Kotsay to Atlanta

Written by Colin on January 12, 2008 – 11:23 pm

We found our center fielder - today the Braves triggered a deal with the Oakland Athletics - Joey Devine for Mark Kotsay.  Now, you say, Kotsay was slated to make almost $8 million in 2008.  Should we spend that much money on a guy who has had back issues?  Well, what if I told you that the A’s agreed to pick up all but about $2 million of Kotsay’s 2008 contract?

That’s right - for $2 million we got a veteran center fielder who could be a gold glover if he’s healthy - and has had decent offensive stats in the past too.  Yeah, he’s had some back issues, but he had a herniated disk removed last March that supposedly caused most of his problems.  If he can return healthy, he’s a steal for $2 million.  If he can’t, he’s not much of a risk.  Devine has underperformed from the expectations originally set for him, and though he’s a great guy, that hasn’t won games.

Worst case, this isn’t a horrible move.  Best case, it could be very beneficial for the Braves.

Posted in Roster Moves |