George Kottaras

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George Kottaras
Kottaras with the Kansas City Royals
Catcher
Born: (1983-05-10) May 10, 1983 (age 41)
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 13, 2008, for the Boston Red Sox
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2014, for the Toronto Blue Jays
MLB statistics
Batting average.215
Home runs32
Runs batted in101
Teams
Career highlights and awards

George Kottaras (/kəˈteɪrəs/ kə-TAY-rəs; born May 10, 1983) is a Canadian former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Personal life

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Both of Kottaras' parents were born in Greece, but settled in the Toronto, Ontario suburb of Scarborough, where he was born.[1] He attended Milliken Mills High School in nearby Markham.[2]

Professional career

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San Diego Padres

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Kottaras was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 20th round of the 2002 MLB draft. He signed with the Padres in May 2003 after spending one year at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma.

Kottaras began his professional career playing for the Idaho Falls Padres of the Pioneer League, and worked his way up through the Padres minor league system to the Triple-A Portland Beavers in 2006. He played in the 2006 All-Star Futures Game for Team World[3] and was named number 48 in the 2006 Minor League News FAB50 List.[4]

Boston Red Sox

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On September 5, 2006, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox to complete an August 31 deal for David Wells and was immediately added to the team's 40-man roster.[5][6] He was assigned to the Red Sox Double A franchise, the Portland Sea Dogs, who had just begun their Eastern League playoff run. Kottaras arrived for Game 2 of Eastern League Division Playoffs and continued playing with the Sea Dogs until they were crowned 2006 Eastern League Champions.[7]

Kottaras played the entire 2007 season for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. He reported for spring training in 2008 but was optioned back to Pawtucket on March 17, 2008.[8] Kottaras played the regular and post season 2008 schedule for Pawtucket.[9]

Then, after Pawtucket was eliminated from the International League playoffs, he was called up from Pawtucket to MLB on September 8, 2008, [10] and on September 13, 2008, made his MLB debut in the sixth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays and scored the only run for the Red Sox that game.[11]

Kottaras playing for the Boston Red Sox in 2009 spring training

In 2009, Kottaras was knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield's personal catcher; while Jason Varitek caught the other pitchers in the rotation. After Wakefield went on the disabled list after the All-Star break, Kottaras followed suit with a lower back strain. He remained with Pawtucket until call ups on September 1. With Wakefield's first start in September, Red Sox manager Terry Francona had to decide whether to start Kottaras due to his familiarity with Wakefield or Víctor Martínez due to his bat and having made one start with Wakefield in which he caught the knuckleball very well for the first time.[12] Francona eventually chose Martínez.

Kottaras hit his first MLB home run on July 3, 2009, against the Seattle Mariners' Mark Lowe in the bottom of the 11th. For the season, he finished fifth in the league in passed balls, recording eight in 39 games.[13]

Kottaras was placed on release waivers by the Red Sox on November 18, 2009.[14]

Milwaukee Brewers

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Kottaras was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers hours after being placed on release waivers by Boston on November 18.[15]

On September 3, 2011, Kottaras hit for the cycle in a game against the Houston Astros, becoming the seventh Brewer to do so, and the third Brewers catcher to achieve the feat (along with Chad Moeller and Charlie Moore).[16]

In 2011, Kottaras batted .252 and hit five home runs in 111 at bats.[13]

On December 12, 2011, Kottaras avoided arbitration by signing a one-year deal.[17] He was designated for assignment on July 26, 2012.[18]

Oakland Athletics

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Kottaras with the Oakland Athletics in 2012

On July 27, 2012, Kottaras was traded to Oakland for pitcher Fautino de los Santos.[18]

On January 14, 2013, Kottaras agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration.[19] Just a day after agreeing to that contract, Kottaras was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for the newly acquired John Jaso.[20]

Kansas City Royals

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On January 25, 2013, Kottaras was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals.[21] In 2013, his locker was assigned next to Mike Moustakas, who is also of Greek descent. "I don't know how many times you've had two Greek guys in the same clubhouse on the same team," Kottaras said. "And they put us next to each other, which makes it even better."[1] He was designated for assignment on November 21, 2013.[22]

