Kotchman Drawing Rave Reviews

It seems first baseman Casey Kotchman reminds everybody of somebody else, and most of the comparisons are flattering. Even Manager Mike Scioscia threw a name into the ring Sunday, saying the 21-year-old rookie “hits to all fields like Mark Grace.”

Grace had more hits than any other major leaguer during the 1990s and 2,445 before retiring last year. After going one for four Sunday, Kotchman has 12 hits and is batting .286 in 12 games since being called up May 11.

Somebody mentioned Don Mattingly, but Scioscia wouldn’t bite.

“Casey’s got a lot of elements of a lot of great players,” he said. “It doesn’t serve any purpose to make those kinds of comparisons.

“Keep in mind he’s 21 years old. He’s a young kid. This guy is well ahead of where most kids his age would be. To be playing in the major leagues and doing a remarkable job, especially on defense, is an indication of how advanced he is. He’s been terrific.”

Another player Kotchman can be compared with is Alan Wiggins, a San Diego Padre outfielder/second baseman in the 1980s. Wiggins did not strike out in his first 43 big league plate appearances, a mark eclipsed by Kotchman when he flied out to left field on an 0-and-2 pitch in the third inning.

Next on the list is Bob Bailor, who did not strike out as a rookie until his 52nd plate appearance in 1977.

Kotchman’s plate discipline is something he learned long before the Angels made him their first-round pick in 2001. His father, Tom, is a longtime Angel scout and minor league manager.

“You can acquire some of that, but not to the extent Casey has,” Scioscia said. “It’s been ingrained in him since he was a kid.”

Kotchman could remain with the Angels rather than returning to the minors even after regular first baseman Darin Erstad returns from the disabled list.

“We are thin on bats,” Scioscia said. “I don’t think Casey will stay here unless there is a role for him. But there will be opportunities to DH, to fill in.”

*

The Angels did not take batting practice, but Erstad hit a bucket of balls thrown by batting coach Mickey Hatcher in the indoor cage. Erstad, on the disabled list since May 9 because of a strained right hamstring, will accompany the Angels on their six-game trip that begins today, but is not expected to play.

“There is no reason to rush him,” Hatcher said. “But batting practice doesn’t bother the injury and we are trying to keep him sharp. He doesn’t want to lose that swing. He really had it going in spring training.”