Braves Acquire Kotsay from A’s
January 14, 2008 by Geoff Young
Filed under Hot Stove, Transactions
The Atlanta Braves have acquired center fielder Mark Kotsay from the Oakland A’s for right-handers Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond. The good news is that Atlanta is on the hook for just $2 million of Kotsay’s $7.325 salary in ‘08. The bad news is that Kotsay hasn’t been even marginally productive since 2005.
Kotsay is 32 years old and has battled numerous injuries over the years, primarily back problems. Kotsay, of course, says he feels great, but it’s easy to feel great in January, when you’re not playing actual games.
Personally I have a soft spot for Kotsay, who did a nice job patrolling center field in San Diego from 2001 to 2003. Still, I wonder if he’s headed down the Darrin Erstad career path and if the Braves gave up too much to get him.
Devine ranked #9 among Braves prospects in the 2007 Baseball America Prospect Handbook, while Richmond checked in at #24. Seems like a steep price for a stopgap solution.
I so do not approve of this trade. Giving up Devine and Richmond for basically a stop gap for a year until one of our prospects is ready.
Kotsay peaked at 28 and is getting to be the wrong side of 30. And a well known history of back problems. Devine was going into the spring with a shot at making the club in the ‘pen. Not to mention he’s got an option left.
I just don’t see the logic in trading a two guys under team control, for years to come for a one year rental on a guy that didn’t even complete the season last year.