Chicago Cubs

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Kottaras was traded from the Royals to the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations on November 26, 2013.[23] On December 2, Kottaras signed a one-year deal with the Cubs for $1.075 million, avoiding arbitration.[24] He was released on March 26, 2014.[25]

Cleveland Indians

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On March 30, 2014, Kottaras signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.[26] He played in 9 games with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers before being added to the Indians' 40-man roster in time for the game on May 3, 2014. He was designated for assignment three days later.[27] He was assigned to Columbus on May 11, and re-added to the Cleveland roster on May 27. Kottaras was the only player to hit two home runs in his first two plate appearances as an Indian. On July 7, he was designated for assignment following the acquisition of Chris Dickerson.[28]

St. Louis Cardinals

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Kottaras was claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals on July 11, 2014.[29] On July 26, Kottaras was designated for assignment.[30] He was released on July 29.[31]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On August 6, 2014, Kottaras signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[32] He was activated by the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on August 10. He was called up to the Blue Jays on September 1, when the rosters expanded.[33] Kottaras made his debut for the Blue Jays on September 17, grounding out in his only at-bat against the Baltimore Orioles. He made his first start for Toronto on September 25, catching Daniel Norris in his first MLB start. Kottaras went 0–4 as a member of the Blue Jays, and finished the season with a .233 average, three home runs, and 5 RBI.[34] He was sent outright to the Buffalo Bisons on October 3, but elected to become a free agent rather than accepting the assignment.[35]

Chicago White Sox

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On December 18, 2014, Kottaras signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox that included an invitation to spring training.[36] He was released on August 3, 2015.[37]

Return to Toronto

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On August 5, 2015, Kottaras signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[38] He elected free agency on November 7.[39]

San Francisco Giants

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On January 21, 2016, Kottaras signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.[40] He was released on July 14 after hitting .155 with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats.[41]

Atlanta Braves

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On July 16, 2016, Kottaras signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[42] He was released on August 19.[43][44]

International career

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In 2004, Kottaras played for the Greece national baseball team during the 2004 Summer Olympics. His eligibility came from his parents, both of whom are Greek immigrants to Canada. During the Olympics, Kottaras served as a first baseman and backup catcher.[45] On July 21, 2004, Kottaras had three hits helping Greece to come from behind to defeat Italy 11–7 for the team's first and only win in the tournament.[46]

