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Mark Kotsay earned high marks in difficult first season

By David Hill

Aug 17, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (7) walks off the field during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (7) walks off the field during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark Kotsay did not have the type of managerial debut anyone would have hoped for.

He was thrust into a difficult situation right off the bat. Not only was he taking over from the popular Bob Melvin, but the Oakland A’s decided that was the moment to begin tearing their roster apart. Considering that 64 different players saw action, including 34 rookies, it should not be a surprise that the A’s stumbled to their first 100 loss season since 1979.

Mark Kotsay made most out of bad situation

But those types of situations will test the mettle of even the most experienced of players and managers. For Kotsay, the past season was a true proving ground, a chance to prove that he could handle the lowest of the lows before the A’s gave him a chance to guide the franchise back to glory when this latest downturn comes to an end.

If this first season is any indication, Kotsay is going to be the right person for the job. General manager David Forst called Kotsay “one of the most positive things to come out of [2022]” as he touted his ability to find positives no matter the situation. Forst also said that they learned a lot about the players on the roster, whether they will be part of the future of the organization or not.

It certainly makes sense. It is easy to show up to the ballpark with a great attitude when the team is winning and there is hope for a playoff berth. That is not the case when the biggest question is whether or not the team is going to lose 100 games while all of their stars had been sent elsewhere.

While those statements typically apply to the players, that matters for the coaching staff as well. A situation such as what the A’s are going through will give coaches an opportunity they may not have otherwise had, but they need to prove themselves as well. Kotsay has done exactly that as far as the A’s are concerned.

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Mark Kotsay did not find himself in the easiest of situations this season. However, the first time manager impressed the Oakland A’s with his performance.