Padres Rumors: Reds Eyeing Mark Kotsay

San Diego Padres reserve player Mark Kotsay is drawing interest from the Cincinnati Reds, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

As the trade deadline nears, we love to speculate about potential blockbuster moves. But sometimes the less heralded veterans make big impacts. And that is why San Diego Padres reserve Mark Kotsay – an experienced pinch hitter – is drawing interest from the Cincinnati Reds, among other clubs, according to major-league sources.

Morosi calls Kotsay "the perfect trade candidate," because he’s making a low base salary ($1.25 million) and he’s set to become a free agent following the season.

While there are likely to be teams interested in Kotsay this summer as an extra piece for their bench, Morosi notes that the Padres may decide to keep him because they "value his leadership."

On the season, Kotsay has hit at a clip of .292/.370/.375 with four extra-base hits and seven RBIs over his 72 at-bats. The 36-year-old has manned both corner-outfield positions as well as first base for the Padres.

______________________________________________________________________

Should the Padres keep Kotsay for veteran leadership?

______________________________________________________________________