Yardbarker: Casey Kotchman

Braves Updates

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:33:10 -0500

There are many Braves updates in this article - What's Chipper's timetable for return? What about McCann? Why is Tim Hudson out for at least a year? Check in.

Trade Deadline Deals - Impact on Your Fantasy Team

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:18:52 -0500

What are the fantasy impacts of the trade deadline deals? Which players gained the most value (hint, Andy LaRoche), and which lost the most (Andruw Jones)? Foxsports Fantasy breaks it down for you.

Winners after the Deadline

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:15:50 -0500

Now that the deadline has passed, let's take a minute to go over who helped themselves and who didn't. The biggest winners have to be the ones who snagged the big names, mainly the Brewers and CC Sabathia, Cubs- Rich Harden, the Angels-Mark Teixeira, the Dodgers-Manny Ramirez, the Yankees-3 upgrades: Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte, and Pudge Rodriguez. Sabathia is already paying off for the Brewers, having pitched 3 complete games since the trade. Harden's pitch counts are being closely monitored by the Cubs and while he is 1-1, his ERA is 1.11 after 4 starts. The Angels already have the best record in baseball and Teixeira is a switch-hitting offensive upgrade from Casey Kotchman. The Manny trade could be considered a win-win for the Dodgers and the Red Sox. He is a much-needed big bat for the Dodgers and had worn out his welcome in the clubhouse and with management in Boston. The Yankees needed a better catcher and another corner outfielder. They got both.

The Deadline Looms

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:53 -0500

As the trade deadline moves, what's going to happen with the Braves and the NL East? Check in to find out.

No-Hit Bids Spoiled

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:48 -0500

Amidst all the trade deadline madness, pitchers around the majors had some terrific performances. John Lackey took a no-hit bid into the 9th while Doug Davis had a perfect game spoiled in the seventh. They weren't the only ones to have pitched well either as teams continue to look for deals to help themselves in the race down the stretch.

Is Omar Asleep at the Wheel?

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:21:10 -0500

A week ago, it was suggested that the Yankees "beat" the Mets to Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte (they did, for the record). Then out of nowhere, Brian Cashman pulled a second highway robbery in acquiring future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez for streaky reliever Kyle Farnsworth. In the meantime, the Phillies upgraded their rotation with Joe Blanton, the Angels acquired Mark Teixeira from the Braves for Casey Kotchman, the Dodgers picked up Casey Blake, the Indians grabbed Anthony Reyes, and the Astros, of all teams, added Randy Wolf to their rotation.

Fantasy Baseball: Trade Extravaganza, Part II

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:07:36 -0500

With the MLB trade deadline only hours away, many teams are feverishly trying to improve their postseason chances. But what sort of impact do these deals have on the fantasy aspect of the game? Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon examines some of the previously completed trades and the effect they will have on fantasy baseball.

Red Sox, Marlins in talks over Manny

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:03:24 -0500

Manny to the Marlins? The idea, first reported by SI.com, is not as wacky as it sounds, says Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal. The possibility of the Red Sox trading Manny Ramirez is quite real. Executives from at least one rival club in touch with Boston are convinced that the Sox are intent on purging their left fielder. The Red Sox and Marlins are talking, major-league sources confirmed, but there was "nothing close," as of 8:40 p.m. ET Wednesday, according to an official with knowledge of the discussions. A three-way deal in which the Red Sox would end up with Pirates outfielder Jason Bay also is under discussion, sources say. Here are some more scenarios...

MLB Trade Deadline Dealings & Rumors

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:06:31 -0500

Deals are going down and rumors are flying. The clock is ticking on the July 31st non-waiver trade and you could count on a few more big names being dealt. Could it be Manny? How about Bay? Maybe Fuentes? See who else we think could be on the move.

Must There Always Be Idiots?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:03:45 -0500

The Angels trade for Mark Teixeira yesterday was for the most part unilaterally approved. And why wouldn't it be? Teixeira is a beast, he instantaneously becomes the Angels best hitter (Yes, he's better than Vlad now). He immediately gives them punch in the middle of their lineup that they've needed ever since Troy Glaus left his HGH driven prime. And all they had to give up was Casey Kotchman a good but not great 1B in the start of his prime and minor league pitcher Steve Marek who is being turned into a reliever in the minor leagues. And yet, somehow someway some people (Doug Gottlieb) are not a fan of this trade.

