Would You Take Batting Tips From This Man?

Outside the Seminole Recreation Center, a sign advertises batting instruction from the California Angels, Casey Kotchman. Remember him? The left handed hitting marvel who led Seminole High School to the 2000 state championship. For his efforts, Kotchman was named Florida's Mr. Baseball. In limited duty last year, the 23-year old batted a respectable .278 with 7 home runs and 22 RBI. This year during spring training, the Angels shopped Darin Erstad around after Kotchman hit .421 with 3 taters also 15 RBI. But that was then, and this is now. Currently, the Angels have benched Kotchman for being hitless in 14 consecutive at bats, furthermore he's only 8 for 55 this season; on top of that, his 155 at bats have only translated into a .210 on base percentage with zero home runs also 5 RBI in 19 games. By now, the Angels were hopeful the first round draft choice would add more lumber to the lineup, but it may be just a matter of time before Los Angeles sends the Seminole native back to the minors to find his stroke. In a bit of irony, Kotchman hit three home runs against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays last year. Perhaps, he better hope the Rays come around soon before Angels manager, Mike Scioscia, takes the halo away.