Kotsay Nearing Agreement With Marlins

Mark Kotsay, who led Cal State Fullerton to three outstanding seasons and was a first-round draft choice of the Florida Marlins, appears on the verge of signing for a bonus exceeding $1.1 million.

The announcement of the agreement could come as soon as today.

Kotsay’s attorney, Jeff Moorad of Newport Beach, said: “Our discussions with the Marlins have taken a favorable turn in the last few days, and we’re optimistic we’re only a phone call or two away from a final agreement.”

The bonus would be the biggest received by a Titan player.

Phil Nevin, who was the No. 1 pick in the 1992 draft by the Houston Astros and is with the Detroit Tigers, signed for a $700,000 bonus. Dante Powell, a first-round draft choice by the San Francisco Giants in 1994, received slightly more than $500,000.

Kotsay was the ninth player chosen in the June amateur draft.

Moorad said the focus of discussions recently between him and Royals’ scouting director Orrin Freeman primarily has centered on the bonus.

“I feel the final contract will reflect the rising cost of locking in top amateur talent in the draft, and will appropriately compensate Mark,” Moorad said.

Kotsay is expected to report to the Marlins’ Class-A Midwest League team, Kane County in Geneva, Ill., although there are only about two weeks left in the regular season.

Kotsay played left field for Team USA in the Atlanta Olympics and in earlier exhibition games against international competition. He hit .351 for Team USA during the summer, including .303 in the Olympics. Kotsay had eight home runs in 40 games, including three in the Olympics.

With Kotsay, Fullerton teams in the last three seasons won 149 of 190 games and twice reached the College World Series, winning the championship in 1995.