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Kotsay Traded For Luis Sumoza
Written by Jonathan on August 27, 2008 – 3:07 pmMark Kotsay was traded to the Boston Red Sox for outfield prospect Luis Sumoza today. Sumoza is a five-tool player likely at least two years away from the big leagues, but he shows promise.
Kotsay was not likely to be resigned by the Braves at the end of the year, as they have a bevy of outfielders ready for the big leagues. Kotsay feels he can continue to be a staring outfielder but was not likely to get that chance with the Braves.
The Red Sox needed additional power in the outfield after the recent injury of JD Drew. Kotsay fills their offensive hole somewhat while the Braves appear to have received a great player in return.
Sumoza strikes out a bit – once every three or four at bats, but he has a .915 OPS and 38 RBIs in low-A ball. He joins a slew of young outfield talent in the Braves system, with Gorkys Hernandez, Jason Heyward, and Jordan Schafer already making their way toward the majors.
I like this trade, even though I liked Kotsay. I’ll be sad to see him gone, but I look forward to our future and hope we see Josh Anderson in the majors here soon.
Tags: Luis Sumoza, Mark Kotsay
Posted in Roster Moves | 5 Comments »
By colin_ake60861 on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
We weren't going to re-sign Kotsay, so I think it's good to have gotten a prospect for him. While not the best in the world, Sumoza has some raw talent and can be refined by the Braves' famed farm system into a great player.
This is what SoxProspects.com has to say about him:
"Athletic and well-built, Sumoza signed for a big bonus out of Venezuela in mid-2004. Gifted athlete, still very raw. Shows the potential to be a five-tool player, but needs a lot of refinement. High power potential. Above average speed. Strikes out too much, still has some holes in his swing. Hits from a slightly open stance. Keeps his hands around his helmet. Swing tends to get a bit too long and he can jam himself. In the field, Sumoza has above average range, a decent glove, and a good arm. Overall, he has a ton of potential, but still a long way to go."
By Andrew_Vazzano on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Smart move.
2012: "And Luis Sumoza went 4-5, with a pair of home runs, as the Braves rout the Mets at Citi Field today…"
By colin_ake60861 on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
One can only hope Andrew – one can only hope.
By Andrew_Vazzano on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
You can only hope. YOU! Not me.
By Bud on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Good trade. Surprised the Bravos got a guy with so much upside for a one-month rental of Kotsay. And I, too, want to see Josh Anderson play every day. Dude had a good September for Houston last season, played well in his one appearance up here earlier this season, and has put together a good year at Richmond. Dude has speed, and uses it. Bobby needs to play him every day and see if he can man center next season with Blanco, as I think Schafer will need at least part of a season at Richmond before becoming the man in center come next summer.
Bud.
http://braves.today.com