Transactions: Indians Sign Kotchman
by Ryan on Feb 2, 2012 10:36 PM EST
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Signed 1B Casey Kotchman, to a 1-Year, $3.0M Contract
It's not official yet, but there's enough noise from people on the Tribe beat that I'll treat this as a done deal. Jon Heyman first reported that the Indians had signed Kotchman, and Paul Hoynes noted the salary.
And so the winter-long quest for a Bat is over. It's not over because Kotchman is that Bat, but because now that Kotchman has been signed, the Indians will cease looking for a Bat. Let me explain.
Kotchman had a career year in 2011, batting .306/.378/.422 for the Rays in 563 Plate Appearances. But that's tempered by a couple things: 1) his Batting Average on Balls in Play (BABIP) in 2011 was .335, well above the league average and well above anything he'd done in the past, and 2) the previous season (2010, with Seattle), he hit .217/.280/.336. In his non-Tampa career, Kotchman's batting line is .259/.326/.392 (91 OPS+). Players have been known to suddenly fundamentally change their games in mid-career (as we saw with Cliff Lee), so perhaps Kotchman's 2011 is a harbinger of success to come. But it looks like other MLB GMs were not that visionary.
I do think, though, that the signing has some positives. Kotchman has always been a very good defender at first base (career UZR of +32.3), and that should be a help behind a staff predicted to be full of ground-ball pitchers. If the Indians go with Jack Hannahan at third, they'll have very good defenders on both corners of the infield.
If you're Matt LaPorta, this type of signing isn't the worst thing in the world. Matt was going to AAA regardless of who they signed, but Kotchman isn't likely to stay in Cleveland beyond this year, whether it be due to success (free agency) or lack of it (minor-league free agency). So Matt will have a season in Columbus to earn another chance, and with the Indians only on the hook for $3M, they shouldn't feel obligated to play or keep Kotchman if he isn't hitting.
The Kotchman signing will make the Indians choose between Lonnie Chisenhall and Shelley Duncan this spring. I think Duncan still fits well on the roster, especially with the addition of a left-handed first baseman. He'd be one of the few right-handed power hitters in camp, and with Travis Hafner's injury history, he'd be a nice backup option for DH. But that would mean the Indians would have to send Lonnie Chisenhall to AAA.
The Indians had to bring in someone to force Matt LaPorta to AAA. This has been accomplished. But I don't think Kotchman is a Bat in the sense that Josh Willingham or Carlos Beltran or even Carlos Pena would have been. Kotchman is a modest improvement over what the Indians had, and no more.
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Would the Indians really send Chiz down to AAA to start the year? I guess it depends on how he does in spring ball but I was really looking forward to a full season of him at 3rd with Jack handling lefties some days and utility duty others.
Projections have Duncan posting an OPS that’s 100 points better than Chisenhall, 790-ish to 690-ish. Hannahan has the better glove. It’s not as far fetched as it may seem.
Duncan vs Lefties = .390 wOBA
Perfect fit given the Indians lefty-ness. Love me some Duncan.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Feb 3, 2012 2:23 AM EST up reply actions
I really like this signing. He’s a value on the open market, can play some defense and gets on base. It’s a low risk move as you stated in that we can simply get rid of him if he doesn’t work and we won’t lose much money as it would be probably at least halfway through the season anyways.
Please repeat something close to your 2011, Casey!
Let’s not forget, there’s at least a small chance we can trade him for something much more valuable than the $3 million.
The last time we traded a Casey it worked out pretty well.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 3, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think Kotchman is a Bat in the sense that Josh Willingham or Carlos Beltran or even Carlos Pena would have been.
Right, but at what is a bargain basement price in this market and a limited commitment.
Willingham at $8.3 million for 3 years
Beltran at $13 million for 2 years
Pena at $7.25 million for 1 year
This seems like not a crazy gamble. I’m curious to know what other better options people think were out there and what they would cost.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 3, 2012 1:45 AM EST reply actions
The Indians offered Pena $8 mil for 1 year, which I would’ve loved. Beltran refuses to DH for anyone but the Yankees. Willingham is Willingham.
They are making an effort. I’d like to see what it would cost to get Brandon Allen or Kila Kaaihue from the A’s, but I don’t think my opinion matters to them.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Feb 3, 2012 2:28 AM EST up reply actions
While he hasn’t had a full season, I don’t think Kila is the answer. Unless I’m wrong, we could have attempted to grab him via waivers last year, but didn’t. Even at the AAA level he has gone through stretches were he mashed and he others where he was just average.
Matt LaPorta is the bane of my existence.
Kila has the same deficits as a hitter as LaPorta
by APV on Feb 3, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
But the number of typing errors I would make trying to get his last name correct would skyrocket (from my already high rate)
by APV on Feb 3, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure about that. The DiaTribe’s LaPortAuthority (can’t remember how he actually spelled it out) is cream of the crop, in my humble opinion.
Credit where rightfully due as Pete Beatty of The Classical is the author of that one. Combined attempts at Vanilla Thunder and The Door have given way to the reality of Ozzie Guillen bestowing the nickname for MaTola (sp).
by The DiaTriber on Feb 3, 2012 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Low risk move. No need to dig into it. He is what he is. I’d happily give up Kotchman at bats to find out what he is capable of if someone just lets him play through a slump or 2.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Feb 3, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
You guys have got to realize that anyone we acquire now is going to have obvious flaws. We’re not acquiring a Votto, or even a Berkman anytime soon.
