September 4, 2008
ROUNDTABLE: Mark Kotsay
We're starting a new series here at Fire Brand. Once a week, you'll hear from numerous Red Sox bloggers on the Internet on a Red Sox related issue, and we'll aggregate the answers here. Answers are placed in the order they were received. Thanks to everyone for participating!
When J.D. Drew returns from injury, how should the Red Sox use Mark Kotsay?
"Kotsay should supplant Coco Crisp in the fourth outfield spot. He's providing more offense than Coco and we can use Coco as our Dave Roberts down the stretch, as Coco has proved he simply cannot be counted on with the bat." --- Evan, Fire Brand of the American League
"If we have learned anything this year it is that the Red Sox cannot plan for the long term. When J.D. comes back, Jacoby will probably get hurt. Ellsbury, Bay, and Drew should be the starters and Coco should be the first guy off of the bench now while he's hot. Kotsay gives them a good bat for a pinch hitter but will see limited time unless someone else goes down. " --- Matt O'Donnell, Fenway West
"As Drew's return approaches, I believe Mark Kotsay should automatically be penciled in for that 4th outfield spot. Kotsay rarely strikes out and will provide more pop in the lineup than what Coco Crisp brings to the table. Also, I could get used to seeing Mrs. Kotsay around the ballpark." --- Dan, Lansdowne 9
"Kotsay has been quietly impressive so far (.350, 5 RBI, 5 2B) and he tied the game [yesterday] with a clutch 2-run triple... but when Drew comes back, I think he'll be stuck waiting his turn at both 1B and OF. All the regulars will need rest this month, so I think we'll see Tito playing the match-ups a lot. Bottom Line: September means wacky looking lineup cards and Kotsay is just one of many names that will be rotating on and off the list." --- Bottom Line Rob, The Bottom Line
"Kotsay should be looked at as nothing more than another utility outfielder. Coco has been on fire lately and provides a ridiculous defensive upgrade compared to Kotsay. The loss of Kotsay's bat in the lineup isn't enough to overcompensate for the defense Coco adds, no matter how mediocre his hitting may be this season." --- Michael Christopher, Sox Addict
"The left-handed Kotsay is batting .303 this season against righties, which makes him as likely of a candidate to pinch-hit as anyone. I'm also not sold that JD Drew's back problems and Mike Lowell's hip issues won't flare up again, so there are probably at-bats at first base (with Kevin Youkilis moving to third) and in the outfield. Whatever happens, it's hard to see there being any drama with Kotsay -- he knew what he was getting into when he arrived." --- Dan Lamothe, Red Sox Monster
"Kotsay should be used as a 4th/5th outfielder. Drew will still need a few days off and Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury are not hitting consistently enough, though Crisp has been much better since the beginning of August. Jason Bay will likely be the only outfielder in the lineup every single day. The other four can be mixed and matched, depending on the opposing pitcher and other factors." --- Allan, The Joy of Sox
Tell us what you think in the comments!
Discussion
10 Comments on "ROUNDTABLE: Mark Kotsay"
#1
Posted by Tim Daloisio, September 4, 2008 7:11 PM
Hey...I don't get a say here? Thanks for the invite Evan ;)
This is a question that Paul and I will be talking about in the podcast recording tonight. I think you'll see Kotsay take the 4th spot bumping Crisp to late inning defense and pinch running duties.
I also expect that you'll see Kotsay get mixed in rotation pretty frequently to spell Drew, Ellsbury, and Bay down the stretch run. In other words...I agree with Allan.
#2
Posted by Firebrand Q Of The Week | ShopRedSox.com, September 4, 2008 7:37 PM
[...] at Firebrand will be asking a bunch of Red Sox bloggers one question every week. The first round is here: When J.D. Drew returns from injury, how should the Red Sox use Mark [...]
#3
Posted by Joshua Hynes, September 4, 2008 9:50 PM
Don't you guys think though that another likely scenario is that Tito plays the hot hands and platoons Coco and Jacoby. Coco has been hitting extremely well as of late while Jacoby just can't seem to sustain any sort of a hot streak (3 hits one game, nothing for the next 2).
