Rays Reportedly Sign 1B Casey Kotchman, Acquire RHP

by BWoodrum on Jan 28, 2011 4:06 PM EST

Only moments after alluding to it on his 1010 AM interview, it appears Andrew Friedman signed a first baseman to a minor league deal. According to MLBTR, the Rays have signed former Mariner Casey Kotchman, a defensive whiz who bats like his wrists are broken. Of course, a defensive whiz at first base is kind of like a genius weightlifter -- the extra trait doesn't really help all the much.

That being said, Kotchman's defense has saved quite a few runs over his career and it single-handedly made him almost a 2-win player in 2008. In reality though, his bat makes him very much a Travis Lee clone and therefore Dan Johnson insurance at best.

Last season was really rough on ol' CK: He played for the Mariners -- which is bad enough -- but he also had a putrid .217/.280/.336 line, good for a 66 wRC+ (or 7th worst among players with 400+ PAs). However, Bill Petti's Batter Regress Tool suggests Kotchman should and would return to his league average ways:

Heyman reports Kotchman's deal to be worth $750K plus incentives, and as a minor league deal, I expect it means we will not see him unless Johnson asplodes. And, honestly, if the unthinkable happens and Johnson turns in pumpkin pie, then Cotchman and his glove aught offer at least 1 WAR and plenty for the Eye-Heads* to ogle over.

*If I'm allowed to be called a stat-head, then I reserve the right to call others Eye-Heads.

In other news, the Rays also snatched the family-sized Twins reliever Rob Delaney on the waiver wire. A righty with middle relief written all over him, Delaney has -- by rule -- been added to the 40 man roster and could provide yet another no-name arm to assemble another Friedman'd Frankenstein Bullpen.

For more on Delaney, check R.J. Anderson's write up on The Process Report:

At 6’3", 230 or so, Delaney is a large fellow with plenty of hips to rotate. He went undrafted and can grow a fabulous mustache, suggesting that, if nothing else, he’ll take Dale Thayer’s role in fuzzy-lipped relief pitcher purgatory.

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Comments

Where is FreeZo when you need him?

Go back into your grab bag and see what i say about Kotchman and the Rays signing of him

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on Jan 28, 2011 4:11 PM EST reply actions

He's doing you a favor.

I wouldn’t want to be known as the guy who called for a replacement level player.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

Here's an interesting one:

Leslie is Casey Kotchman w/o the glove
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
by sternfan1 on Sep 1, 2010 3:20 PM EDT

To which the response was:

I’d take it.
It looks like 80% of his height comes from his legs.
by R.J. Anderson on Sep 1, 2010 3:24 PM EDT

Therefore, by the transitive property, I declare R.J. Anderson hates Leslie Anderson!

A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on Jan 28, 2011 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

so RJ doing a slip slop today?

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on Jan 28, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

No. I'm not very confident in Anderson being anything worthwhle based on how other older Cuban players have performed.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Being replacement level is a step up when you're well below replacement level.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

racist

where are my gifs? is this a new thread? you guys are litl fucking sluts. uck you guys. i bet you guys tmpons in the womines bathromms and pay 75 cents for each ne. fuck you

by daveh33 on Sep 3, 2010 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 28, 2011 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Or how he performed in the minor leagues most of last year, to be frank

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."

by Brickhaus on Jan 29, 2011 7:08 PM EST up reply actions

The search bar isn't that tough to use:

Thames, Farnsworth, Kotchman???
and you wonder why people are picking us last

follow me on twitter @sternfan10
by sternfan1 on Dec 27, 2010 11:47 AM EST actions

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.

by Steve Slowinski on Jan 28, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

well how about that--i picked 2 of 3

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on Jan 28, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Can't say I'm excited about Kotchman, but Delaney looks intriguing.

I’m suppose Kotchman has upside and the chance to rebound, but I just hope we never have to find out.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.

by Steve Slowinski on Jan 28, 2011 4:15 PM EST reply actions

Do we need a 1B for Durham?

