There had been talk in Chicago the last few days that the Cubs were interested in acquiring a catcher who could hit. Apparently they couldn't find any, because they just traded for Jason Kendall.The Chicago Cubs, looking for help at catcher, acquired Oakland's Jason Kendall on Monday.I'm not really sure who comes out ahead in this deal. Kendall has been struggling this season, and that's putting it nicely. He's hitting .226 with an OBP of only .261, not exactly productive offensively.
The Cubs will send catcher Rob Bowen and minor league pitcher Jerry Blevins to the A's for Kendall.
In fact, I'm pretty sure the Cubs already had an offensive catcher, but they sent him to San Diego for Rob Bowen.
As for what this trade means for Oakland, I think it's the first sign that Billy Beane is planning on being a deadline seller, and wants to bring up some of the young talent he's got in the minors.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-16-2007 @ 11:15PM
Out of Right Field said...
You're right, the Cubs did have an offensive catcher. Michael Barrett was a great offensive contributor to the other team with his defensive skills.
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7-17-2007 @ 12:05AM
Double T said...
I think the article writer is lacking in literacy. Aside from that...i like the trade cause cubs were not getting any output hitting wise from the catcher. Kendall is proven and knows how to handle a staff. short term this is a good trade for the cubs
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7-17-2007 @ 1:14PM
joe said...
What is Cubs record versus Padres post-Barretta? Way to go Cubs!!!! Now just move Jones.
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7-17-2007 @ 12:31AM
George B Vieto said...
Jason Kendall will do great with the Chicago Cubs as a hitting catcher since a change of leagues does some players good.
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7-17-2007 @ 1:17AM
Ken Graham said...
....A great trade for the Cubs. Kendell is a career .306 hitter in the JV (National) league.
Like most NL players he can't hit AL pitching, or
even throw out AL base stealers. Hopefully, the A's
got some good minor leaguers in return that have some potential.
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7-17-2007 @ 1:36AM
Blake Zelman said...
The reason the cubs traded michael barrett was because he was clashing with the players in the dugout and had some TERRIBLE defensive plays that cost the cubs a few games. If you havent noticed, the cubs have been the hottest team in baseball, I dont think they really need a hitting catcher, they traded for rob bowen strictly to get better defense.
Jason kendall is exactly what they need, an experienced guy who will hit, even if its occasionally.
I'm not even a cubs fan, but Lou Pinella is turning his club into contenders and Jim Hendry is a great GM. I wouldnt be suprised to see the cubs make the WS.
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7-17-2007 @ 5:58AM
Bob said...
Been a die hard Cub fan fo 40 years. I follow every game. Barrett was a good offensive player but, as you can see now, he could not handle a pitching staff. Since Barrett left the Cubs have the best E.R.A. in baseball and have the best record in baseball since that time. Think the Cubs would be 26 and 12 since he left if he was still there? No way. Zambrano and Lilly have been lights out and even Hill has picked it up. Kendell gives us more leadership. He can't do no worse then what we had. Think our catchers we had were batting about .180. No worries about a bat. Cubs ain't done yet. Uncle Lou has given us a chance. Cubs will win the Central.
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