Casey Kotchman

After being signed to a minor league deal in the offseason Kotchman became the regular first baseman for the Rays, managing to stay healthy and play in a career-best 146 games. Kotchman had a stellar .306 batting average but his 10 home runs were disappointing considering the typical power teams expect from their first baseman. Kotchman is likely best suited for a bench role as he's one of the better fielders for the position. It's the lack of pop the holds him back from being an above average player. After signing with the Indians in February, Kotchman has an opportunity to serve as the primary first baseman for Cleveland while boosting the infield defense behind a pitching staff with plenty of groundballers.

The Mariners took a reasonable gamble on Kotchman last offseason, but the bet, even though it was only a one-year deal, proved a huge bust. Kotchman finished with a .616 OPS, the fourth lowest in the American League (minimum of 400 PA). He was in and out of the lineup, and while he warmed up a little in July, he reverted back to form in August. Wherever he lands in free agency, he'll likely be limited to reserve duty.

Kotchman finished up the 2009 season as Boston's backup first baseman. He didn't get a lot of at-bats with Boston, serving mostly as a rest-day fill-in for Kevin Youkilis and pinch-hitter. The upside for Kotchman entering the 2010 season is if the aging Mike Lowell drops off or gets hurt, forcing Youkilis to move to third base. Following his trade to the Mariners, Kotchman will get a lot more playing time, albeit at the expense of being in a lesser lineup and worse ballpark.

Kotchman will again serve as the everyday first baseman for the Braves after coming over in a trade for Mark Teixeira. He struggled initially when he joined the Braves amid his mother's poor health (he missed 11 days to be by her side) as he hit just .149 with no homers in his first 23 games with Atlanta, but recovered to hit .305 with a .394 OBP in September. Kotchman doesn't hit as many home runs most first basemen, but has a strong eye at the plate and good gap power. He may become a great value if people focus on his poor initial numbers in Atlanta because the tools are still there for him to become a top National League first baseman.

Kotchman had an impressive 2007 - his first season as an everyday regular in the major leagues. He batted .296 with 11 home runs and 37 doubles. While he lacks the power that other first basemen have, Kotchman is an on-base machine (.372 OBP) and he makes up for the lack of power by spraying doubles all over the field Kotchman's numbers should only improve in 2008 and he should develop into one of the better young first basemen in the American League.

Missed most of the year with mono, and now instead of being a great young hitting prospect, Kotchman is a 24-year-old with a career .227/.298/.343 line and best known for never being available. He'll try to hold off Robb Quinlan and Kendry Morales for the first base job. He's worth looking at in an AL league, given the weak first-base pool, but have a fallback option.

Kotchman acquitted himself quite well in his second go round against major league pitching. After starting out 0-for-10 in limited duty in May and June, Kotchman hit .302 the rest of the way after his August call-up. He'll still be just 23 to start 2006 so look for the upward trend to continue as he will play regularly at 1B and DH.

Given the career-threatening injury to Tim Salmon, Kotchman should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself at both DH and first base in 2005. He's shown amazing plate discipline with solid power on the farm, traits he has yet to translate to big league success. He may be a nice steal in your draft if your league pays attention to his struggles at the major league level rather than his outstanding minor league numbers.

Kotchman hit .350 last year in an injury-shortened season in A-ball. Kotchman has hit very well in the minors and could do well in the bigs when he gets the chance. His 30 doubles in a half-season of Low A-Ball in 2002 translates to legitimate major league power after he matures physically. 2004 could find him Double-A, a testament to the above-mentioned ability, as 21-year olds in their third year of pro-ball don't often rise beyond A-ball

The 13th pick overall in 2001, Kotchman is expected to rocket through the minor levels. The son of long-time Angel scout, Tom Kotchman, he’s baseball wise beyond his 20 years. His 30 doubles in a half-season of Low A-Ball in 2002 translates to legitimate major league power after he matures physically. At this level he walked more than he struck out, an unusual occurrence for a young developing power hitter. The whole package looks to be a plus .300 disciplined hitter, with above average power, who could become a Gold Glove first basemen. 2003 should find him in High Class-A and it’s possible he could make his way to Double-A during the season. A promotion would be a testament to the above-mentioned ability, as 20-year olds in their second year of pro-ball don’t often rise beyond A-ball