Rays News and Notes: Kotchman Joins the Tribe

The recent signing spree of former Rays continued today. Casey Kotchman signed a one year deal with the Indians. The deal is valued at $3 million plus incentives. Kotchman will join Russ Canzler in Cleveland, as Canzler was traded there earlier this week.

Kotchman ended up with a good deal for what he is. He is a non-power hitting first baseman, which are not exactly in demand in Major League Baseball. Chances are the Rays would have ended up with Kotchman had the Indians stolen Carlos Pena away from the Rays. Kotchman was good for the Rays, reviving his career a bit. We will see if he can put up the same production in Cleveland.

Rays News and Notes

• Jeff Niemann had his arbitration hearing today. Teams are 1-0 so far this season in arbitration hearings, and Andrew Friedman is 4-0 in his career. The numbers are on the Rays side, but we will have to wait until tomorrow to get the official word.
• Finally, on an ex-Rays note, the A’s and Orioles are the most interested in Manny Ramirez‘s services. Should any team sign Manny they will have to wait 50 games before he can suit up, as he waits out his suspension for performance enhancing drugs. As many of you remember, Ramirez abruptly retired last season after learning of his 100 game suspension.