Ok so let's analyze this piece by piece. The Angels have the best team in baseball right now, they have the best record and they have as good a chance as any to win the world series. But their strength is pitching, they are currently 19th in the league in runs scored. They needed to add a bat and they needed power. Would it have been nice to add Teixeira and not delete Kotchman? Sure, but the you have to give the Braves something. Regardless, there is no debating that the Angels are better for the remainder of 08 than if they kept Kotchman.

Next, the fear that Teixeira leaves and you lose out on the future of Kotchman for a rental player. A) Teixeira will certainly be a Tier A Free Agent and thus if he leaves the Angels will be receiving a first round pick as well as a 1st round sandwich pick. Kotchman himself was the 13th overall pick in the draft so the Angels will be receiving two picks in close proximity to #13. Secondly the Angels, have a potential future first baseman in the minors in Kendry Morales. Both Kotchman and Morales are 25 and while Morales has not been on the fast track to the majors he is an excellent prospect and potentially the equivalent or better than Kotchman. Since starting his minor league career Morales has never finished a minor league season hitting below .300. Last year during his call up with the Angels he hit .294 in 119 at bats. This year in the minors he's hitting .324. He's their easy replacement for Kotchman if Teixeira does in fact leave via free agency.

This trade is hands down a no brainer for the Angels. Could Kotchman be a solid 1B for a long time in baseball? Sure. Will he ever be an elite hitter? Highly doubtful. So the Angels did what they should, upgraded majorly in a season in an attempt to win a world series. In the offseason attempt to sign Teixeira and if his asking price is too much then simply settle for the 2 first round picks and slotting of Morales as the every day first baseman. It was the easy and correct decision.

Angels over the edge with Teixeria

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:04:40 -0500

Will the Angels new power hitting first basemen Mark Teixeria put the Halos over the edge? By trading Casey Kotchman to the Atlanta Braves for Mark Teixeria the Angels now have three players who can finish a game with one swing. The Halos who already have the best record in baseball without Teixeria who knows what they are capable of doing with him. The Angels can sweep the BoSox this week and with rumors swirling around Manny going to the Phils or perhaps the Mets the Angels look like a true juggernaut in the AL. But could the angels be struck by injury? What would they do if Vlad went down? If they can keep it up and Teixeria can contribute they look like a good bet to go to the World series. You know, its kinda funny how the Halos got Teixeria. The Braves only traded Teixeria away because they did not think they still had a shot to win the NL East. If it was not for the injuries for the braves who knows where they would be or Where Teixeria would be either.

Meet Dustin Pedroia - Professional Party Pooper

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:19:11 -0500

John Lakcey and his 7.00+ ERA walked into Fenway Park and nearly no-hot the Red Sox last night... the party pooper? Dustin Pedroia, with one out in the 9th.

Braves Trade Mark Teixeira to Angels for Casey Kotchman

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:33:49 -0500

The Atlanta Braves sent first baseman Mark Teixeira to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for Casey Kotchman and AA pitching prospect Stephen Marek. What are your thoughts on the trade for both teams?

Welcome To Atlanta, Casey

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:31:03 -0500

Welcome to Atlanta, Casey Kotchman. Here's some advice on settling in and what to do when you first get to the ATL.

The Media Circus

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:19:36 -0500

Steve Braband is not a SportsCenter anchor. He doesn't recite poetry jams, doesn't have a sweaty combover and doesn't wear hideous looking ties (that we know of, anyway). Even so, he's become unbearably annoying. You may not know the name, but if you watched the Yankees/Red Sox on Sunday Night Baseball, you know his face.

Braband has been "hosting" ESPN's commercials pimping the soon-to-debut live weekday morning SportsCenter episodes. To really cram into viewers' heads what "live television" is all about, Steve is starring in roughly 25 live commercials every day. He also has a hand-written sign that serves as a secondary reminder that yes, on August 11th, SportsCenter in the morning will be live every hour as opposed to reruns of Neil Everett yelling.

Having sat through Sunday night's barrage of promos, we've become annoyed to the point that the next time we turn on ESPN and see him, we'll probably throw rocks at his head through the TV screen. It takes a lot of repetition to get us to this point, and there's really only one other person who constantly reappears on Sunday Night telecasts to drive us crazy.

