July 8, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Mark Kotsay (14) draws a bases loaded walk during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds to score Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal (not pictured) at PETCO Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
Impressed with his bat off the bench and clubhouse presence, the San Diego Padres have agreed to terms on a contract extension with outfielder Mark Kotsay through the 2013 season, the team announced today in a press release. Padres GM Josh Byrnes made the announcement.
"Mark provides versatility and a very good late-game at-bat," said Byrnes. "He brings invaluable leadership to our club and has become one of the key members of our team."
The 36-year-old Kotsay entered today sporting a triple slash line of .275/.333/.363 in 111 plate appearances over 55 games. The 16 year pro has done well as a pinch-hitter, batting .290/.333/.484 in such situations, but that is in just 33 plate appearances. The Padres value his leadership as much as his bat, and do need veteran players like Kotsay to mentor their extremely young team.
Corey Brock of MLB.com was first to report the deal and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports later reported Kotsay will earn $1.3 million in 2013.


There is 1 Comment. Add yours. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.