Kendall Traded to the Cubs!
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 5:51 PM PDT
in News
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PrintI'm watching the Cubs/Giants game on ESPN and they just announced that the Cubs have traded for Jason Kendall for catcher Rob Bowen and minor league lefty Jerry Blevins.
The official AN whipping boy is an Oakland Athletic no longer. Um, not really sure why the Cubbies want Kendall except for the fact that he apparently loves hitting in Houston and he probably won't take a swipe at a starting pitcher.
More to come on this deal...I'm going to take a closer look at the players the A's got in return, particularly Blevins.
Jason, I never hated you, how could I hate someone who would put his face in front of some jagged cleats to win a game? I just got tired of watching you hit. The Kendall era in Oakland is officially over and the Suzuki era has officially begun.
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Weird combination
of good memories and good riddance.
Exactly how I felt
at the same time, it's time for him to move on and allow us to see what we have in Suzuki. I feel bad that Landon Powell had the issues he has with health or he might've been right there too.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
kendall sucked, but the face-tag and sulk-off
will remain two of the most memorable plays of this a's era.
Agreed
Yes, I loved his grit. But his offense...not so much.
by kaweahkaweah on Jul 16, 2007 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions
WOO-HOO!
I'm sorry but
thank the Big Dude. I respect the hell out of Jason Kendall, and he did some great things for us, but it was time for a change. Whoo.
Sean Marshall.........
the yankees telecast just stated the pitcher is actually sean marshall. i am not sure if that is correct or not but i thought i would pass it along. he has been good this year prior to his last start and was a major prospect of their's not too long ago.
by bigmacattack @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 5:52 PM PDT reply actions
HUZZAH!
Earth's Worst Hitter(TM) is gone! I'm sure Suzuki will have to go through a period of fans blaming him if the pitching isn't as unusually awesome as it was in the first half, but just ignore 'em, Kurt.
HUZZAH!
YES!!!!
I like Kendall, admire his work ethic, appreciate his work with our pitchers, but his batting was atrocious.
Was just sitting here thinking...
...that tonight's game will be the first truly meaningless game of 2007, two lousy teams going nowhere and playing out the string. Now, it feels like a new era is beginning! What a catharsis! Looking forward to tonight's game with new energy.
I was just reading the post from Blez
talking about looking towards what BB will do when I heard about this. So the roster changes are offically starting. I think Suzuki will do well, albeit, it won't be overnight, so it's time for A's fans to practice patience and look for baby steps from your 2008 Oakland A's.
Now we await
The trades of Kotsay, Kennedy, and Crosby with abated breath.
This feels weird.
I always feel weird when a player leaves, no matter who he is, and this time is no different. I thought I'd be happy to see him go and I suppose I am, but I can't help feeling like I'll miss him in some regard. It'll be interesting to hear Fosse's take that's for sure.
Me too
now I'm getting all nostalgic about Kendall! Just focus on the batting average, just focus on the OBP. Still, it is nice to see Suzuki finally become a regular. One of the things I like best about the A's is seeing the youth get their shot and hopefully excel.
great trade
addition by subtraction. this will automatically make our lineup a whole lot better. and suzuki is the catcher of the future, we need to give him time to establish himself.
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 5:55 PM PDT reply actions
Blevins
had an insane K/BB ratio. 69 K to 13 BB this season. I'll take that any time.
Wow, could it be that Beane actually got something for Kendall?
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 5:55 PM PDT reply actions
time will tell
its just hilarious to hear the cubs announcers right now. they're just cock-a-hoop crazy over the deal. i guess its a good fit for them because they traded barrett to the padres and their current catcher is hitting .159 with the backup hitting .143.
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions
It's a sign of what Hendry has
done for the Cubs that Kendall is an offensive upgrade.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
he did get something for kendall
that kendall actually has "value" is proven by the fact that he was actually traded to a team that is in contention!
He was garbage in 2006:
6.13 ERA.
Don't knock Kendall's value to a GOOD TEAM.
I hope he wins the WS this year.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I have nothing against Kendall, he
was just pants for us. I wish him well, and hell if we're not winning the World Series he might as well.
How are both Milton
and Kendall going to win the WS? You have to pick one since the Cubs cannot play the Padres in the WS.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions
There You go Again: :)
I hope Kendall does now that he won't be here. Until the trade I wanted the Pads to win.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Blevins
Maybe I'm missing something, but here it looks like he just really hasn't pitched that much at any level, throwing 76 innings in '05 and just 39.2 in '06. Maybe he's spent time injured? That sure would make him a perfect fit around here!
by BerkeleyDawg on Jul 16, 2007 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions
What will the pitchers do?
AHHHHHH! I bet RayFo is coming out of retirement.
he's shooting zebras
Zambi instead of Bambi, eh.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 16, 2007 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Somewhere, SPWC died a little inside . . .
Good luck to Jason.
