Titans’ Kotsay Moving Closer to Starting Spot on U.S. Olympic Team

Team USA is moving into its final month of preparations for baseball competition in the Atlanta Olympics with indications that Mark Kotsay of Cal State Fullerton and Jacque Jones of USC probably will be two of the three starting outfielders.

Louisiana State’s Skip Bertman, who is coaching Team USA, said he’s planning to start Kotsay in left field, although he might shift him to right.

“We’ll give Jones the first shot in center,” Bertman said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t think Kotsay can play center. But we think he could be more valuable to us in one of the other two outfield positions, where he can throw people out.

“It’s more difficult to do that in center because you have to play a little deeper. But we know he can play center if he’s needed there.”

Jones has been impressive, hitting .556 with 13 runs batted in in seven exhibition games against international competition. Kotsay, a first-round draft choice of the Florida Marlins, is batting .455 with seven RBIs.

Bertman also indicated Monday that Fullerton’s Brian Loyd and Stanford’s A.J. Hinch are the top two catchers at this point. Bertman said he’s planning on at least two catchers on the final 20-man roster.

Another catcher, Matt LeCroy of Clemson, is on the 25-man roster. “We’re looking at him as a possible third catcher and designated hitter,” Bertman said.

Bertman said Hinch is the likely starter. “A.J. is much improved over last summer,” Bertman said. “He’s done a magnificent job receiving. But Loyd also is excellent. He’s already homered here. He’s a sharp kid, and he can do a lot of things for you.”

Shortstop Augie Ojeda, who played at Cypress College and Tennessee, remains in contention for a starting spot. “Augie can play any of three infield positions, and that’s important to us,” Bertman said.

The squad was cut to 25 over the weekend, and will be reduced by five more, who will become alternates, on July 17. Team USA begins play in Atlanta July 20 against Nicaragua.

Bertman said he hasn’t decided whether he will have seven or eight pitchers on the final roster, which will determine the number of position players retained. “That’s why we’d like to have Matt work his way into the DH spot,” Bertman said.

Bertman said he has no plans to use Kotsay as a pitcher. “Mark said he’s ready if we need him, but it isn’t likely,” Bertman said.