With Kotsay's ability to play 1B, I think Casey takes the biggest hit here. Casey's a great contact hitter, but his lack of speed limits him to mostly singles. Kotsay though still has speed and power (as evidenced by his 6 extra-base hits in 6 games). Drew probably won't be back for another 10-14 days I feel, so Kotsay, Coco, Jacoby and Casey will all probably be juggled around depending on who's pitching for the team that night and who they're going up against.
#4
Posted by SoSick, September 4, 2008 11:05 PM
I think Kotsay is going to be part of a 3-man rotation, along with Crisp and Ellsbury. Drew and Bay will stay put except for the occasional break. The 3 will platoon according to "hot hand" and opposing pitcher.
I think it was a great pick-up because of the added flexibility. No matter which of the 3 is starting on a given day, you have more pinch-run and pinch-hit options. You are also able to give Drew and Bay more frequent rests and keep them well rested for th stretch and the post-season.
#5
Posted by SoSock, September 4, 2008 11:08 PM
uhhhh, comment #4 was me. And I'm not particularly sick. Well, not in my opinion anyway.
Should be SoSock
#6
Posted by Gerry, September 4, 2008 11:43 PM
With any luck these 5 true talents (& don't forget Bailey, VanEvery) will keep each other healthy, motivated, and rested through September. Each offers a very different set of skills, so Tito will continue to enjoy the absolute luxury of making choices in one of the deepest and most talented OF's in the game. Also, these 5 (7) represent awesome pinch-hitting and pinch-running choices. Lucky Sox fans.
#7
Posted by ericinboston, September 5, 2008 2:47 AM
i think josh hit on a good point that i was saying on the herald's blog (which, i'm pretty sure NO ONE reads).
bailey is playing casey right out of a position on the team and kotsays ability to play 1B really kind of cements it.
its been really fun to watch guys go down this year and have them plug in players and seem to get better.
lowrie, bailey, kotsay, masterson have all had large contributions in the roles they've filled.
#8
Posted by Gerry, September 5, 2008 2:15 PM
It could be that our bench will look very different next year, and we already have a great bench. Coco will want to go, and could be part of a good trade. The Mayor has added so much. But having Kotsay and Bailey, each of whom can play OF and 1B, hit for average and power, run the bases and cover for Papi, will give Theo much to think about. With VanEvery, Carter, Danielson in Pawtucket, depth continues.
A similar decision re: AC and Lugo. Thurston can play 2B, 3B, SS and the OF, has good speed, can hit .300 with power, and is a team sparkplug. Cora is a FA. Lugo could be part of a trade, even for prospects. The Sox took a chance on Joe, and he delivered.
This is not giving the keys to the kids: Kotsay's a proven vet ready for the 4th OF role. Bailey and Thurston have been up and down a bit for a few years and are finally maturing into their promised upside: as demonstrated by Bailey's Int. League MVP award and Thurston's PawSox MVP award. They are ready.
#9
Posted by Friday Linkage - 09/05/08 : Sox Addict - There’s no 12-step program for this.., September 5, 2008 4:24 PM
[...] Fire Brand of the American League: Red Sox Roundtable discussion on Mark Kotsay and his role with the club. [...]
#10
Posted by Michael Randall, September 7, 2008 10:56 PM
Coco should be the starter. I'm not anti Ellsbury, but there seems to be way to much hype about the guy. All he's proven is that he is hard to get out at first, and then people figure him out and he stopls playing well. It happened last year in triple A, ended up being a 260ish hitter, and hten came to the bigs and did well for a bit, and now people have learned how to play him. Ellsbury is hardly anything without his speed, and he isn't a good centerfielder when it involves making catches at the wall.
People forget too quickly that Coco was a 300 hitter in Cleveland at almost the same age as Ellsbury is now. Coco has had some bad luck but he's finally coming through. He is the future if he can stay healthy and the Sox make the right choice. I'm all for Ellsbury playing, and i'd put him in over Kotsay maybe, or use him as a utility man/pinch runner. But he's just not a good hitter. Without his speed he'd be a 210 hitter. Coco is your man.
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