Indians To Sign Casey Kotchman
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The Indians have agreed to sign Casey Kotchman, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com
tweets. Casey Close of Excel Sports Management represents the first baseman.
Kotchman's deal is a one-year contract worth $3MM plus incentives, Ken
Rosenthal of FOX Sports and Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer report
(both Twitter links).
Kotchman signed a minor league deal with the Rays about a year ago, and
posted an unexpectedly strong .306/.378/.422 line in 563 plate appearances.
Kotchman, who turns 29 this month, is a ground ball hitter who had 36 extra
base hits in 2011. UZR suggests he is an above-average defensive first
baseman. He ranked 36th on MLBTR's list of top 50 free agents entering the
offseason.
The right-handed hitting Matt LaPorta and the switch-hitting Carlos Santana
had been projected to share time at first base in Cleveland this year.
Kotchman, who bats from the left side, now figures to get most plate
appearances against right-handers and Santana may still see time at first
against left-handers.
Corner infielder/outfielder Shelley Duncan is out of options, while Laporta
has options remaining, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. This could play
into the team's decision process between now and Opening Day. The Indians
acquired another first base option, Russ Canzler, earlier this week.
The first base market has settled in recent weeks, with Kotchman, Carlos Pena
and Prince Fielder all finding new teams. Derrek Lee is one remaining free
agent first base option, but it's unclear whether he'll play in 2012.