Allen, Morales, Kaaihue, Pena….this was our price before Kotchman came along.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Feb 3, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
No one’s saying that. I think you’re pretty much alone, both on this site and in the baseball world in general, in asserting that Kaaihue belongs on that list. My impression, from scouts and his former supporters, is that his career is essentially over.
If Kila was obviously the answer then he wouldn’t be available.
"sometimes the internet is hard for me." - ClemsonGirl
by world dictator on Feb 4, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Paraphrasing Ryan, who was paraphrasing somebody else … if Kila is the answer, you’re asking the wrong question.
by Jay on Feb 4, 2012 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
So I assume this officially takes us out of the Cespedes discussion? Even though I’m betting we weren’t in it very much to begin with
Who knows what’s going on with MLB teams and Cespedes’ people, but I don’t think a one year, $3 million deal with a first baseman would have much impact on the Indians attitude toward Yoennis.
Exactly. The $3M for Kotchman would be marginal compared to the remaining sum it is going to take to get Cespedes. That said, I have little doubt the Indians are following and active in the bidding on not just Cespedes, but Jorge Soler as well. The Indians are aware of how thin their outfield depth is and it would be ridiculous to not keep tabs on these guys. I just see the bidding on both players exceeding the Indians payroll capacity.
by APV on Feb 3, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Do you think we have the money for Cespedes? Seems like that money would have been better spent on matching the deal Edwin Jackson got for the Nationals.
"sometimes the internet is hard for me." - ClemsonGirl
by world dictator on Feb 4, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
We have the money for Cespedes. It’s a long-term deal, and our long-term commitments are basically zero.
by Jay on Feb 4, 2012 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
And Hafner’s contract comes off the books next year (assuming the club doesn’t pick up the option, which I think is unlikely).
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 5, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
There aren’t a lot of white guys getting posted from Japan, or filing for undrafted free agency from Cuba.
by Jay on Feb 3, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Are you saying grittiness isn’t as valued in those regions?
Matt LaPorta is the bane of my existence.
Cultural norms surrounding the game are a bit different from country to country, now that you mention it. I suspect grit is big all over, but it may be defined differently.
by Jay on Feb 3, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
No, it doesn’t take us out, or no, we weren’t in it to begin with?
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 3, 2012 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Hoynes tweets that Asdrubal and the Tribe are working on a multi-year deal. (I can’t link to Twitter at work)
by AllenSmith on Feb 3, 2012 10:46 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Sweet. Love Acab.
Most arguments are really about context.
by SheaWasBettor21 on Feb 3, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve been wondering this. Maybe we should develop a standard? Yes? No?
Matt LaPorta is the bane of my existence.
Man, I was counting on a little something from Colts. (Colts714?)
Who are you projecting as the utility guys who make the squad? Duncan and who else?
I would go with this:
IF Donald
1B/OF Duncan
OF Cunningham
C Marson
with Hannahan the starting third baseman, and Chisenhall in Columbus. It would give you four right-handed hitters on the bench for late-inning matchup situations, and two reserve outfielders.
I could come around to this, too, but there is definitely a part of me that wants to see Chisenhall develop in Cleveland.
Hannahan seems a very likely candidate for major regression to me. His bat has been sub-MLB quality for most of his career, and he hit just enough to get the playing time he did last year. He is best suited for a backup role.
I remember reading that Hannahan attributed some of his offensive success last year to not trying to swing for the fences as he had done in previous years.
I can’t help wonder about the how often someone with a track record of mediocrity (or worse) really makes a step change in performance at the major league level due to figuring something out. Maybe it’s just my predisposition to optimism, but I like to hope that Hannahan can at least repeat his offensive numbers from last year.
Should also have mentioned that the Indians will have to remove a player for the 40-man roster to make room for Kotchman.
I am a dunderhead regarding roster management; am I correct in my impression that the FO has been a bit clumsy with it this off-season?
I don’t know if I would say clumsy. They seem less protective of marginal assets (i.e. Judy), but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Not at all the same thing.
Christopher Hitchens was quite indelicate but only occasionally oafish.
by Jay on Feb 3, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Apparently Antonetti’s roster moves aren’t inspiring the faithful either
by APV on Feb 4, 2012 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
When can Carrasco go on the 60day so he no longer counts against the 40? Do we have to make a move before that?
Matt LaPorta is the bane of my existence.
I don’t think they’ll give up on Neal yet, but I would. That said, I think it is Wegz.
Matt LaPorta is the bane of my existence.
Isn’t there a spot open because Carmona/Hernandez is on the restricted list, meaning he doesn’t count against the 40-man?
by The DiaTriber on Feb 3, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
The other advantage to making a move like this late in the offseason (aside from the reduced cost) is that roster space across the league becomes sparser. I am sure it is easier to move a guy off the roster in early February than it is in December or November.
For what it’s worth, Kotchman looks like Randy from Trailer Park Boys.
Matt LaPorta is the bane of my existence.
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