While some clubs in playoff contention are looking to make significant additions ahead of the trade deadline other contenders are in a better position with regards to weaknesses on their roster. They are approaching this deadline looking to add depth, perhaps in the form of a bench bat and/or middle relief help. Teams looking for a guy that can come off the bench late in a pivotal game and get on base should call the Padres about the services of OF-1B Mark Kotsay.
Kotsay has been more than solid as a pinch-hitter for the Friars posting a triple-slash line of .296/.367/.383 in 24 AB in that role. In 2011 he hit .293 with an OBP of .356 in 41 AB as a pinch-hitter with the Brewers. In addition to his pinch-hitting prowess Kotsay brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse. His experience would benefit any young club down the stretch looking for a veteran presence.
I could see Kotsay fitting in well with a club like Pittsburgh who is a little short in the OF as it is and ranks just 22nd in bench OPS. The Pirates haven’t had a winning season since Barry Bonds was still plying his trade in Pittsburgh. At 52 – 40 they have a real shot to earn a playoff spot and better bench production couldn’t hurt.
Baltimore, like Pittsburgh, hasn’t been to the postseason since the 1990’s. Their bench has posted a lowly .259 OBP on the season. Of course the AL utilizes pinch-hitters far less than the NL and Kotsay’s defense, particularly in the OF (minus UZR rating in each season since 2005) means teams shouldn’t use him often in the field. Baltimore has bigger fish to fry, particularly as they try to upgrade their rotation and add OBP skills to their lineup. It is unlikely the Orioles will put too much effort into acquiring a PH specialist unless he can also help in the field.
Another club that could use a boost to their bench is the Cardinals. Their pinch-hitters have combined for just a .237 OBP on the season. Kotsay would also fit in with the Cardinal’s veteran core.
Just about every team pushing for a playoff spot would be interested in Kotsay to varying degrees. However, whoever might pursue Kotsay in the days ahead won’t be willing to pay a premium price. Don’t expect the Friars to be able to extract a premium prospect in return for Kotsay. If a deal were to be consummated the Padres would likely obtain “future considerations” in the form of cash or a low level minor leaguer.
If the Padres deal other veteran players like Huston Street, Carols Quentin and/or Chase Headley they will be devoid of veteran experience. Considering the return in a potential trade for Kotsay would essentially be inconsequential I see it far more likely the Padres hang onto Kotsay unless the OF desires to pursue a World Series title elsewhere. The Padres are playing pretty good baseball right now but if they move veterans for futures they will need the steadying influence provided by Kotsay.
Original Story:
http://www.friarhood.com/voice-of-the...
Kotsay has been more than solid as a pinch-hitter for the Friars posting a triple-slash line of .296/.367/.383 in 24 AB in that role. In 2011 he hit .293 with an OBP of .356 in 41 AB as a pinch-hitter with the Brewers. In addition to his pinch-hitting prowess Kotsay brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse. His experience would benefit any young club down the stretch looking for a veteran presence.
I could see Kotsay fitting in well with a club like Pittsburgh who is a little short in the OF as it is and ranks just 22nd in bench OPS. The Pirates haven’t had a winning season since Barry Bonds was still plying his trade in Pittsburgh. At 52 – 40 they have a real shot to earn a playoff spot and better bench production couldn’t hurt.
Baltimore, like Pittsburgh, hasn’t been to the postseason since the 1990’s. Their bench has posted a lowly .259 OBP on the season. Of course the AL utilizes pinch-hitters far less than the NL and Kotsay’s defense, particularly in the OF (minus UZR rating in each season since 2005) means teams shouldn’t use him often in the field. Baltimore has bigger fish to fry, particularly as they try to upgrade their rotation and add OBP skills to their lineup. It is unlikely the Orioles will put too much effort into acquiring a PH specialist unless he can also help in the field.
Another club that could use a boost to their bench is the Cardinals. Their pinch-hitters have combined for just a .237 OBP on the season. Kotsay would also fit in with the Cardinal’s veteran core.
Just about every team pushing for a playoff spot would be interested in Kotsay to varying degrees. However, whoever might pursue Kotsay in the days ahead won’t be willing to pay a premium price. Don’t expect the Friars to be able to extract a premium prospect in return for Kotsay. If a deal were to be consummated the Padres would likely obtain “future considerations” in the form of cash or a low level minor leaguer.
If the Padres deal other veteran players like Huston Street, Carols Quentin and/or Chase Headley they will be devoid of veteran experience. Considering the return in a potential trade for Kotsay would essentially be inconsequential I see it far more likely the Padres hang onto Kotsay unless the OF desires to pursue a World Series title elsewhere. The Padres are playing pretty good baseball right now but if they move veterans for futures they will need the steadying influence provided by Kotsay.
Original Story:
http://www.friarhood.com/voice-of-the...
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July 22, 2012
