Indians sign Kotchman

[love_that_reefer]

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman is "headed to the Indians."
Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer has confirmed that a one-year, $3 million agreement is in place. Kotchman, 28, posted a cool 306/.378/.422 slash line with 10 home runs and 48 RBI in 563 plate appearances last season for the Rays and ranks annually among the top defensive first basemen in the sport. He represents a nice upgrade for Cleveland over the slightly younger but far less productive Matt LaPorta. Carlos Santana will also see time at first base in 2012.

Good, solid signing for the Indians. Looks like they made their annual Major League signing. I don't see him repeating his 2011 season but he is a good platoon option with LaPorta.

[Tobywan]

I am glad CK found a home and some extra cash.

[Kingdom]

I think it's a good signing. I know they have LaPorta and just took a flyer on Russ Canzler, but you know what you're going to get with Kotchman. And even though he doesn't hit for power, he's a patient hitter and the young guys on that team could benefit from a model like that.

[Tobywan]

Canz can also play RF, LF and 3B as per the Rayism of versatility.

[love_that_reefer]

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti indicated Friday that Matt LaPorta is likely to begin the season at Triple-A.
The Tribe signed Casey Kotchman to be their regular first baseman, and they'd like to give LaPorta everyday at-bats. The former top prospect will compete for a bench role, but Antonetti thinks LaPorta would benefit from some more seasoning. With a career .313/.400/.553 batting line there, LaPorta has nothing left to prove at Triple-A. He might have run out of chances with the Indians, though.

The prize of the Sabathia deal could be running out of time. Who knew that the throw in of that deal (Michael Brantley) would stick more so than LaPorta.