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on Jan 28, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

Already have Carter and Canzler.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

Canzler can play 3B

Carter and Anderson can both play COF. Guyer-Jennings-Carter/Anderson OF with one DHing, Canzler at 3B, Kotchman at 1B

I’m probably missing someone

Vroom vroom party starter
www.raysprospects.com

by Imperialism32 on Jan 28, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

Chirinos has to play somewhere while Top Prospect (TM) Nevin Ashley catches.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

I prefer Top Gun Nevin Ashley

Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla

by FreeZorilla on Jan 28, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

I suspect he has a handshake deal

where he’ll get released if he’s not in the bigs by May or so.

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."

by Brickhaus on Jan 29, 2011 7:09 PM EST up reply actions

got a scouting report on Delaney

http://dockoftherays.com/2011/01/28/rays-make-two-minor-moves/

Dockoftherays.com

The Process Report

by Jason Collette on Jan 28, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Looks like a good pick up

Sons of Plunder

by Gatorbuc15 on Jan 28, 2011 4:15 PM EST reply actions

Why?

by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

Well I don’t think it’s a bad pick up. Casey’s a good fundamental player.

Sons of Plunder

by Gatorbuc15 on Jan 28, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Good players have some ability to hit.

by mr. maniac on Jan 28, 2011 5:23 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah that’s true. He’s just more of defensive player than an offensive player, that’s all I’m saying.

Sons of Plunder

by Gatorbuc15 on Jan 28, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

And for a 1b, offense matters a lot more.

by mr. maniac on Jan 28, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

Yes I understand that but you really can’t say that his offense is his greatest attribute because it’s not. It’s adequate.

Sons of Plunder

by Gatorbuc15 on Jan 28, 2011 6:24 PM EST up reply actions

His offense is awful.

Now if he could play a good CF, then I would like the signing.

by mr. maniac on Jan 28, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

lol

I agree

Sons of Plunder

by Gatorbuc15 on Jan 29, 2011 12:07 AM EST up reply actions

Hilariously misleading image.

@thekidpow

by PlayOnWords on Jan 28, 2011 4:39 PM EST reply actions

I thought so to, so I gave it a proper caption.

A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on Jan 28, 2011 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

Shealy Part II?

Last December the Rays signed former Gator and Ft.Lauderdale guy Ryan Shealy, this year they sign local kid Kotchman.

No problem signing a guy to a minor league deal.

by MrNegative1 on Jan 28, 2011 4:49 PM EST reply actions

Unless its MANNY DEL CARMEN!!!!!

Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla

by FreeZorilla on Jan 28, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

If we sign Manny Delcarmen, the terrorists win

This is a proven fact.

by nomoredevil on Jan 29, 2011 12:15 AM EST up reply actions

Hometown Kid

Kotchman is actually a hometown kid. He graduated from Seminole High School back when they had the USA Today national championship team in 2001 and was a highly regarded prospect. Great glove (snubbed for Gold Glove 2x) but never developed the power that he was supposed to have. Another high upside, low cost signing.

by Borbes on Jan 28, 2011 4:57 PM EST reply actions

this.

I said before in a comment in an earlier post that the Rays should sign Kotchman for these exact reasons. I played with him for a few years in high school on travel teams and what not—he was the real deal. most talented/hard working player I’ve ever been around, and I’ve played with a number of current and former big leaguers. yes, that was a long time ago. yes, he hasn’t hit much in the bigs. but I think he’s got a real shot at having a decent year if given the chance. he should feel comfortable here. the job is basically his to lose IMO…

by ZBW on Jan 28, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

always likely that niether find their way, but for the sake of the comparison...

Who had the higher upside/prospect status drafted out of high school: Milledge or Kotchman? Also, as current free agents (well until today for Kotch), who has more upside from here on out, to make an actual impact for a big league club?

by LoL@MyLackOfSportsKnowledge on Jan 28, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

.

