Kotsay to Beantown?

Before Tuesday’s game Braves CF Mark Kotsay was called into manager Bobby Cox’s office and told of a potential trade to Boston, following the Red Sox placing outfielder JD Drew on the DL. Kotsay has cleared waivers following the July 31 non-waiver deadline and two teams have reportedly contacted the Braves with interest.
Kotsay was held out of the starting lineup, but did come into the game to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth inning, only to be intentionally walked. Kotsay, if last night was his last game as a Brave, went out with a bang as he slid hard into second to break up a potential game-ending double play and in the process, allowing the tying run to score. The next batter up Yunel Escobar followed through with the game winning hit, one that would not have been possible without Kotsay’s hard work.

Should the Braves trade away Kotsay, countless Braves will miss Kotsay, including manager Bobby Cox. Earlier this season Cox told clubhouse reporters how he liked “that Kid,” and Kotsay is respected across baseball for his hustle and hard work. The former Oakland Athletic was brought in to serve as the bridge from Andruw Jones to super-prospect Jordan Schafer, but with Schafer’s suspension, some thought the team might try and resign Kotsay.

Now though it appears as though Kotsay is northbound to compete in a pennant race. If he is to leave, he will have been the first Brave since the 80s to go for the cycle, a feat he recently accomplished earlier this month. His .288 average and six home runs weren’t spectacular, but he provided a strong defense.
So if Kotsay’s run in Atlanta is over, his numbers won’t really be missed, but a consummate ballplayer will have left the team, and signs may be pointing towards a rebuilding year in 2009.

One interesting note, Tuesday on 790 The Zone, John Smoltz hinted in an interview that he and Glavine were both targeting a return to the team in 2009, and if he had to rate a return, he said chances were high. He also stressed that the Braves need to target pitching this offseason. Something to keep an eye on down the stretch.

A late edit, according to espn...."ESPN.com's Keith Law reports the player going back to Atlanta in exchange for Kotsay is 19-year-old outfielder Luis Sumoza, who is currently playing for Class A Lowell, Mass"