Sox set to retain Kotsay

As first reported by the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are close to bringing back Mark Kotsay to further bolster the Boston bench. The one-year, $1.5-million deal is still pending a physical and includes incentives that could raise its overall value. Kotsay, 33, was originally acquired by the Red Sox in an August 2008 trade that sent former Sox prospect Luis Sumoza to the Braves. Kotsay put up .226/.286/.345 numbers in 86 at bats after joining the Sox, and hit a combined .276/.329/.403 with 25 doubles and 6 home runs in 402 at bats between Boston and Atlanta. He then took over for the injured Mike Lowell in the 2008 post season, starting at first base while Kevin Youkilis played at third. The twelve-year veteran is expected to slot in as Boston's backup at first base, left field, and right field, as well as providing a left-handed bat off the bench.

Kotsay first broke into the majors with Florida in 1997 after being selected by the Marlins ninth overall in the 1996 draft. He has since played with Florida, San Diego, Oakland, Atlanta, and Boston, owning .281/.337/.414 lifetime numbers with 109 home runs and 609 RBI in 5,419 career at bats. The Red Sox had not offered Kotsay arbitration this off season. Many had believed that the outfielder had been looking for a starting job before he agreed to rejoin the Sox, but apparantly the market for corner outfielders failed to develop favorably for him.

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