August 27, 2008 Red Sox get Kotsay to shore up outfield

(NECN) - Looking for a strong option to replace the injured J.D. Drew, the Boston Red Sox have traded a minor league prospect to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Mark Kotsay.

Kotsay hit .289 with 6 homeruns and 37 RBI for the Braves this season, and as hit well since missing the month of June with a back injury. Equally important, he is an excellent defensive outfielder known for his strong throwing arm.

In exchange, the Sox sent 20-year-old minor leaguers Luis Samoza to Atlanta. Samoza had played for the Lowell Spinners this season.

The Sox had been limited in the outfield by the injury to Drew, who was placed on the DL earlier this week.

Kotsay will wear #11 and is expected to join the Red Sox in New York. The club will make a corresponding roster move when he is added to the active roster.