[vincesanity82]

Center fielder Mark Kotsay was a late scratch from the Braves' lineup Tuesday, fueling speculation he would be traded before the end of the night to the Boston Red Sox.

A person familiar with the situation said the Braves were close enough to a trade that they didn't want to risk Kotsay getting hurt playing on the rain-soaked surface at Turner Field.

The Red Sox have both a spot on their roster and in their lineup for the taking after finally putting J.D. Drew on the disabled list. Drew was recently diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back and hasn't played since August 17th. Kotsay, ironically, missed five weeks earlier this season with a bulging disc himself, but he's healthy right now, and considering he'll be a free agent in just a few short months, that's really all that matters.

Red Sox on Verge of Trading for Mark Kotsay - MLB FanHouse

[2418jk]

The braves have always seemed to have the mentality that if they cant win, pick a talented player and give him away.

[vincesanity82]

The Braves today traded starting centerfielder Mark Kotsay to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder and prospect! Luis Sumoza. At least so sayeth my Braves.com email alert, not that no one saw this coming (quote from DOB at the AJC FYI).
The teams finalized the trade Wednesday morning after spending much of Tuesday negotiating details of the deal, which sent the 32-year-old center fielder to Boston in time to be eligible for their postseason roster.

"It'll be a fun experience for the next 30 days, that's for sure," Kotsay said as he prepared to board a flight for Boston on this afternoon. "Just one of those deals, we'll get through it."

Despite the Braves' disappointing season, Kotsay said this of his eight months with the organization: "Great experience, man."

Braves Swap Mark Kotsay to Red Sox for an Outfielder; White Flags and Such - MLB FanHouse

[vincesanity82]

Sumoza hit .301 with 11 homers and a .539 slugging percentage with the Class A Lowell Spinners this season. The 20-year-old outfielder has enjoyed a productive August, hitting .354 with five homers.