Former Marlin Kotsay announces retirement

PHILADELPHIA -- Veteran Mark Kotsay announced he will retire after a 17-year Major League career. Currently with San Diego, Kotsay began his career with the Marlins from 1997-2000 before his first stint with San Diego.

Marlins manager Mike Redmond played three seasons with Kotsay and called him upon hearing the news.

"I just told him 'Congratulations,'" Redmond said. "He was a great teammate, a great guy. He's had a tremendous career. We came up through the Minor Leagues together. I know he will have a chance at some point look back on his career and be excited, and know he was fortunate to have such an impact on these guys' careers and lives."

Kotsay played 14 games for the 1997 World Series-champion Marlins and entered Monday with a .276 career average and 127 career home runs, 31 for the Marlins.