My first reaction:
When we acquired Kendall, Billy Beane said "You're gonna love this guy," to which I say, "You don't know me, Billy."
My second reaction: Thank you, Jason, for the good things you did.
My third reaction: Jerry Blevins! Rob Bowen! Anyone else!
Regarding Suzuki, I'm seeing him as a Doug Mirabelli type. I think he'll hit for some decent doubles and HR power and I like his arm, but I'm not convinced he'll hit more than .230/.300 in the near future, if ever. It will be interesting to see how he looks the next month or two.
But now we have 70 games...
...to find out whether that's true or not about Suzuki...not just the games against non-contenders in September, and 1 of every 8 games between now and then.
what makes you feel
suzuki will hit .230/.300? he's consistently put up good offensive numbers coming through the system and has been impressive in his limited appearances to date.
his average has dropped recently but that's understandable given the limited number of plate appearances over the past few weeks. i see him hitting .270-.280 with an OPS of .800-.850+ consistently in the major leagues.
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't agree that Suzuki has
"consistently put up good offensive numbers coming through the system." He hit .277 in A-ball, .285 at AA, and .280/.340 at AAA. Good major league hitters usually hit better at those levels, sometimes batting .350-.400 at A-ball because they simply overmatch the competition until they are promoted.
To give an idea of how inflated AAA numbers are, for example, consider that this year at Sacramento, Kielty hit .394, Donnie Murphy hit .327, and Bocachica hit .318.
So the fact that Suzuki has hit only .277-.285 at all minor league levels A-AAA is cause for concern that he might not be able to hit for average in the major leagues.
Those are pretty awful comparisons
Cmon Nico, you know better. Bocachica is like 28 and Kielty is 30 or so by now. Suzuki is 23. And Murphy is actually not a bad prospect. I don't know where the idea came from that Murphy was on par with the AAAA likes of Bocachica and such, but he was a top prospect of Kansas City's before having a bad year last year and he's only 24 himself.
The point is that Suzuki has been a pretty consistently decent hitter for a catcher throughout every level he's been at. Does that mean he's going to transition to doing that at the majors right away? No, but there's little reason to think he can't develop into a .270ish/.340ish hitter at the major league level, which is fine for a catcher.
by walk off bunt on Jul 16, 2007 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Wait wait wait wait wait--
This wasn't my point. Other apt comparisons would be Esteban German and Charles Thomas, who both hit well over .300 at AAA. My point is that it isn't "great" or even "solid" to hit in the .270s at low levels or in the .280s at high levels of the minor leagues.
Also, I didn't say Suzuki would never be able to hit .270/.340, but at this point I would expect less. I just think people are getting too excited about the hitting potential of a guy who hits .270-.280 in the minors. That doesn't translate to .270 in the majors. Right now, I'd expect a low average with decent power. Which is closer to Rod Barajas and Gerald Laird territory than to the beloved A. J. or your favorite Molina.
I like Suzuki. I just don't see him necessarily hitting for a good average at this point in his career, that's all.
Ouch
please no mention of Charles Thomas. Might I offer another - Adam Piatt? I hope Suzuki is better than that, but even Crosby has better lived up to expectations than Piatt did.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 17, 2007 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Rick Sutcliffe
Just said, "Wow, the Cubs just got a whole lot better." Um, he's actually seen Kendall play in Oakland, hasn't he? He's not just remembering him from his Pirates days?
Also, they were just throwing out the fact that Kendall is close to a .300 hitter. LOL
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions
Sutcliffe is an idiot...
At leats he is sober tonight. He did just say after a Cubs Catcher hit into a DP..."And the Cubs cant wait for Jason Kendall to get here"....
Yea....cuz he never hits into DP's.
by OaktownPower on Jul 16, 2007 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions
hahaha
Kendall is the the king of DP's!
by chavyizdamn3 on Jul 16, 2007 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
sutcliffe video
http://www.foundrymusic.com/opieanth...
Thank you God
I don't care if we still lose, at least we are slowly losing dead weight. Next up, Crosby.
i cant belive he ansered my prayers now im going
to pray for something like winning the lottery.
Two impossible things couldnt happen right?
by Anarch on Jul 16, 2007 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
this was the easy part....
With Suzuki in the wings, it was an easy move to dump Kendall. Now I want to see if Beane is going to fix the Crosby problem, or if he's going to foist him upon the team for years to come.
well, if piazza, DJ, stewart, kotsay,
kennedy, etc. are all available, i'd hope crosby is too, and that one of the goals here is to acquite an above-average SS.
OJ plays SS?
by Helloooo 1st on Jul 16, 2007 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
will the glove fit?
Kendall's memoir: "If I Hit It"
If the glove doesn't fit
You must trade for some grit.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 16, 2007 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice. AN will be shutting down soon due to Blez
going on a comedy tour.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 16, 2007 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
If a whole team can't hit,
it musta quit.
