.. I still remember that game-ending personally risky diving tag he made in Texas in the '05 season .. he definitely has a heart of a gamer .. he comes to play ..

But that is Pittsburgh's problem. Sorry, that is not a link, just a bold That's AN's problem.

 I hate to see him ground meekly to the left side of the infield, or flyout to the shallow part of right field. There is some sort of badassedness that Kendouche has. He is throwing runners out due to his dedication to the game, and I really found it ironic today. He seemed to want to stick it up the Angels ass, that HE will steal the bases. As well as throw out the base stealers.

I also think he "calls a good game" as Fosse will tell you. Repeatedly.

Why didn't I receive this hot SDMC in my basket this morning?

the most overpaid player in baseball. I realize I am not the one who is paying his salary, so why the hell should I care how much he makes?

I care because a catcher with 0 power, 0 speed, a below average arm, and an inconsistent batting average, making 12 million dollars is a frickin' joke.

Kendall is a backup in the American League at this point in his career. I have nothing against the guy, here's to hoping that after this season he goes back to the NL and extends his career another 2-3 years.

the glue that holds together a young, productive pitching staff

F@&%ked!  ...hows that for a write-in?

Big year for Kendall, I'm calling it.

Or perhaps 10th?

At this point, and I'm sure everyone will agree with me, Kendall has regressed to an entirely different player than when he was with the Pirates.  Sure, he's still capable, but I'd like to see him at least batting ninth.

On the plus side, he does call a good game.  All the pitchers have confidence in him, and with a younger rotation that can be pretty important.  I also love the way he takes out John Lackey (I just want to punch Lackey just looking at him).  On the down side, zero power, zero speed, and I doubt he's going to keep throwing out baserunners the rest of the season.    

.. I don't have his 2006 stats handy but am pretty sure he hit nearly that last year, - so .. for pete's sakes guys show some patience with our players before you start writing them off!  Kendall also puts the ball in play and rarely strikes out {his very rare 3-K king-felix episode in Seattle notwithstanding}.  His obvious weakness has always been lack of power, but he can surely be a serviceable lead-off guy in front of Stewart.

I would apply my exhortation toward Crosby as well.  Be patient.  The guy didn't play much in two previous years, and he didn't get a full spring training in because the A's were being careful with his recovery from the back injury.  He didn't have a chance to play winter ball or do any baseball activity in the off-season because he had to let the back completely heal.

Does anyone remember Frank Thomas' situation, how the A's treated him similarly in ST last year, because he was coming off two unproductive seasons due to foot injuries?  And he started off the regular season very very slowly, - some were calling in to Buan's show and labeling him "Big Popup" rather than "Big Hurt".

It's a long long season and we have to be patient even though it goes against our nature .. the jury is still out on the 2007 season, we don't have a big enough "sample size" yet ..

There needs to be a new stat to measure guys like Kendall, one that combines successful steals with throwing out other guys stealing. Kendall is 2 + 2 in that category today, tied for the lead with Laird (1 + 3). Not bad for a catcher who can't throw anybody out and never gets on base.