s close to being replaced – totally.

    Reply
  16. Adam Moreira

    13 years ago

    If Casey Kotchman stays healthy, this could be a big steal…could Matt LaPorta be a trade chip down the line? Kotchman is not yet 30.

    Reply
  17. $5427573

    13 years ago

    He may lack power, but his is a great pickup.  Not the typical 1B of the AL, but that doesn’t make him any less valuable.  e.g.. I’d take 306/378 over 251/295 any year (I’m look at you Lind), it just means he should bat early in the lineup.

    Reply
  18. Hordak Sanchez

    13 years ago

    I wish the A’s woulda got this guy

    Reply
    • Iconoclast17

      13 years ago

      I did too. We’re in for yet another year of watching Derek Barton twoll for walks/watch called third strikes with men on base, and the annual Chris Carter charade at 1B/DH. Maybe Kila will pleasantly surprise but don’t hold your breath. Can Damon play first?

      Reply
  19. Gregg Worden

    13 years ago

    Great! another lefty!! what the heck lol. thats all we have!

    Reply

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