Ironically, he's also the star of a commercial.

You thought we were talking about Joe Morgan, didn't you. No, he doesn't star in any commercials (rumor has it he doesn't watch enough television to know about any commercials). If he did though, he'd probably be annoying.

Not as annoying as that Finally Fast idiot, though.

Crap that actually came from somebody's mouth

"General manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy barely mentioned the "BF" word in their address to stockholders on Thursday."- Reid Cherner, USA Today

You know things are bad when the mainstream media won't even say the name Brett F***e. You know Favre's contemplating a comeback, right?
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"The conservative offensive style that was the signature of the first two Scott Linehan years has been replaced by a bold and beautiful up-tempo Greatest Show on Turf revival."- Bryan Burwell, STL Post-Dispatch

When you consider last year's documentation of Greatest Show comments from the media, you realize that Burwell is off the mark. This year would mark the revival of the Greatest Show on Turf Revival.

*Report: FoxSports offers Chris Rose and intern to Sports Illustrated for Dr. Z.*

"So Al Saunders, who like Martz comes off the flamboyant Air Coryell coaching tree, was hired as offensive coordinator to reinstall the Greatest Show, help reignite the energy in the Edward Jones Dome and make the Rams a dazzling offensive threat again."- Burwell

Again, you might think Burwell is off the mark, but we obtained a copy of Saunders' resume and it had only one line "Worked with the dude indirectly responsible for the Greatest Show on Turf". Pretty easy hiring decision if you're the Rams front office.
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"If that were [done in a playful way], I think it'd be a lot of fun, but it depends on how playful it is."- Tim McCarver, on the prospect of Red Sox fans wearing Madonna masks during A-Rod at bats

McCarver further elaborated that use of clown shoes and suspenders while listening to the Captain Kangaroo theme song in your head would reach appropriate levels of playfullness.
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"The Internet age has brought an increased demand for news and information in practically every area of life. And nowhere have avenues opened up for an explosion of blogs quite like sports." - John Coon, Salt Lake Desert News

Nowhere, except politics, news, and entertainment. In other words, pretty much everywhere.
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*Sources: ESPN in market for lefthanded anchor with frosted tips*

"He was sidelined from baseball by injuries and scandals, but Josh Hamilton battled back to become baseball's R&B leader and homerun derby hero"? TLC Voiceover in ad for TV show, "Real Estate Pros"

You knew about how many RBI he has this year, but it took TLC break the news to fans that Josh Hamilton is also one of the foremost R&B performers in the entire league. Dude's voice is like silk.
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"And Boston would have to become extraordinarily desperate to start thinking the decidedly un-clutch Adam Dunn could replace (Manny) Ramirez."? Jon Heyman, SI.com

Most people tend to consider a traditional "clutch" situation as 2 outs with runners in scoring position. In those situations, super clutch Manny is hitting .261/.414/.435 (Avg/OBP/SLG) with one homerun in 46 at bats. Meanwhile Dunn is hitting .242/.457/.818 with 6 homeruns in 33 at bats in the same situation. The un-clutch one basically hits one bomb every five at bats in the most clutch of scenarios. Quality analysis as always from Jon Heyman.

*Rumor mill: FSN negotiating with Chris Rose on long term contract*
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The Media Circus invades the Olympics via Yahoo! Sports

No, Joe Mustache isn't vying for the gold in the javelin competition, and no, the JSF crew hasn't been summoned to sift through smog to cover obscure athletic events, but it's the next best thing. Our own Patrick Imig is one of five writers contributing to Yahoo! Sports' Fourth Place Medal blog.

After honing his skills and practicing the art of media coverage on these here pages, Imig will maintain the general role of media coverage. It means lots of big words from Bob Costas are sure to be documented, and ample reference to Tom Hammond's makeup will be featured. The blog runs through the end of the Olympics on August 29th.

*Update: FSN yet to offer Chris Rose extension*

So head on over to Fourth Place Medal on Yahoo! Sports and revel in Olympics absurdity. Tell 'em Joe Mustache sent you.

Media Rant - the Mark Teixeira trade coverage

Never is the baseball media more prominent than around the end of July. It's trade deadline time, and baseball reporters all over the land are climbing over one another to scoop the next big blockbuster deal.

