Pardon. I hate to interrupt the fun.
Some here may recall that I was a proponent of acquiring V-Mart several weeks ago. At the time, my rationale was simple. His versatility.... switch hitter (with some pop), 1st base, catcher, and occasional DH. He is still relatively young, and is reasonably priced as far as his existing contract goes. I'm glad that we got him. I would prefer to have Gonzalez, but not at such a huge price as was being required by Towers.
I just don't understand the circuitous route the Sox took to get him. They went out and got LaRoache and as a consequence, DFA'ed Kotsay. Now, after getting V-Mart, they unload LaRoache for Kotchman.
Why was this necessary? What was the plan? Couldn't we just have kept Kotsay (OF,1st) and dealt to get V-Mart? Some kind of roster move would have had to ensue. Maybe Kotsay is dumped anyway.
I understand why LaRoache was dealt for Kotchman. I just think we would have been better off holding onto Kotsay for a back-up OF.
Whatever.
I don't think any of these moves puts the Sox over the hump to get to the playoffs. It looks like it will be a struggle to take the Wild Card, let alone overtake the Yankees.