Marlin Maniac
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Florida / Miami Marlins All-Time Top 40 Players: Part 2

By Kevin Kraczkowski

BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 18: Starting pitcher Brad Penny #31 of the Florida Marlins throws against the New York Yankees during game one of the Major League Baseball World Series October 18, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 18: Starting pitcher Brad Penny #31 of the Florida Marlins throws against the New York Yankees during game one of the Major League Baseball World Series October 18, 2003 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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3 Jun 1998: Mark Kotsay #7 of the Florida Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Stockman /Allsport /

32. Mark Kotsay (6.8)

Mark Kotsay was a 6-foot, 190 lb. left-handed batting and throwing outfielder from Whittier, CA. Born on December 5th, 1975, Florida chose him in the first round of the 1996 MLB Amateur Entry Draft with the ninth overall selection.

Kotsay made extremely quick work of the Marlins minor league system, making his major league debut in 1997 after time with the Kane County Cougars (Single-A, Midwest League) and the Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A, Eastern League). In his first major league look, he went 10-for-52 in 14 games.

In 1998, Kotsay played in a career-high 154 contests, and slashed .279/.318/.403 with 11 homers and 68 RBI. He also stole 10 bases, and was 25 defensive runs saved above average in 1227 2/3 innings in the outfield. Unfortunately, Florida finished with a still-franchise worst 54-108 record, just a season after winning their first World Series Championship.

The Marlins were 12 games better in 1999, finishing at 66-96, while Kotsay maintained his slash line at .271/.306/.402 with eight home runs and 50 RBI. He had 19 outfield assists in 986 innings, along with a .981 fielding percentage and 14 DRS.

In 2000, Kotsay took another step forward in terms of his offensive development, hitting .298/.347/.442 in 152 games. He clubbed another 12 round-trippers with 57 RBI and a career-high 19 stolen bases. As always, he was an asset in the outfield, with nine more DRS a .990 fPCT, and 14 assists in 1107 1/3 innings.

Kotsay remained with the Marlins through most of 2001 Spring Training, then was traded to the San Diego Padres with Cesar Crespo for Omar Ortiz, Matt Clement, & Eric Owens.

After three seasons with the Padres, Kotsay played four years with the Oakland Athletics, a half-season with the Atlanta Braves, two half-seasons for the Boston Red Sox, a season-and-a-half with the Chicago White Sox, a season each with the Milwaukee Brewers, and two years back with the Padres again. He’s currently the Quality Control Coach for the A’s.

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