< celebratory monkey dance >
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!!
hopefully you Cal Berkeley folks get the reference.
by Bearcat on Jul 16, 2007 6:01 PM PDT reply actions
prediction:
kendall hits .300 with a .700 OPS for the rest of the year, proving once and for all that the NL is an absolute joke.
prediction II (not serious):
suzuki struggles, a's bring kendall back as starting catcher next year!
I liked rooting for Kendall.
I still really like him and hope he does well with the Cubs. As xbox said earlier, the face-tag and the sulk-off will be defining moments of the last few years. And I was happy that he got to finally see the postseason with the A's.
At the same time: don't let the door hit you on the way out, homey.
I saw the title of this story,
and thought it was some sick joke. But it's true! Horray!
At least we can sleep easy knowing that
Jason Kendall will absolutely not be back next year at any price on the A's.
You can never be certain but I assume
you are probably correct.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 16, 2007 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Timing was right
Cubs were starting to make a run and they had absolutely no one. So they're going crazy about picking up a veteran.
Meanwhile, the A's season seemed to have ended this weekend, and so no one could make much noise about trading away Kendall and the damage it would to to the pitching staff. Whether that's a myth or not, Dan Haren and Joe Blanton certainly seemed to believe in it. But with us seemingly out of contention, what's the risk. We needed to play Suzuki and we needed to do it in a complaint-free, controversy-free setting.
Now we can.
So good going all around.
Kendall Gone YAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!!
More than happy to be patient with Suzuki's growing pains ! at least the guy smiles ! I mean if any of you thought Kendall's toughness was intimidating to opposing clubs it wasn't they just thought he was a red ass ! good riddance ! I never thought a pitcher punching out a catcher in chicago would be such a blessing in disguise, guess it's the butterfly effect.
by panamanianexpress on Jul 16, 2007 6:09 PM PDT reply actions
This is a really good trade for the Cubs
As a new Chicagoan, I've had ample time to watch the Cubs in the last couple months.
There catching situation is simply atrocious--Bowen kinda sucks, and, well, so does Hill.
They have some young pitchers (particularly Rich Hill), who will benefit from having Kendall around.
Moreover, you have to look at how the Cubs are different from the A's. They are a pretty good offensive club--Ramirez, Lee, and Soriano in your lineup will do that for you.
Kendall will now be in a situation where his subpar offense won't be quite so apparent. And maybe that (and possibly a return to the NL) will relax him and allow him to hit better.
by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:10 PM PDT reply actions
Alien
I like your post because it makes me happy to think that Kendall will be in a place where they might like him. With our lousy offense ...we just couldn't like his play, No matter how good he is with the young pitchers.
Oh I completely agree
I'm soooo glad Kurt is going to get his chance.
Like it said in the article, he gets his "baptism by fire", so hopefully he'll then be primed and ready for '08.
by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
It was a great pick-up for the Cubs:
Their catchers are atrocious and Kendall has been a great second half hitter. He has great bat control and does not strike out too much. Watch what happens when he is on a team that uses the hit and run.
The Cubs just locked up the Central.
The hottest team in baseball JUST GOT BETTER.
The A's will not be a good team for a few years. I just keep getting reminded of that movie, "Major League", where they diluted the team in order to move them.
Until they break ground in Fremont I am not sold they are even staying in the Bay Area.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:10 PM PDT reply actions
What
The A's are trading away the worst regular in the major league and this is somehow equivalent to a "Major League" style fundamental breakdown of the big league club? What?
Dude.
What?
by walk off bunt on Jul 16, 2007 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Super Rich Ownership group: (Top 3 in MLB)
Cheap budget and complaining of being a small market while they close the third deck and dump salaries.
The bring in injured players and just bring up a bunch of rookies.
Yeah, I'm disappointed, but Lew is a business man so i have to see it in that light.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Haha good leveling sir
No way this post is serious in anyway
by awesomer @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
He's serious
but I laughed anyway.
If the A's were to get a big bat
and the pitching staff got healthy ...we could be a good team. Last year with Thomas we made it to the ALCS. I keep saying it but it's true...this team is almost the same as last years.
No way
Last years team had a crazy bat in Frank Thomas and the good version of Barry Zito. They also played with more fire and passion. This years team just looks like they dont even care.
by chavyizdamn3 on Jul 16, 2007 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Chavez
<faints>
by chavyizdamn3 on Jul 16, 2007 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
It's getting too late to catch up
11.5 games back is a lot.
by kaweahkaweah on Jul 16, 2007 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I meant for next year.
Saint said we wouldn't be a good team for awhile. I am saying if we got healthy we could make a run next year. To do so this year would be pretty tough.
LOL saint at the Major league refrence
But I don't think its THAT bad yet.... I do get your point though. I do think that this really is the sign that the 2007 is in the shitter. Lets look till next season. Only 8 months till spring training....
Have you seen the Cubs?