Also, Kottaras played for the Canada national baseball team at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Kaegel, Dick (April 11, 2013). "Moustakas, Kottaras proud of Greek heritage". Kansas City Royals. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  2. ^ Hayakawa, Michael (October 14, 2011). "Kottaras digs deep for Brewers". Newmarket Era. YorkRegion.com. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  3. ^ "George Kottaras". The Baseball Cube. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
  4. ^ Ulrey, Jarod. "# 48 – George Kottaras". Minor League News. Archived from the original on October 16, 2006. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
  5. ^ "Red Sox acquire catcher to complete Wells trade". ESPN. Associated Press. September 5, 2006. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
  6. ^ "#26 George Kottaras". Sox Prospects. Archived from the original on January 28, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
  7. ^ Storm, Stephanie (September 8, 2006). "Kottaras at home with Sea Dogs". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  8. ^ Hayakawa, Mike (August 21, 2008). "Baseball in Kottaras' blood". The Markham Economist and Sun. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  9. ^ Buckley, Steve (September 9, 2008). "Club calls up catcher George Kottaras for 1st big league stint". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  10. ^ "Red Sox recall C George Kottaras and 1B-OFChris Carter from Pawtucket". Boston Red Sox. MLB.com. September 8, 2008. Archived from the original on September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  11. ^ Hayakawa, Mike (September 18, 2008). "Markham ball player joins big league team". Markham Economist and Sun. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  12. ^ Cafardo, Nick (September 4, 2009). "Wakefield set to pitch tomorrow – Extra Bases". The Boston Globe. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  13. ^ a b "George Kottaras Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  14. ^ Speier, Alex (November 18, 2009). "Kottaras released, Cabrera elects free agency". WEEI. Archived from the original on November 20, 2009. Retrieved November 18, 2009.
  15. ^ Witrado, Anthony (November 18, 2009). "Cain and Rivas added to 40-man roster; Kottaras claimed", The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved November 18, 2009.
  16. ^ Heller, Dave (May 22, 2020). "A look back at every cycle in Brewers history". Fox Sports. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  17. ^ Rosiak, Todd (December 12, 2011). "Brewers, Kottaras agree on one-year deal". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  18. ^ a b "George Kottaras shipped to A's". ESPN. Associated Press. July 29, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  19. ^ Cotton, Gary (January 14, 2013). "A's, Kottaras avoid arbitration with one-year deal". Oakland Athletics. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  20. ^ Spratt, Gerry; Shea, John (January 16, 2013). "A's acquire catcher John Jaso in 3-way trade". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  21. ^ "C George Kottaras Claimed off Waivers by Kansas City". Oakland Athletics. January 25, 2013. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  22. ^ Muskat, Carrie (November 26, 2013). "Cubs acquire catcher Kottaras from Royals". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 30, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  23. ^ Rogers, Jesse (November 26, 2013). "Cubs acquire C George Kottaras". ESPN. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
  24. ^ Gonzales, Mark (December 2, 2013). "Cubs, Kottaras agree on 1-year contract". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  25. ^ "George Kottaras put on unconditional release waivers by Cubs". CBC.ca. Fox Sports Canada. March 26, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  26. ^ Baer, Bill (March 30, 2014). "Indians sign George Kottaras to a minor league deal". NBC Sports. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  27. ^ Meisel, Zack (May 6, 2014). "George Kottaras designated for assignment, Michael Bourn nearing return: Terry Francona quick hits". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  28. ^ "Indians acquire OF Dickerson from Pirates". ESPN. Associated Press. July 7, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  29. ^ "Cardinals claim C Kottaras after Molina injury". ESPN. Associated Press. July 11, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  30. ^ "Cardinals sign veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski". ESPN. Associated Press. July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  31. ^ Todd, Jeff (July 29, 2014). "Minor Moves: Joe Saunders, George Kottaras, Matt Guerrier". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  32. ^ Elliott, Bob (August 6, 2014). "Blue Jays ink Markham native George Kottaras". Toronto Sun. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  33. ^ Davidi, Shi (September 1, 2014). "Pompey, Norris among 9 called up by Blue Jays". Sportsnet. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  34. ^ "George Kottaras Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  35. ^ Dakers, Tom (October 3, 2014). "Blue Jays Outright George Kottaras". Bluebird Banter. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  36. ^ Gleeman, Aaron (December 18, 2014). "White Sox sign George Kottaras". NBC Sports. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
  37. ^ "International League Transactions". Minor League Baseball. p. August 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  38. ^ "Blue Jays sign catcher George Kottaras". Minor League Baseball. August 5, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  39. ^ "International League Transactions". Minor League Baseball. p. November 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  40. ^ Heyman, Jon (January 21, 2016). "Jon Heyman on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  41. ^ "George Kottaras: Released by Giants on Thursday". CBS Sports. July 14, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  42. ^ "Braves' George Kottaras: Signs minor league deal with Atlanta". CBS Sports. July 16, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  43. ^ Todd, Jeff (August 29, 2016). "Minor MLB Transactions: 8/29/16". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
  44. ^ "International League Transactions August 2016". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
  45. ^ Mohl, Evan (June 1, 2007). "Kottaras finds place to hang mask". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on May 20, 2008. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
  46. ^ "Greek team gets first-ever victory". ESPN. Associated Press. August 21, 2004. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to George Kottaras.
Achievements
Preceded by Hitting for the cycle
September 3, 2011 		Succeeded by
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