The Cubs now own the Stubbliest Catcher in Baseball...

by BigJimSlade on Jul 16, 2007 10:55 PM CDT

...and I couldn't be happier. Kendall's not going to wow you with his numbers, though he's a career .308 hitter after the break as compared to .290 in the first half. Also he's been swinging a (comparatively speaking) hot bat of late, .297 over the last few weeks. He'll be a great addition to the lineup in the 7 hole, allowing Fontenot to hit 8th to turn the lineup over. He's comparable offensively nowadays to Mark Loretta, which is someone I've seen mentioned numerous times on this site as a "shoulda" guy for the Cubs. His glovework iss comparable to Bowen/Hill and his reputation around baseball as a terrific clubhouse guy. Plus the added bonus factor that he has to shave a minimum of fifteen times a day suggests a machismo that has to rub off on our LSU Boys Wonder up the middle. I have now convinced myself the Cubs have traded for Jake Taylor and Crash Davis rolled into one. Go Cubbies!!!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Well at least...

...we addressed the team's inexcusable shortage of stubble after the T-Walk trade last year.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Jul 17, 2007 12:31 AM CDT reply actions

A quick glance over at A's Nation

shows that they liked Kendall they just weren't happy with the way he was hitting. They seemed to like Jason Kendall the person and they liked his hustle and all. Hopefully a change of scenery will do him well.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 17, 2007 7:41 AM CDT reply actions

I made a post over there...

... telling them why I personally liked the deal.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2007 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Even if he hits .250

that would be .230 higher than Bowen. This was a very good move for this team. Kendall is in a pennant race now, he'l step up accordingly.

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jul 17, 2007 8:11 AM CDT reply actions

Mark Loretta

is hitting .315/.390/.412 in 257 AB's this year.

Kendall is hitting .226/.261/.281 in 292 AB's.

I'm not sure how that's comparable.

by jamie @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 17, 2007 8:35 AM CDT reply actions

Why is this a relevant comparison?

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2007 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions

That's what I'm asking.

It's in the diary:

"He's comparable offensively nowadays to Mark Loretta, which is someone I've seen mentioned numerous times on this site as a "shoulda" guy for the Cubs."

by jamie @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 17, 2007 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Unless

he means both players have a complete lack of HR power. That is comparable.

by jamie @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 17, 2007 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

That's why I'm confused.

Loretta is a middle infielder. Kendall is a catcher. The comparison is irrelevant.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

What I meant....

...Loretta's career numbers are as follows:

Ave: .299
OBP: .364
SLG: .462

Kendall's are:

Ave: .298
OBP: .375
SLG: .395

Loretta's numbers this year are better, and he has hit for a higher average recently, I concede. However, the reason Loretta was attractive was his ability to reach base and his ability to handle the bat. I see Kendall's role to be similar to Loretta's - get on, get over, get in. With Kendall you will get a lower average, but he'll get on base and do so in the 6-8 hole or the 2 hole as needed. Granted, I wish Kendall hit for a higher average, but I think their career numbers shake out pretty comparably, using a larger sample size

by BigJimSlade on Jul 17, 2007 10:33 AM CDT reply actions

But my point was...

... these players are not comparable in any other way. Loretta's a middle infielder. Kendall's a catcher. They don't really fill the same roles in a lineup at all.

I'm not sure what your point is here.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2007 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Good Deal!

Hendry has done it again - getting the better end of a trade. How many times have we seen this?

1.) Kendall is a proven, gritty veteran
2.) He has consistently shown he can get on base and hit over a career.
3.) He can call a great game -- Pitchers really like him.
4.) A change of scenary and a return to the NL with a team in the playoff hunt is exactly what he wants NEEDS and WANTS -
5.) He's thrilled to be a Cub.

We gave up Bowen and a lefty minor leaguer. (oh, and we got rid of Barrett)!

Cheers, Jim Hendry! We still have Hill, Marshall and Veal -- we have so many lefties!!!!!!

Very Excited.

Give Z whatever he Please...NOW!

by southerncubbie on Jul 17, 2007 10:52 AM CDT reply actions