http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2104318

 

Kotsay gets no-trade clause through 2006

 

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Mark Kotsay agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, keeping the reliable center fielder with the club through the 2008 season.

 

The deal is a two-year extension worth $15 million, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. The deal supercedes the final year of his current contract, a five-year deal through the 2006 season. The total amount Kotsay will earn through 2008, including 2005, is $29 million. Kotsay also has a no-trade clause through 2006, Gammons reports.

 

Kotsay, acquired after the 2003 season from San Diego for Ramon Hernandez and Terrence Long, was batting .278 with six home runs and 43 RBI in 82 games with the A's this season heading into Saturday's game against the White Sox in Chicago.

 

Kotsay hasn't committed an error this year and his 198 total chances are second-most among AL outfielders with no errors. He had seven assists, which were tied for fourth among AL outfielders.

 

The A's have six players under contract beyond the 2005 season, not including Scott Hatteberg, Keiichi Yabu and Barry Zito, all of whom have club options for next season.

 

In addition to Kotsay, five other five players signed are: Eric Chavez, Bobby Crosby, Keith Ginter, Rich Harden and Jason Kendall.

This is big news.

This is big news.

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One less CF the Yankees can get; does that up the ante for Encarnacion (not that I am advocating trading him)?

Nice news for Oakland, even though Kotsay's OBP in comparison to his average doesn't really match up that well to Billy Ball.

Yes, now all those rumors of him going here and there can die. One less thing for Gammons to talk about. Wonder what the next rumors are gonna be?

 

I think the Yankees will be pushing hard for Enc...but of course, I haven't really been following this situation in NY or FL.

I heard the Preston Wilson to the Nats deal is now OFF, so he's back out there.....