Updated Take On Kotchman Deal
It’s funny how something as seemingly small as Bill Hall’s inclusion into the Casey Kotchman deal can change things. As noted below, I wasn’t a huge fan of acquiring Kotchman to be the everyday first baseman if that was the last piece the M’s would be adding. If Hall was still around, then you’d have your 13 position players, and that would be that. But with Kotchman essentially swapping places with Hall on the roster, it changes the dynamic somewhat.
With Kotchman replacing Hall, first base closes off for potential acquisitions. But, LF opens up a bit. Prior to this deal, I had outlined why we should expect some kind of Langerhans/Hall/Bradley platoon in left. Hall was likely to be the guy playing LF against lefties. That spot is now open, as there’s really no one on the roster currently to replace him.
So, it seems likely that the final roster spot will be given to an outfielder, replacing Hall on the roster, and probably eating into some of the at-bats that would have been given to Langerhans in the old setup. This would make the new guy a more regular player, probably in line for 400 to 500 AB, shifting Langerhans to a 4th OF role and keeping Bradley as more of a DH than an LF.
Until we know who that guy is, we can’t really evaluate the Kotchman deal. It’s a setup for another move, shifting the need from 1B to LF. I’d imagine the M’s already know who is going to fill that spot, though, and they decided they’d rather have that guy than any of the available first basemen at the current asking prices.
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159 Responses to “Updated Take On Kotchman Deal”
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Statistics aside, I think it’s worthwhile to link over to Baker’s blog and watch the story about Kotchman’s mother. Along with Lopez’ family history, the right side of our infield will certainly lead the majors in personal trauma.
I have a very strong idea of what I am talking about, unfortunately it does not hue to the company line so it looks like I am trolling.
Do a real comparison of Sexson and Kotchman – they get there in a bit different way, but Richie’s career OBP is better and Kotchman has no power. I don’t make this stuff up.
I see Z making a point that Kotchman didn’t strike out much and of course, Sexson did strike out a lot. But at the end of the day I have to say, so what? A guy who grounds out and hits more poppers than Sexson, but has a full one hundred points lower slugging percentage. Sexson was a more productive hitter than this guy has been. Even in his four pitiful years for the Mariners Sexson’s numbers were .244/.334/.474 – one could quite easily argue that these numbers are better than Kotchman’s .269/.337/.406. I would certainly rather have Richie’s numbers. And remember, Richie was a decent fielding 1st baseman also.
So I really am serious when I say we now have a powerless Richie Sexson type player. The numbers say I am right.
I suspect someone will ultimately ape about the difference in salaries between the players…but again…is that really up to you? Richie did better for himself…why is that any skin off your nose? Kotchman is cheaper, because his value is less. Not saying that Sexson was not overpaid – he was, but as far as on the field product…Richie Sexson is a better player than the new guy we just installed at 1st.
And that sucks.
Richie Sexson was not a good fielder. You’re completely wrong about that.
No first baseman available is as good as Richie Sexson was in his prime.
I see that you answered rather emphatically that no, you do not know what you are talking about. Saves me the trouble of interacting with you in the future.
We don’t have a “company line”, and your constant accusations of groupthink are getting really, really old.
Cut it out, or go away. It really is that simple.
[trolling]
[more trolling]
Have you guys changed your opinion on this trade at all since hearing what Jack said at the USSM event?