We’re starting a new series here at Fire Brand. Once a week, you’ll hear from numerous Red Sox bloggers on the Internet on a Red Sox related issue, and we’ll aggregate the answers here. Answers are placed in the order they were received. Thanks to everyone for participating!
When J.D. Drew returns from injury, how should the Red Sox use Mark Kotsay?
“Kotsay should supplant Coco Crisp in the fourth outfield spot. He’s providing more offense than Coco and we can use Coco as our Dave Roberts down the stretch, as Coco has proved he simply cannot be counted on with the bat.” — Evan, Fire Brand of the American League
“If we have learned anything this year it is that the Red Sox cannot plan for the long term. When J.D. comes back, Jacoby will probably get hurt. Ellsbury, Bay, and Drew should be the starters and Coco should be the first guy off of the bench now while he’s hot. Kotsay gives them a good bat for a pinch hitter but will see limited time unless someone else goes down. ” — Matt O’Donnell, Fenway West
“As Drew’s return approaches, I believe Mark Kotsay should automatically be penciled in for that 4th outfield spot. Kotsay rarely strikes out and will provide more pop in the lineup than what Coco Crisp brings to the table. Also, I could get used to seeing Mrs. Kotsay around the ballpark.” — Dan, Lansdowne 9
“Kotsay has been quietly impressive so far (.350, 5 RBI, 5 2B) and he tied the game [yesterday] with a clutch 2-run triple… but when Drew comes back, I think he’ll be stuck waiting his turn at both 1B and OF. All the regulars will need rest this month, so I think we’ll see Tito playing the match-ups a lot. Bottom Line: September means wacky looking lineup cards and Kotsay is just one of many names that will be rotating on and off the list.” — Bottom Line Rob, The Bottom Line
“Kotsay should be looked at as nothing more than another utility outfielder. Coco has been on fire lately and provides a ridiculous defensive upgrade compared to Kotsay. The loss of Kotsay’s bat in the lineup isn’t enough to overcompensate for the defense Coco adds, no matter how mediocre his hitting may be this season.” — Michael Christopher, Sox Addict
“The left-handed Kotsay is batting .303 this season against righties, which makes him as likely of a candidate to pinch-hit as anyone. I’m also not sold that JD Drew’s back problems and Mike Lowell’s hip issues won’t flare up again, so there are probably at-bats at first base (with Kevin Youkilis moving to third) and in the outfield. Whatever happens, it’s hard to see there being any drama with Kotsay — he knew what he was getting into when he arrived.” — Dan Lamothe, Red Sox Monster
“Kotsay should be used as a 4th/5th outfielder. Drew will still need a few days off and Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury are not hitting consistently enough, though Crisp has been much better since the beginning of August. Jason Bay will likely be the only outfielder in the lineup every single day. The other four can be mixed and matched, depending on the opposing pitcher and other factors.” — Allan, The Joy of Sox
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