Jack Zduriencik was one of the most active major league general managers in 2009. And the Seattle Mariners’ GM is getting a head start on 2010, working the phones in an effort upgrade the team’s personnel.
Early Tuesday morning, multiple Internet reports surfaced that the Mariners were on the verge of trading for Red Sox first baseman Casey Kotchman.
With the news of former M’s third baseman Adrian Beltre signing a one-year, $9 million contract with the Red Sox breaking Monday, Kotchman became largely expendable.
Kotchman, 26, is a left-handed-hitting first baseman with a solid glove and less-than-average power for a corner position.
In 2009, with the Atlanta Braves and the Red Sox, he played in 126 games with 431 plate appearances. He hit .268 with seven home runs and 48 RBI, while posting an on-base percentage of .339 and a slugging percentage of .382.
In exchange for Kotchman, it is expected the Mariners will give up utility infielder Bill Hall and possibly a minor league player to be named, as well as possible cash considerations.
Hall came to the Mariners on Aug. 19 in a trade for minor league pitcher Ruben Flores. He played 34 games at a variety of positions. He hit .200 (24-for-120) with two home runs and 12 RBI.
While aspects of the deal seem to have been settled, when the deal might be finalized has not. Physicals for Hall and Kotchman still need to be taken.
A source familiar with the trade said it might not be announced until later this week.
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