5 replies to this topic

[NathanDonald13]

I was just wondering why Casey Kotchman hasn't been mentioned as a possiblity for first? He hit .306 last year.

[Brett]

Kotchman would be an acceptable back-up plan, but the problem is, the Cubs really need to add some serious offense somewhere. Kotchman will come cheap, but he's not going to add much to the lineup, particularly at first base.

[hansman1982]

Look past BA and look past the last season. Kotchman has a career OPS+ of 98. Last year it was 128. The last time he was above 100 for the season was in 2007. Also, he has never hit more than 14 homers in a season and doesn't provide speed and has 6 WAR over 8 seasons.

Long story short, he isn't a good 1b option for a team that can easily afford Pena who will give you a similar OPS and OPS+ but with an additional 15-20 home runs or a team that could afford Fielder/Pujols and get numbers that blow Kotchman out of the water.

[King Jeff]

I don't think Kotchman fits in the Cubs plans. With the outfield being constructed the way it is, and the possible additions at third base, they definitely need a power bat at first base. Kotchman can hit well enough, but he's not going to drive the ball enough for what the Cubs need I think. I would pass.

[ncsujuri]

I've mentioned Kotchman in a couple other places as well (normally frequent the ESPN Forum) and he had the third best WAR of the free agent 1B class this year behind only Albert & Prince and would cost much less. Great glove, good OBP, just no power. Anyone remember anyone else that fits that description??? I'll give you a hint, he does broadcast duty for the D-backs.

[SirCub]

I think I'd be ok with Kotchman at first. Seems like signing one of the big two is gambling the future of the team on one player for the next 6-8 years, and with Pujols' age issue and Fielder's weight issue, I think the risk could be too high. Maybe it is just the Cubs fan in me, but it seems like inking another slugger who is supposed to 'save the franchise' to a huge multi-year deal is risky...