It’s Official: Jamie Kotsay Back For Another Year

From Boston Herald:

Rounding out their bench for the upcoming season, the Red Sox  re-signed Mark Kotsay yesterday to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with incentives.

Kotsay, whom the Sox first obtained from Atlanta in August, had hoped to find a full-time job elsewhere, but the glut of outfielders on the free agent market, coupled with the economic downturn that has hit the game, saw his asking price drop.

The 33-year-old Kotsay hit .226 with 12 RBI in 22 games for the Sox during the regular season. In the postseason, with Mike Lowell sidelined with an injury and Kevin Youkilis moved to third base, Kotsay became the team’s everyday first baseman, hitting .250 in 10 games.

We Get Another Year Of Jamie Kotsay!

From Boston Herald:

Mark Kotsay, whom the Sox obtained from Atlanta last August, has agreed in principle on a one-year deal to return to the club, pending a physical and completion of the contract. Kotsay will earn $1.5 million plus incentives.

The 33-year-old Kotsay hit .226 with 12 RBI in 22 regular-season games with the Sox. In the postseason, when third baseman Mike Lowell went down with a hip injury and the Sox were forced to move Kevin Youkilis back to third, Kotsay took over as the team’s starting first baseman.

This season, Kotsay is expected to serve as the Sox’ primary backup at first, as well as an extra outfielder (along with Baldelli) and left-handed pinch hitter.

Kotsay was expected to command a salary of $3 million to $4 million as an everyday outfielder for another team. But the collapsed free agent market offered him few alternatives, and when his asking price dropped, the Sox were in a position to offer him a lesser deal.