Cleveland Indians sign Casey Kotchman – MLB News
The Cleveland Indians have signed free agent and former Tamp Bay Rays’ first baseman Casey Kotchman to a one year deal worth $3 million in order to strengthen their current 40-man roster.
Though no official statement has come out in the media regarding his signing with the Indians, but some inside Major League sources learned that the deal was finalised on late Thursday evening as both parties mutually signed an official document. The one year contract includes some bonuses and incentives as well and an option for the team to consider next year’s playing chances.
Kotchman’s deal has come at the time when almost every team is preparing for their final strategic thought process before going into the 2012 regular season. Kotchman is an experienced player having extraordinary hitting skills. Having played almost five different teams including the Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays in the past, Kotchman will be providing a great advantage to Cleveland's slightly less experienced players next season.
Last year with the Rays, he batted with an average of .306, 10 home-runs, 48 RBIs and OBP of .378. While his career batting average of .268, 59 homers, 332 RBIs and OBP of .336 is also very promising in his seven year career.
Last season, 28-year-old Kotchman signed a Minor League contract with Tampa Bay but worked hard to achieve a Major League spot posting a well deserved on-base percentage across 146 games.
Last January, signing a Minor League contract earlier, experts stated that he signed a breakout deal as he later declared one of only three AL first basemen, who finished in the top 10 in both batting averages and on-base percentages while appearing in at least 40 games at that particular position. He was also considered amongst the American League to rank eighth in average and 10th in on-base percentage.
His arrival in the Indians' roster is certainly a very good sign as they now have some backup as well. Their other first basemen is certain to play well in the presence of a long time experienced player.
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