Drew's status has Red Sox considering Kotsay
J.D. Drew's latest setback has Boston stepping up the search for outfield help, just in case Drew is going to be unavailable for a time.
According to multiple sources, the Red Sox have shown interest in Atlanta outfielder Mark Kotsay, but as of Monday morning nothing was imminent on that front. The Red Sox had previously inquired about Houston's Darin Erstad but were rebuffed.
Kotsay is certainly available, but with four hits in his last 25 at bats the interest may be waning.
Look for the Braves to trade Kelly Johnson this winter as Martin Prado has impressed the coaching staff to the extent that the Braves may be ready to give Prado a chance to be the regular second baseman in 2009. Even if Prado isn't the guy, expect Johnson to be gone. Offensively, he's actually proven to be too selective and his power totals have been disappointing.
Kenny Rogers has to decide at season's end whether to try to come back for another season at age 44, but the Tigers could have a decision to make sooner.
Sunday's loss to the Royals pushed Rogers over the 160-inning mark and earned him a second $250,000 bonus for innings pitched. He'll earn similar bonuses for 170 and 180 innings pitched, then $500,000 each if he were to reach 190 and 200 innings. Though those payments are deferred until 2010, that could still be too much for the Tigers if they were to formally decide that they're out of contention and that Rogers won't be back next season.
The Red Sox picked up Paul Byrd to shore up their rotation, and some believe Boston will try to add another arm as insurance in light of Josh Beckett's arm issues.
The Rangers, with Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla available, might be a fit. The Rangers are looking to trade either but are listening to offers.
Millwood, 33, has battled hamstring and groin injuries this year but has pitched well when healthy. He is signed through next season for $11 million. Padilla is signed through 2009 with a club option for 2010.
One scout's opinion: "When it's all said and done Adam Dunn will mean more to Arizona than Manny (Ramirez) will to the Dodgers."
The Diamondbacks are 8-4 since Dunn arrived, and Dunn has contributed with a .463 on-base percentage and a .950 OPS.
The Yankees contacted Texas regarding slugger Milton Bradley recently but those talks fizzled.