They might be the hottest team now, but they're still good for a 7-8 game losing streak. Their bullpen is terrible, and they have ONE established starter. Lee just homered for the first time in two weeks, and Jaque Jones is their centerfielder.
Kendall doesn't strike out much because he just lays his bat out there - you can't even call that a swing.
Appreciate Kendall for what he was, but don't try and invent something he wasn't.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions
The Cubs are Getting Wood: (I Know)
And Dempster back in the next week or two so their pen will be better.
having WGN, I watch them a lot.
Kendall is a prototypical NL hitter who benefited from playing on turf for his first 8 or so years.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Kerry Wood =
Rich Harden. Dempster doesn't improve their bullpen that much, he's one of the worst closers in baseball. They've been looking for a replacement all year for him, and even toyed with putting him back in the rotation. But, you already know that since you watch WGN.
The prototypical NL hitter? Yea he evokes images of Pujols, Rameriez, Lee, Fielder, et al.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Are you just looking for an argument or what?
You internet fight pickers need to talk to me to my face the way you "write" over the internet.
Dempster and Wood will make their BP better. Period. that is what I said, and I'm sticking to it.
You think I don't know that Wood is Harden Part I? Actually Wood did step up in a post season.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not looking
for an arugment, but your love for the Cubs is laughable. Harden has more appearances in the last two years than Wood does, and now Wood is supposed to improve their bullpen? How do you know he'll actually pitch? Do you realize he's been "close" to being called up three or four times in the last year? You can stick with your opinion all you want, but the simple fact is that the Cubs don't even believe it.
And I live in Indiana, so it's hard for me to talk to your face, but if I was in Oakland I wouldn't have any trouble saying these things to your face.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
My LOVE?
Because they will win a weak Central and I said that they just locked it up by shoring up their weakest position?
Wow?
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Wood's quesion marks are who I wrote that little:
Note after that initial Subject.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions
You still said
he would improve their bullpen, which means you don't really mean the "I know" because to help their bullpen he has to actually pitch. So you aren't really acknowledging his question marks because you definitively state he'll help their bullpen.
If he holds true to form and doesn't actually come back, how does he improve their bullpen?
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions
AND, if a Cow had balls She'd be a Bull.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Wood "stepping up" in the postseason
he had a 7.30 ERA against the Marlins the NLCS. I don't call that "stepping up." He also lost game 7, at home.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks to Bartman and he homered in that game too
I'm done with you. Don't even bother responding to me anymore. Thanks.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
What is wrong?
His ERA was 7.30. He didn't lose game 7 because of Bartman, he lost it because he pitched terribly. You claimed he "stepped up" and I just honestly am curious as to what your definition is of "stepping up"?
If that makes you mad, then I'm sorry, but all I'm asking for is some substance behind your statements. Most Cub fans and Chicago media believe he choked against the Marlins.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm obviously NOT as much of a Cub Fan:
In my opinion he stepped up during the "playoffs". If you see that as just Game 7 of one series, go ahead. I really can't explain it much more than that. Once again, this is why i have no interest in responding to you, cub Fan.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 17, 2007 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not a Cub fan
You certainly are entitled to your opinion, but you'll have trouble convincing anyone you're right when your "step up" guys give up more than 7 runs a game.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 17, 2007 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Read it and weep! Then just sit there and cajole
http://www.baseball-reference.com/w/woodke02.shtml
Go to the part where it says Post Season...Pay special attention to the NLDS portion.
Then where it says 2-0 in the NLDS with a sub 2.00 ERA and tell me how he didn't step up in the playoffs.
Once again...
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 18, 2007 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions
And How Did He Blow game Three?
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 18, 2007 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions
It doesn't change
Are your standards really that low, that after one series you don't care how a player performs? Dave Stewart would step up for an entire playoffs, not just one series. If Kerry Wood is the savior he's supposed to be, and the one the Cubs paid him to be, ONE series is just doing his job. Taking the Cubs to the World Series is stepping up. Just getting them to the NLCS, when they were the hands on favorite, isn't something to get all excited about.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 18, 2007 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I have nothng more to say:
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 18, 2007 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Why do you have trouble
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 19, 2007 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
That is Nuts:
How was that Terrible?
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 20, 2007 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Kendall is a prototypical NL hitter:
He goes the other way and is good when the runner is put in motion which is a sign of a NL style hitter.
They have to do more than hit HRs to score runs. I am not going to bother to break it down because if you don't get what I said the first time, then it isn't worth my time.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, that'll save some HD space...
<deletes all pictures of Kendall from the ANtics folder>
Ready or Not...
its Suzuki's time...
Has anyone checked on Fosse?
I'm serious!
by Athletics Fan In London on Jul 16, 2007 6:14 PM PDT reply actions
I think he was traded too...
by OaktownRajah on Jul 16, 2007 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
As long as we don't get Bob Brenly
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 16, 2007 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions
That was my first thought
WWFD?
