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Why Jason Kendall?

I know this was discussed in the game thread to some extent, but I wanted to post a diary and talk about Jason Kendall in detail.  I realize that Shawn Marshall did not have very good stuff last night, but he did have a guy struck out only to have his catcher throw a lolipop to first base that allowed the player to reach first.  It did appear to me that that one play is what opened the flood gates in the inning and got St. Louis back in the game.  He had more than enough time to take two steps to his right and fire a good throw down there that Dereck Lee no doubt would have caught.  I don't normally blame an entire ball game on one bad play that early in a game, but this time I am going to.  That play completely changed the momemtum of the game.  
Now let's look at what happend in the first game.  Soto had a third strike get past him and go all the way to the wall.  He ran back and quickly fired a strike to first and got his man by a half a step.  I don't think Kendall would have made this play.  Soto hits the ball very well.  He has a better arm than Kendall and I think he calls a better game.  I am sick of hearing that Kendall is in there because he is a veteran.  Who care if he is a veteran if he isn't getting the job done.  I haven't been very impressed with him ever since he got here.  In his first game he missed a pop up that came back to haunt us.  I really hope the Cubs don't resign him next year.  In fact, I really hope his playing time gets taken away in favor of Soto, who at this point in their careers is a better option behind the plate and at the plate.

Poll
Who shold be catching the most down the stretch.
Blanco
2 votes
Kendall
22 votes
Soto
24 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

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.

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and what are you insinuating?
I think Kendall is showing fatique even if he is still hitting the ball. Lou has said he is going to ride him, but possibly he might reconsider as he is capable and play Soto between now and next Thursday the first of two off days within 5 days before the final push of six games on the road.
Milw-09-23-98--Brown in for defense--bases loaded--flyball--HE DROPPED THE BALL!!!NO NO NO, cubs lose 8-7

by Ivy Walls on Sep 16, 2007 9:47 AM CDT reply actions  

I'm not insinuating anything
I think that Kendall is overrated just because he is a veteran with past experience does not mean that he is right for this team now.  I think picking him up was a bad move.  I thought so at the time.  He hasn't exactly set the world on fire the last couple of years with his bat.  He couldn't throw me out trying to steal second, and he makes boneheaded decisions (like yesterday's).  I don't want anybody to misunderstand me or think that I am insinuating.  I think Kendall is a worse option than Soto.  
He said Poo Holes.

by madog93 on Sep 16, 2007 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Soto backs it up
Soto just went out there today and backed up what my diary is all about.  He played great today and should be playing more down the stretch.  At least we can be fairly certain that Kendall will not be a Cub next year.  

I don't want people to think I hate Kendall.  I don't.  I actually like Kendall and think he plays the game with grit and heart.  I just don't think at this point in his career he is what the Cubs need.

He said Poo Holes.

by madog93 on Sep 16, 2007 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Soto...
... is winning me over with every game he plays. See my game recap for more.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Sep 16, 2007 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm more and more impressed
with Soto as he gets more PT. I could see giving him first shot in the spring and maybe sign Kendall if he's willing to take backup $$$ and time. How to split that for right now I'll leave to Lou but he absolutely deserves more game action and I think is a no-brainer for the playoff roster when we get there (yes.....when we get ther).

by cubrandy on Sep 16, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions  

I understand the Soto talk
and he may indeed end up being the Cubs catcher for many years if he continues to pan out.  But, at this time of year, experience behind the plate is absolutely crucial.  I know Kendall is not throwing anybody out, but his value is in knowing how to read hitters and his own pitchers and how that relates to how the game is called.

The other point about Kendall is he will get key hits in crucial situations.  He also gives Lou, a great guy that can execute the hit and run.  He is also one of the few guys on the roster, that works the count and does not strikeout much.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 16, 2007 11:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Soto talk
is great and all. And if just might be he will be our C next year. But Lou uses these young guys correctly. Lou used Fontenout perfectly while he was on a tear.

It is  only a matter of time before the rest of the league catches up with the Fontenout's, Ankiel's of the world. If these guys are true big leaguers they will adjust after the rest of the league adjusted to them.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Sep 17, 2007 6:11 PM CDT reply actions  

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