Dopirak

by zakattackthe on Jan 30, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t say anything is his to lose. It’s a minor league contract and as bad as his bat was last year, he has to prove his worth. If anything, he’s an insurance plan for Dan Johnson much like Blalock was an insurance plan for PtB. Let’s hope this goes better than that though.

by Borbes on Jan 28, 2011 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

In before SF1 in coining "Krotchman" nickname.

by mattc286 on Jan 28, 2011 5:04 PM EST reply actions

I happen to have a little insight

about Kotchman. He and his long time GF from high school were suppose to get married before last season but she got insulted when he showed up with a prenuptial agreement. I know there was a little bit of drama there between the families and she finally packed up and moved on. It could be that Casey was distracted by all that and could return to his old form this season.

The bad news is that from what I understand he’s one of those that doesn’t want to talk about the game away from the game and baseball isn’t exactly his first love.

DISCLAIMER: I’ve never actually met the guy but I happen to be pretty close to some one who is close to the ex-GF. Take this info for what it’s worth.

by Political_Man on Jan 28, 2011 5:07 PM EST reply actions

If you can get a pic of his girlfriend

be sure to send it to renowned internet blogger Cork Gaines

@staplemaniac

by staplemaniac on Jan 28, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Good job Casey

Get that pre-nup. Smart man

by Sveet on Jan 28, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

I ain't sayin she's a gold-digger....

The whole problem with the world is that fools & fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. ~ Bertrand Russell

by SagehenMacGyver47 on Jan 31, 2011 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Why how come he couldn't hit before shit hit the bricks?

Hell yeah it is.
Any amount of points can be scored week to week. well, besides 1 point. Any number is as likely to be reached as another, since there’s only one of each number, each has the same chance to be hit. IT’s how the syetemof averages works.
by waltermercier on Sep 21, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 28, 2011 5:47 PM EST up reply actions

Hey Andy aren't you the one that told me the rays would never

sign Kotchman.lol

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

Probably, kudos on your prescience, now let's hope the four dominoes in front of him don't fall so we don't have to see him

I also said Rocco would never play another game about this time last year, and well, I was kind of right.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 28, 2011 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

It was me, but you were talking about a multi-million dollar contract.

I have no issue with him rotting away in Durham for $750k.

by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

Multi-million, plus a spot on the 25 man

by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 7:07 PM EST up reply actions

Don't put words in my mouth

Post were it says I wanted him signed to a multi million contract.

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

I said I

wanted him on the wish list.And my wish has now come true

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not going to bother searching, you dunce.

The conversation was about a multi-million dollar contract and a spot on the 25 man, neither of which is going to happen.

by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

Nice dodge

especially the dunce part ,makes you sound slick

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

It's not a dodge. Even if you didn't explicitly say it, that's what the conversation was about.

So call it a victory if you want, but in context, I completely stand by what I said.

by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 7:33 PM EST up reply actions

RUN for office

you would make a wonderfull politician

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 7:47 PM EST up reply actions

And thus....

the Kotchman signing had an unexpected side effect, splitting the DRB community into two camps forever.

by free hotdogs on Jan 28, 2011 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

Are you really that dense?

You entered a conversation about Kotchman being signed to a major league deal. You have to be trolling, there’s no way you’re this stupid.

by firemangreg on Jan 29, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

FWIW

That fills the 40-man roster. Meaning two players will be DFA’d for Manny/Damon next week.

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on Jan 28, 2011 5:31 PM EST reply actions

Or just straight up traded.

With Friedman, you never know until it’s already happened.

A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on Jan 28, 2011 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Solid point.

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on Jan 28, 2011 11:24 PM EST up reply actions

Where's the RH bat?