What will Fosse do?
But thanks Kendall, for the defense and the 3 (!) HRs in 2 years!
Step away
from the Dibs, Ray, step away from the Dibs.
a prediction:
Mark "I like the team the way it is" Kotsay and Kendall were good friends. I'm expecting to read some serious whinin' in the Chron tomorrow morning.
I doubt it
It's not as though this trade is bad for Kendall. I think its one where both sides win. I'm sure Kotsay realizes this
by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I dunno
He's said fairly recently that he wanted to resign with the A's after the season. Also, this is in the AP story:
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Kendall would do his best to join the Cubs for Tuesday night's game against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field.
Gee, more than 24 hours notice...think he can make tomorrow night's game? He doesn't sound particularly eager to get there.
by coffee roaster on Jul 16, 2007 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
huh
well, the cubs are playing right now. he certainly isn't going to make it in time for this game. So I think it's safe to say he'll make it for tomorrow's game, barring any flight delays.
Plus...
he has to pack all of his crap up... find a place to stay, etc. Aren't players usually given 48 hours to show up to the new team? I'm probably making that up.
And the context matters anyway
Hendry just didn't want to guarantee anything.
I'm sure Kendall didn't say "Well, I'll be at Wrigley tomorrow night as long as I don't sleep too late at my luxury hotel and spend too much time shopping" :)
by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes
Basic union agreement gives 48 hours to report after traded. Ricky Henderson famously took every one of the 48 allotted hours before reporting each time he was traded.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 16, 2007 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
RE:
Your right, let's get rid of Kotsay too...go fire sale !
by panamanianexpress on Jul 16, 2007 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
YAY!!!!
I am just glad Kendall is gone
by 3Chavy3 on Jul 16, 2007 6:21 PM PDT reply actions
billy
sounds really down in the dumps on the radio. poor billy -- the last 3 weeks must have been hard on him.
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 6:24 PM PDT reply actions
link?
i'm subscribed to mlb tv
billy discussing the trade on KIFR a few minutes ago
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
uhh, "i'm subscribed" as well
how does one access the interview?
you'll have to access it on the archive
after the game. its no longer on the air. you probably just missed it.
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, Poor Billy:
He has just gutted the heart of this team. Screw Him. I know that he believes that winning creates chemistry. I think he needs to stop reading so much damn Locke!!!
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
uhh, how about screw you
This is my opinion:
You are really pissing me off. I'd take a step back if I were you.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions
this is my opinion:
you're pissed off at one of the five best GMs currently in baseball because he traded away an old mediocre defensive catcher currently hitting .226/.261/.281.
your ridiculousness is pissing me off. you should take a step back and realize that just because you're old doesn't mean you understand baseball as well as you think you do.
HAHAHA! Whatever:
The "competitive" part of the season is now over and it sucks.
I put my heart and soul physically and emotionally into this team at nearly every home game with my and my passion is what I am venting. Your personal attacks are uncalled for.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
at least the competitive part of the season
wasn't over by week two.
yes, you do invest a lot in this team, and again, what is the winning % in the "beane counting" era?
Actually, that would be week one last year:
I'll take one World Championship. "The Bash Brother Era". Or Three in the Finley Era over heartbreak every year because the owners, who are rich as hell, wouldn't spend a bit more money.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I think he's mourning
the fact that Beane trading Kendall is yet another sign that this season is over in respect to making the playoffs. Sain't passion has never been in question.
Gutted the heart of this team?
saint, take a step back. You obviously liked Kendall, but dude--he was not the future and he wasn't even the present.
HE WASN'T EVEN THE PAST!
at least not for the a's.
His September was huge for us last year:
Ask the pitchers how they feel?
His hog tossing of Lackey turned the rivalry with the Angels in our favor.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, lackey has been terrible since then
clearly kendall got to him and psyched him out or something, lackey will be out of baseball in a year or two. and the angels suck now, whereas kendall and all his heart are leading the a's to yet another successful season.
You have no idea what I'm talking about do you:
Nah, I think not.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
how did it turne the rivalry in our favor?
The Angels owned us:
They pounded the ball inside with no regard. They knew they could push the A's around.
When Kendall charged the mound it changed how they looked at the A's.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah, he wasn't the future:
I concur.
Unfortunately it is the team's fault and even Kendall's himself that he was traded. If he would have had a few more hits with RISP he may have been able to stay in Oakland.
I'm actually stoked about rooting for the kids again. I am a pretty big A's fan, as you all know. I just hated the MB move and i think it attributed to our recent record.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Get over it already
Bradley is gone and isn't coming back. Just because Beane dumped Bradley doesn't make the Kendall trade a poor move.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions
that's a tough move to get over
People will likely be pining for MB all year...that move was horribly executed. You have to at least admit that much...then, besides that, you should respect those who simply miss his presence on the team.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 16, 2007 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
That's fine to miss him
but to denegrade the Kendall trade because you miss him? Look I've been as critical of some of Beane's moves as anyone, but I can also give him credit for good trades when he makes them. I hated the Hudson trade, but that doesn't mean the Mulder trade wasn't a steal.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, I support this trade too
but at the same time I understand saint's overall frustration with the turn of events this season, even if it's not entirely logical...
by Cutthemullet on Jul 16, 2007 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Trading Kendall was a great move now:
Post Bradley trade, and I will get over it. I always do.
