George Kottaras released

With the deadline to add players to the 40-man roster and protect them from the Rule 5 Draft rapidly approaching, the Red Sox today made another move to clear space, releasing catcher George Kottaras. Kottaras, 26, appeared in 45 games with Boston in 2009, serving primarily as the early-season back-up to Jason Varitek and the personal catcher for Tim Wakefield. He was placed on the disabled list on August 1 to make room on the active roster for Victor Martinez and was called up again when rosters expanded in September, but played sparingly after that. On the season, Kottaras compiled a .237/.308/.387 line in 104 major league plate appearances. Of his 22 hits in 2009, more than half went for extra bases (11 doubles, 1 home run).

Originally a twentieth-round pick in 2002 by San Diego, Kottaras came to the Red Sox organization in a trade for David Wells in August, 2006. He hit 22 home runs in 2008 for Pawtucket, when he also drove in 65 runs and led the team with 64 walks. Over the course of his seven minor league seasons within the Padres and Red Sox systems, Kottaras hit a combined .269/.367/.444 with 134 doubles and 66 home runs in 2274 plate appearances.

November 18 update: Kottaras asked for his release so he could pursue opportunities with other teams, and the Red Sox obliged.

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