Not sure why the Rays need another left handed bat especially one that can only play one position. Surprising, after claiming how confident they are in Dan Johnson. And he is not the type of player that adds the flexibility to the roster that Maddon likes. Rays don’t usually carry late inning, one position defensive specialists that can’t really hit. Willy Aybar would have been a better choice, in that case. Either he is insurance if Johnson really struggles big time or Durham fodder.

Still have to think there is another move for a RH bat that can play 1st base at some point.

by budman3 on Jan 28, 2011 5:35 PM EST reply actions

It's MiL depth. Calm down.

Zobrist can play 1st.
Rod can play first.
In a pinch I’m sure Manny could play first.

And I’d expect DanJo won’t be as bad against lefties as you’re thinking.

Really the move is akin to signing Blalock last year. Only I doubt Kotchman has an opt out clause.

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on Jan 28, 2011 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

Blalock out hit Kotchman

That’s how bad Kotchman was last year lol

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on Jan 28, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

and lulz some more

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on Jan 28, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

Why do you think we are weak from the right side?

Longoria, Manny, Rodriguez, Upton, Zobrist.

by ballsdeep187 on Jan 28, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

The significant other would kill me...

but the picture would definitely be Cork worthy.

by Political_Man on Jan 28, 2011 5:36 PM EST reply actions

So our 40 man roster is full w/o Manny and Damon

I guess they can release one guy, and trade the other as the PTBNL to the Padres but I will just think Friedman is working out a deal and that’s why it is taking so long to announce the Manny and Damon signings.

Under construction

by joeybw on Jan 28, 2011 5:40 PM EST reply actions

This is a great signing

Kotchman is bigger to me than the manny damon signing.

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 5:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Haha. Why?

I’m actually more interested in the Delaney pickup.

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on Jan 28, 2011 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

He is a personal favorite

Can’t wait for him to show off his new swing and slick glove in ST.

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 5:52 PM EST up reply actions

Personal favorites hearken back to the 2005 era

I hated the 2005 era

Dockoftherays.com

The Process Report

by Jason Collette on Jan 28, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

The Trop just got new turf

It would be a shame for Kotchman to tear up the new infield with his first 25 swings

Dockoftherays.com

The Process Report

by Jason Collette on Jan 28, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

lulz

If John Jaso somehow strikes out, it means you didn’t do your job right as an umpire.
by raysrule44 on Jul 9, 2010 8:37 PM CDT

by Vin on Jan 28, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

Turf insurance

STU IS TRYING TO COLLECT

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on Jan 28, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

He's puttin more lift

in it this year.Just for ground ball haters like you lol.

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

You must be a New York fan.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 28, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions

lolololololololol

love it love it love it
i hate one person more than Pap smear—his name is bin laden
by sternfan1 on Aug 12, 2010 3:33 PM EDT

by SRQman on Jan 28, 2011 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

You're out of your mind.

by blackraven on Jan 28, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

Why all the hate

Kotchman is part off the team.Pena went through the same crap.

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 6:02 PM EST reply actions

no, not even close

If Pena was circling the drain when he signed here, Kotchman is in the sewer. Outside of organizational depth, I don’t see the upside

Dockoftherays.com

The Process Report

by Jason Collette on Jan 28, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

I hope he does an imitation of his 2006 season in ST

That way we never see him again.

by blackraven on Jan 28, 2011 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

a long time ago.....

haha, good ol Casey. I remember him from middle school, everyday at P.E. we would go to war on the four square courts. him and his buddy phillip would always be top square and everyday i would wait in line to get my shot at him, finally one day i fought back. Spinners, cherry bombs, he threw everything he had at me and i defended it like i had 3 bottles of 5 hour energy going through my veins. somehow someway i got the ball and put the ultimate spinner on him, defeating him dethroning the four square champion….. i was king for a day…… and thats the story of how i beat Casey Kotchman at four square kids.

by ali420 on Jan 28, 2011 6:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions 6 recs

Wow. This is by far the best comment in this thread.

A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on Jan 28, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions

Deadline for the writing contest is past, right?

