Originally Posted by
Space_Shot
Kotchman is only 3 years younger - not a huge difference there. And Kotchman's upside at absolute best may still not be 30+ HR, .300 BA, 120+ RBI, All Star, Gold Glove - which is exactly what they got in Teixeira. Kotchman was one of my favorite Angels, but we basically got a straight up trade for him where last year the price was Kotchman, Saunders and Brandon Wood or Howie Kendrick. Remember, they also have Kendry Morales that has a higher offensive upside than Kotchman waiting for an opportunity to play. He's already proven he could hit .300 with better power at the MLB level with all the action he got last season.
I say this was as good of a calculated risk as you could ask for at the trade deadline. If they win, everyone is happy. If they don't win and sign him, everyone is still happy. If they don't win and don't sign him, Morales can step in and there shouldn't be any drop off from Kotchman.