Hell, in 2000, I used to carry a sign to every game that said sign Giambi or sell the team.
That's me.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
That's funny
If the A's did sign Giambi they would of had to sell the team much sooner than they did ;-)
by Athletics Fan In London on Jul 16, 2007 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions
His hitting should have never been counted on:
He was a beneficiary of playing on turf when he still had some wheels and his style of hitting is better in the Senior Circuit. Period. I doubt that "Beane" was "Counting" on his bat. If so, he would have benched him a year and a half ago!?!?
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions
over/under on how much salary
the A's are picking up. 1.75 mill
by Anarch on Jul 16, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions
My guess is under
Guessing the Pirates will still be taking part of the tab. Plus half the season's over, so I estimate the Cubs will be paying Kendall around a fourth of this season's salary. I'm sure they can handle it.
Just a shot-in-the-dark guess, however.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 16, 2007 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Definition of Cheap:
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions
if the definition of cheap
is giving young guys a chance, i'm proud to be a fan of such a cheap baseball team.
as opposed to your raiders
give old guys a chance = definition of shitty team.
Old guys like John Madden?
John Gruden? Lane Kiffin? OLD HOFers Rice, Lott and Woodson?
When you have the third richest ownership group and all you do is make money year after year on a BASEBALL TEAM. You are cheap. Period.
They aren't even paying off a new stadium, and they are cheap as hell.
I love rooting for the young guys, BUT, when we were a successful franchise, not a SURPRISING upstart, we signed older guys like Welsch, Honneycutt, Moore and the list goes on.
I go ALL the way back KID. Not just back to this fascination for the Beane Counting variety.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions
what do you mean "third richest ownership"?
the money the ownership makes off the a's "year after year" makes them the third richest ownership? sorry, no.
they're the third richest ownership because of the gap and real estate, not because 15k fans show up to every a's game.
old like randy moss, warren sapp, aaron brooks, etc.
what's the a's winning % in the "beane counting" era, KID?
what's the a's winning % under every other ownership / front office?
what's the raiders winning % in the last few years?
Right...And Steinbrenner is rich because:
Of his shipping franchise. He lost 80 million last year!!!
Yeah, focus on the last three years. that is really great.
Beane cannot even sniff Al Davis's Geritol over the resume of his career. So get off of that one.
One playoff series win in the entire time and two of the leaders of that team have been shipped away for three minor leaguers and we sent cash.
BTW, Sapp had 10 sacks last year and was very dominant. Maybe you should stick to baseball talk.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Steinbrenner didn't lose $80 million.
$80 million is the Yankees' operating loss for the year. (Forbes reports $50 million loss, but I assume you're adding $30 million for interest and taxes.)
Forbes also reports unrealized capital gain on the team as $76 million, which pretty much balances out the operating loss.
Financially, you can't separate the Yankees from the YES Network. Steinbrenner sinks money into the Yankees to drive up profits for the Network.
He's not losing money on the team.
Randy Moss...
is one of the most talented receivers ever. No way he deserves to be called out as some washed up older player.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 16, 2007 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
plenty of NFL GMs and scouts have called him washed up. Remember Moss himself was the one who said he took plays off if the ball wasn't coming his way.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
no doubt he takes plays off
last year he basically admitted, not even halfway into the season, that he was not going to try for the remainder of the year...and he performed horribly. So if you judge him based on his performance with the Raiders, it might seem he's washed up, but with the motivation of playing for Belichick and co, and talent surrounding him, I think it'll be the Minnesota Moss this year.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 16, 2007 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope so
if I can draft him on my fantasy team...
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
heh
I'm in a keeper league where I dropped Moss in week 14 last year in order to get help for the playoffs...after this offseason I'm kind of regretting I didn't drop, eh, Bernard Berrian instead.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 16, 2007 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
when they made the Moss trade...
almost everyone thought the Raiders got a steal. They traded MLB Napoleon Harris and their first-round pick, 7th overall I believe (which the Vikings used to draft Troy Williamson, a bust), for perhaps the most gifted athlete in the league. You can criticize almost any other recent move the Raiders have made, but not that one.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 16, 2007 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
That's a good point
it was widely regarded as a great deal for the Raiders at the time.
Now about the Mike Williams trade....
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Something for nothing:
He is making 500K this year and is only 23 years old. He was recruited by and played for Kiffin at USC. That was a smart pick-up actually. What have you lost if he gets cut...Nothing.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
You lost a draft
pick, and he's terrible. The guy is fat and doesn't want to run routes over the middle.