Cause that right there coulda been a winner.

by nomoredevil on Jan 29, 2011 12:21 AM EST up reply actions

No mention of Casey

holding the MLB record for errorless innings at first base.You need to bone up on your statistical analysis,Mr. Woodrum.UZR counts for all positions fellas.

by Landlord on Jan 28, 2011 7:06 PM EST reply actions

How dare he omit such an illustrious honor?!

by firemangreg on Jan 28, 2011 7:09 PM EST up reply actions

Horrendous job on all accounts!

How could we forget that defense is the most important attribute of a first baseman!

by mr. maniac on Jan 28, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

...what? This doesn't make sense.

He’s a good defender…nobody’s denying that.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.

by Steve Slowinski on Jan 28, 2011 8:20 PM EST up reply actions

Though to be fair, I wanted to rip on your past love of Kotchman, but flipping back through the archives, you were actually rather reasonable about him.

Just wanting him to be given a shot…ST invite and all. His upside is still rather low and I’m not a huge fan, but as a minor league signing, he’s not so bad.

I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.

by Steve Slowinski on Jan 28, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

Makes you wonder how the Angels got to rent Teixeria for him

Who turned him into Mike Trout

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on Jan 28, 2011 8:48 PM EST up reply actions

How does this deal sound to do you?

Netafali Feliz, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltamacchia and, Matt Harrison for Adam Laroche and Stephen Marek

Only to lose LaRoche a few months later and for Marek to still be in the minors.

Wow.

Under construction

by joeybw on Jan 28, 2011 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

Pretty ugly

Sounds like a typical Pirate trade

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on Jan 28, 2011 10:08 PM EST up reply actions

Call me crazy, but I don't hate the Kotchman signing.

I know he’s been terrible the last couple of years, but there are some things I find promising. He has had past success in MLB and is still only 28. In 07, he had a .362 wOBA with a solid walk rate and gap power. He also hit everywhere in the minors and has the pedigree of being a first round pick and top 25 prospect throughout his 4 minor league seasons. I’m pretty confident he’ll never hit 20 HR or anchor the middle of a line up, but if he finds his swing again he could be a GG caliber 1B with above average on base skills and average power. Not a superstar, but someone who could provide 3-3.5 WAR on the cheap.

Now, I still would have rather taken a minor league flier on Nick Johnson, but who’s to say the Rays or Nick wants that.

by ReyL on Jan 28, 2011 11:26 PM EST reply actions

Great Signing...just have to use him the right way

I agree with ReyL…I don’t quite get the Casey bash in this thread. I think a lot of people here are quick to see Travis Lee, and that’s understandable, given the plus glove and uncertainties with the bat. Yes, he had a terrible year last year. But look a little closer at the career, and the reality is:

1. Before he was traded to Atlanta in 2008, he’d been a steady everyday .280-.300 hitter in 2007-08, not tremendous power, but a solid guy on a good Angels team. Reliable is the word that comes to mind.
2. The trade to Atl in 2008 seemed to distract him, and his average dropped 50 points during those last 43 games that year (though surprisingly his OBP actually went up slightly)
3. Once he settled in with the Braves in 2009, he was hitting .282 thru 87 games, and similar modest power as to what he had in Anaheim.
4. Then, once traded to Boston for the end of that season, he fell apart in the 39 games he saw action there…BA down to .218 in the Boston run. Again, I suspect the trade disrupted him.
5. The Seattle move in 2010 came with high expectations, which he (and the rest of the team) failed to live up to.

As I see it, here’s a guy who responds well when surrounded by a team where he is a secondary piece of the puzzle, where pressure is down, team chemistry is good, and he feels comfortable in his surroundings. He grew up in the Angels organization, so the fundamentals are good, and he responded well in a good stable environment. He also performed well in Atlanta once settled into his role there. He only failed when he was moved in mid-season, or when expectations were unnaturally raised (as in Seattle). He is apparently not a guy you look for to carry a team. Fine. Change the expectations.

