Numerous sources have reported that the Red Sox are set to send Casey Kotchman to the Mariners in exchange for Bill Hall, a minor league player to be named later, and cash considerations. The story started when Buster Olney suggested earlier today that the Mariners would be the most likely landing point for the first baseman.
Bill Hall brings added flexibility to the Red Sox' lineup, given his ability to play first, second, and third. Hall also played Shortstop in 2006, managing a 4.6 UZR/150 in 1090 innings. This defense is not matched by Hall's offense, as he only managed an OPS of .596 last year. Hall is signed for $8 million, but the Brewers were already paying $7.15 million of his 2010 salary to the Mariners, and most if not all of that is likely to be included in the trade.
Casey Kotchman came over from Atlanta last year in exchange for Adam LaRoche, who had himself just been acquired from Pittsburgh just over a week earlier. Kotchman was used primarily as a defensive replacement, and struggled in rare offensive appearances, managing a line of only .218/.284/.287 in 95 plate appearances.Kotchman was due for salary arbitration this year, which would likely have meant a bump in his already nearly $3 million salary.