Kotchman likely to be tendered contract

First baseman could have expanded role if Lowell is dealt.



BOSTON -- Earlier this week in Indianapolis, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein suggested that the club had one non-tender candidate before Saturday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline. Simply because of his 2009 contract -- $2.885 million -- there was speculation that first baseman Casey Kotchman was the player Epstein was referring to.

But WEEI.com reported Friday that the Red Sox have no plans on parting ways with the left-handed hitter and slick fielder.


Instead, it appears that Brian Anderson could be the non-tender candidate. The right-handed-hitting outfielder, who was acquired in August for Mark Kotsay, was used sparingly. Earlier this offseason, the Red Sox made a trade for Jeremy Hermida, who should be the club's primary backup outfielder.

In fact, not only is Kotchman likely to be tendered a contract, but he could play an expanded role on the 2010 Red Sox with third baseman Mike Lowell on the verge of being dealt to the Rangers. The trade of Lowell for Minor League catcher Max Ramirez will become official once the sides finish reviewing medical information.

The extent of Kotchman's role will depend on what Epstein does for the rest of the winter.

While free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, a defensive star, continues to be on Boston's radar, there's no guarantee of a deal. The Mariners have also expressed interest in bringing Beltre back.

If Beltre goes elsewhere, there aren't many other intriguing options on the free-agent market. That's where Kotchman could come in handy. The Red Sox could move Kevin Youkilis across the diamond to third base and have Kotchman as a frequent option at first base against right-handed pitching.

But that is just one of several directions Epstein could go in. There could also be a trade acquisition of a corner bat, or another free agent, such as Mark DeRosa, a right-handed hitter who would complement well with Kotchman.

The other players the Sox must tender a 2010 contract to by Saturday's deadline are closer Jonathan Papelbon, Hermida, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen, Ramon Ramirez and the newly acquired Boof Bonser. There certainly won't be any stunning non-tenders by the Sox.