You put him in a role with a team like the Rays, remove pressure, let him settle in and perform a key role, this guy will consistently perform. He always has when used this way. Even if he doesn’t bounce back at the plate (and he will…he’ll be back at .280 as he gets comfortable), his glove will be huge in the late innings, he’s only 28, and he’s cheap. And don’t forget, Maddon worked within on the Angels before 2006, helped develop him. This will pay dividends.

This is a great signing, another low risk, high reward Andrew move…

by Calif on Jan 29, 2011 2:37 AM EST up reply actions

He's a career .314 wOBA guy that plays 1B

I would take .314 out of Briggy, but of course he plays a much harder position. The annals of baseball history are rife with players that had one decent year (.362 wOBA in 2007) and went on to be not very useful. I actually like the signing, because a) it’s not my money and b) it’s not a lot of money for an insurance policy that can go sit at Durham and be a positive influence to his peers. I just have no illusions that he’s going to be able to do much of anything at the ML level outside of getting guys gatorade and orange slices, and being the occasional defensive replacement at the easiest position besides bench.

I’ve been hearing a lot of excuses for guys lately about how they were distracted by this or that. How come it’s ok for certain guys to be distracted, but Upton takes one play off a year and he’s a team cancer? It’s more of a broad question not aimed at you Calif, but I’m curious why certain guys get excuses made on their behalf and other guys are subjected to a two strikes and you’re out policy.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 29, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

You haven't figured this out yet?

…I’m curious why certain guys get excuses made on their behalf and other guys are subjected to a two strikes and you’re out policy.

Skin color.

A DRaysBay writer from Cubs Stats and Twitter @BradleyWoodrum

by BWoodrum on Jan 29, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

HOW DARE YOU?!?!?!

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 29, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

Because guys like Darryl Strawberry only got two strikes...

by Karandrs on Jan 29, 2011 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

Definitely low risk.

He was only offered a minor league contract. If he sucks during ST he will be a Bull. No big loss if he fails.

by Raysballfan on Jan 29, 2011 8:19 AM EST reply actions

So basically he's going to be a Bull.

by firemangreg on Jan 29, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

My feeling on Kotchman

While i think many of us had our eyes on better and amore powerful player, ie Branyan or Nick Johnson, signing Kotchman might have the lower risk for several reasons.

Branyan and N. Johnson simply have a difficult time staying healthy, Kotchman doesn’t appear to have a problem in this area. Also, if you ask either Johnson or Branyan to play 1B on a somewhat regular basis, it’ll further add to their injury issues

Lastly the Rays aren’t about to hand a job or give a contract to another player with a weak glove. We already signed Manny and Damon, both of who won’t be winning any gold gloves

Kotchman is a guy with decent MLB numbers who fields his position well and if DanJo fails won’t be intimidated by taking over 1B

follow me on twitter @sternfan10

by sternfan1 on Jan 29, 2011 9:06 AM EST reply actions

It shouldn't have any affect if we wanted either of those guys anyway

Since Kotchman is heading to AAA unless there is an injury, if they want Branyan or N. Johnson for 1B (personally I would just keep Dan there) they can still easily do that. Nick may make some money but I see a minor league deal coming for Branyan

Under construction

by joeybw on Jan 29, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

Dear Mr. Sternfan---Injuries

Have been an issue with Casey.HE got hit in the head on a pick off attempt at 2nd base.He contracted mono or pink eye while visiting kids at his mothers school.And he was poisened by the redsox during the playoffs when he was an angel,word has it he still won;t eat clubhouse food at fenway.Just as we hope BJ will bounce back from his shoulder problems,we should also hope Casey can overcome his struggles and rebound for the Rays.
1 question —Do you know why he did not sign with the Indians earlier this week?
Other than what I have posted,I agree with your insightfull comment.

by Landlord on Jan 29, 2011 4:16 PM EST up reply actions