ATLANTA -- The Boston Red Sox acquired Mark Kotsay from Atlanta for a minor leaguer Wednesday, adding depth to their outfield one day after J.D. Drew went on the disabled list.
Kotsay hit .289 with six home runs and 37 RBI in 88 games with the Braves. He arrived at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday before Boston's game against New York and was available off the bench.
"I figured once I cleared waivers and there wasn't really any action that I'd finish out the season in Atlanta," Kotsay told a pool reporter. "But this obviously is exciting to come to a club that's in the playoff race, and especially one like Boston that has the history of a great tradition."
Kotsay's only postseason experience came in 2006 with Oakland. The Red Sox lead the AL wild-card race and began the day 3½ games behind first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East.
"It's very invigorating, no question," Kotsay said. "Unfortunately in Atlanta, things didn't go as well as we would have liked. I see Atlanta giving me this opportunity and we have to be thankful for that as well."
A strong defensive player, Kotsay has primarily played center field since 2001, when he joined the San Diego Padres. Before that, he was a regular in right field for Florida. He's also played 28 major league games at first base and could see time there with Boston.
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| Mark Kotsay hit .289 with six HRs and 37 RBI in 88 games with Atlanta. (AP) |
"He's going to play. He's going to help us," Francona said. "The one thing I've heard from numerous people is, if he can walk he'll play."
The 32-year-old Kotsay, like Drew, has been hampered by back pain during his career.
"I know that I've gotten messages from people all over the league that said he's everybody's all-time favorite. I know he's a real professional. I know he's excited about coming here," Francona said. "He said he'll do anything we ask to try to help us win."
Drew, an All-Star right fielder, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday because of a lower back strain.
With Drew already ailing, Braves general manager Frank Wren said Boston GM Theo Epstein called him last weekend and it took about four days to complete the deal.
"J.D.'s injury necessitated this trade," Epstein said, then praised Kotsay. "He adds a lot to our club. He's a plus defensively in center and in right. He plays first base. He has great instincts. He's really a gamer. He's the type you want up in a big spot. ... He'll help this club on the field and in the clubhouse."