Luckily, baseball fans have a site like MLBTradeRumors.com run by Tim Dierkes to act as a de facto RSS feed allowing us to sift through all the latest speculation, scoops and wild ass rumors that happen to float across the desks of baseball writers and talking heads like Fox's Ken Rosenthal, ESPN's Buster Olney and Jayson Stark, SI.com's Jon Heyman and scores of their peers.

In the era of hyper-media, it's equal parts amusing and dizzying to follow along the roller coaster that is a big name like Mark Teixeira being traded.

Since Monday afternoon, the Teixeira story alone has commanded significant space on MLB Trade Rumors. Here is a running log of the competing rumor mongers as the deal unfolded.

*Source: Chris Rose heading to ESPN/ABC to host NBA studio show*

Monday, July 28
-Buster Olney says the D-Backs refuse to give up Conor Jackson, Rosenthal thinks it will be the D-Backs or the Angels scoring Teixeira, while ESPN's Keith Law confirms that at least four teams are interested in a deal.
5:08pm - Yahoo's Steve Henson says the deal with the D-Backs is "pretty far along"
6:38pm- ESPN's Jayson Stark claims the Red Sox and Rays are in the mix and that the Angels have taken Casey Kotchman "off the board"
10:32pm- Rosenthal says the D-Backs are close but will trade Chad Tracy instead of Conor Jackson if they do the deal but they won't try to resign Teixeira after the season.
11:06pm - Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll adds the Orioles and Dodgers to the list of suitors.
11:06pm- Buster Olney claims the D-Backs are close to a deal
11:29pm - MLB.com writer Mark Bowman's source claims the Yankees and Angels are now more likely to get him than the D-Backs
11:42pm- Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune says the D-Backs are not going to acquire Teixeira or Manny Ramirez for that matter.

*Insider: "Stu Scott would welcome Chris Rose with open arms"*

Tuesday, July 29
12:10am- Jon Heyman checks in bright and early on Tuesday morning and says the Braves are focused in on the D-Backs and that a person within the Angels organization sees a deal between the Braves and Angels as "unlikely"
12:33pm - Rosenthal chimes in that the Angels are pushing to include Will Ohman or Mike Gonzalez in the deal
1:01pm - Stark tosses the Dodgers and Yankees back into the mix
1:52pm- Peter Gammons reports that Red Sox are in on Rangers catcher Taylor Teagarden. It has nothing to do with the Mark Teixeira trade, but we just found it amusing that with all the activity around baseball, ESPN's Peter Gammons is working the huge Teagarden-to-Boston deal.
2:33pm- The always reliable NY Post reports that its a battle between the D-Backs and Red Sox, but the Sox are only interested if they can dump Manny Ramirez
3:46pm- Heyman's sources from the Angels see a deal including Casey Kotchman as "remote"
4:50pm- Jayson Stark breaks the news - Mark Teixeira has been sent from the Braves to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitcher.

In the span of one day, the Angels, D-Backs, Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles and Dodgers were all seen as potential landing spots for Mark Teixeira; Conor Jackson, Manny Ramirez and Chad Tracy were offered up as potential trade bait and the guy who assured us that Casey Kotchman was off the table on Monday, broke the story that Casey Kotchman was the main piece in the deal on Tuesday.

Not sure about you, but we're still chomping at the bit to see if Taylor Teagarden ends up in a Red Sox uniform.

Dave Campbell clears waivers, signs with Associated Press

*CBS Sports in running for Chris Rose and Dave Campbell*

Bob Carpenter Memorial Snappy Line

Upon finding out one half of the Media Circus qualifiedfor the Fourth Place Medal blog, Bobby sent out a congratulatory email to the JSF crew and sent his well wishes. He did state, however, his lone stipulation: that the influence of the Carpenter-esque snappy line show through some of the groundbreaking content.

The Bobber didn't have to wait long, as slow Internet in Beijing caused problems for media members, thus giving birth to a new wave of technologically advanced snappiness that was featured prominently in Fourth Place Medal's first week of existence.

Safe to say cyber thumbs up count just as much as the real thing.

The Media Circus is written by Josh Bacott and Pat Imig. They swear this stuff is real. Email them at info@joesportsfan.com

*Report: FSN content with current roster*