He wasn't recruited by Kiffin, he was recruited by Norm Chow.
by IndianaAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
yes, he is YOUNG
and CHEAP
"giving young guys a chance"
I hear you on that one.
I am not a Beane idolizer either. It's not our money so as a fan what do I care how much of the Owner's money gets spent?
we do spend money
on piazza, loaiza, kotsay, kendall, and chavez.
how much have those guys helped the team? not much at all.
so why would you think the solution is to spend MORE money?
You have a good point.
But we pass on a lot of good players to pinch some pennies. I don't hate Beane. Moneyball has helped our team...but a lot of us do remember when we didn't use that philosophy and we got to go to World Series games. Moneyball is not the only winning philosophy, so speaking strictly for myself...I don't worship Beane.
The point is not to JUST spend money:
It is to spend it on the right guys.
Giambi, Tejada...Now you'd be talking.
I just don't see giving money to guys who break down.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions
well the o's are trying to trade tejada
and the yankees keep trying to void giambi's contract.
Giambi in 2001-2004:
Tejada in 2003-2005:
We would have won a series.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
predicting the future is amazing
but predicting what would happen in an alternate reality is even more impressive.
but didn't we have giambi in 2001? and tejada? and chavez? and the big three? did we win a world series that year?
I don't care about the actual total
but I do recognize that there is going to be a finite amount.
Fischer, as an investor, is worth a lot--but thats not always related to how much will be spent on a team. There are owners (i.e. Steinbrenner) for whom the team is a hobby. They don't really care if they lose money--as long as they have the most expensive players and theoretically as long as their team wins. But these owners are few and far between. In almost every case, spending is directly related to how many butts are in the seats, and how great the TV ratings are. The Cubs can lose and lose and lose, but they will always sell out and and their fans will continue to watch every game. The Giants, Red Sox, Angels continue to do exceptionally well at the Box Office
One of the sad realities about being an A's fan is that only a certain amount will ever be spent--at least until we're in a new park.
So its important that the money is spent wisely. In the last couple years, it sure doesn't feel like it has been.
by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely:
You don't need to be Steinbrenner to be Moreno, Hicks or Nintendo?
Oops, those three are in OUR division.
Hell, moreno raised the payrole and gave fans lower beer prices. Our ownership group, which includes Beane,
closed the third deck and beer prices keep on climbing.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions
it's more of a waving of the white flag
ughhhh quitting sucks
by ucla kid on Jul 16, 2007 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I know:
It does suck. I'm just still pissed about the Milton DFA'ing and our record since.
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions
same here on milton
i'm still down in LA so i don't get to watch much games; but it was crappy to see the solo swisher-bradley dance.
by ucla kid on Jul 16, 2007 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions
HOLY MOTHER OF JEEBUS
I leave the "internet" for a few hours and we trade the grittiest player in the majors.
Was someone on AN dying of cancer and the Make-A-Wish Foundation decided to make his/her dream come true?
July 16th, 2007 - a day that will live in fabulousity
Beane throws in the towel
Kendal the first to go so its offical Beane is going for next year. keilty gets a few hits and he will be next to leave.
Why WOULDN'T Beane go for next year?
This year's team is 11.5 games out, is playing like crap, and has more holes than an army of Little Dutch Boys could fix.
no towel throwing by beane is necessary
the team threw in the towel by being 11 games out.
probably closser or brown
Bowen from the Cubs
who DFA'd him after acquiring him from San Diego in the Barrett trade. Bowen didn't exactly shine in Chicago...but he won't be the first string catcher either.
I'm telling you...
Wait til Kendall meets M. Cuban!
by millbraeforAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:32 PM PDT reply actions
Kendal is what he is...
A very good defensive catcher. He is also a punch and judy hitter that lost alot of power after his injury. The cubs gave up very little for him and the A's saved alot of money and is giving their future catcher a chance to play. I can see Melhuse saying to himself Damn 1 more month.
we still don't know the financial details
According to Rotoworld:
Cubs acquired catcher Jason Kendall and cash from the Athletics...
How much cash? What's the salary agreement? This may be more of a player dump than a salary dump...
by coffee roaster on Jul 16, 2007 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Hope Ken-doll pimps Bonds tomorrow!
by millbraeforAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:36 PM PDT reply actions
on another note
how great a game was that Cubs Giants game.
WOW!
I greatly respected and enjoyed Kendall
. . . in 2006. He was still the gritty gamer this year, but the bat was inexcusable. And I'm sure he knew it.
Time for Suzuki.
Sung to the tune of Farmer in the Dell
We're sad to see you go,
We're sad to see you go,
what the hell're you waiting for?
We're sad to see you go.
RayFo's man-crush is crushed!
by millbraeforAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:40 PM PDT reply actions
He's holding back the tears for now...
...but I hope they have a lot of Kleenex in the broadcast booth...they're going to be needed after the toss to commercial.
Fosse sounded more
like he was delivering a eulogy than discussing a trade. I kept waiting for, "Jason Kendall was 33."
QOTM
A's should go for next year
I rather have a team rebuild immediately instead of waiting till the whole team bottoms out. I rememeber just 2 and a 1/2 years ago Beane saying the A's were rebuilding and still almost made the playoffs that year. After trading mulder and hudson. Next tell Chavez to have surgery on his elbow and get ready for 2008.
Chavy out? Can lightning strke twice
in one night?
Chavvy to the Giants for Pedro Feliz?
. . . to the Bad News Bears for someone who doesn't bail out against lefties?
by millbraeforAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:46 PM PDT reply actions
Please trade Chavy!!!!
by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 16, 2007 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Fold up the golden banner....
I really loved watching Kendall, and I'm sorry to see him go. But it sounds like there may be some good work for him to do in Chicago.
I liked the banner look tonight
Was inside-out, backwards and half-folded when viewed from the infield seats.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 16, 2007 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions
crosby is the #5 hole today
wow. geren must be in shock too.
by oak1 on Jul 16, 2007 6:47 PM PDT reply actions
Another player to be named from the Cubs . . .
Dick Butkus -- to replace the loss of "grit"!
Sure, his knees are bad, and his back locks up,
but grit, is grit -- you gotta have it!
(Butkus likely to replace Stomper!!!)
by millbraeforAsfan on Jul 16, 2007 6:49 PM PDT reply actions
Interesting
I share the sentiment noted above of having loved to root for Kendall and also being happy to say "bu bye" to him.
Now... if Beane and Co. don't think this season is over, that sure does clear up some payroll to acquire an impact player (assuming we didn't send tons of cash with him). Any thoughts? This could be the start of a fire sale or the start of a purchase to see if this team can make a run. Some health is on the way with Street and Piazza due soon and Loaiza should be near by. Interesting.
by Eric in Atlanta on Jul 16, 2007 6:53 PM PDT reply actions
Melhuse...
"If they only woulda done that sooner"
by letsgoas on Jul 16, 2007 6:54 PM PDT reply actions
Melhuse wouldn't want to back up Suzuki
if that is what you're implying? He would probably believe he was a starting catcher when he clearly wasn't.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 16, 2007 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Not implying that at all
but, Melhuse would have gotten more playing time with Kendall gone.
by letsgoas on Jul 16, 2007 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Gotcha. I wonder how he would have dealt
with them passing him over again, though.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 16, 2007 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions
baseball tonight said it was shawn marshall
in the trade...are we certain the package we got was bowen and blevins?
Well, what can I say...
I really wanted him to find the form he had with the Pirates, and I tried to defend him that first year when he wasn't up to par. Unfortunately, the sample size isn't small anymore, and he never lived up to the billing with the bat. So, we move on...
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 16, 2007 7:12 PM PDT reply actions
I wish Kendall well
As some others have said, I loved his intensity and defense, but his bat was just not enough to carry him and make it ok. All things considered, I think it was a good move.
Even if he stays as steady as he has been this year, it probably won't matter as much in Chicago as the Cubs have more offense and can afford to carry a light hitter more so than the A's can.
I think he and Pinella will fall in love with each other as they're similar in attitude.
Did His Job, Says Fosse
hardly a surprise that Fosse would say in the bottom of the 2nd inning that Kendall did his job. C'mon, Ray. He didn't do his job. He did a wonderul job with the staff, I guess, although there's very little evidence that there's such a big drop off when others are behind the plate. But that horrible offense ... that's not doing your job.
I wish Kendall well. I think he's a great guy. A great guy who can't hit.
I agree...
Kendall didn't do his job. His WHOLE job. Although he reputedly handled the pitchers well, he didn't hit worth a lick. And with the light hitting 2007 A's, it was too readily apparent that it wasn't enough.
And he had trouble throwing out baserunners. Now, I agree, not all steals against are not necessarily the catcher's fault, but he didn't throw all that well....
Wow
Beane actually found a way to move a guy with contract issues and terrible offensive statistics in each and every category, and got not one, but two players in return. This may prove to be as slick as the Mulder trade, if not in terms of impact players, then at least in terms of getting something for almost absolutely nothing. And Suzuki gets to start developing for next year.
But I do wish Kendall luck, and I hope he has a monstrous second half. At the end of the day, he's an above-average defensive catcher who's an excellent team guy (by all the accounts I've heard, anyway). No one can accuse him of dogging it or not caring or pouting about management at any point during his tenure with Oakland; what else can you ask from a professional athlete? And no snarky comments about a BA over the Mendoza Line.
Best of luck to him. With the Cubs' history, he'll probably need it.
He wasn't above average
He was actually considerably below average. The single most important attribute of a catcher defensively is his ability to throw out basestealers, something at which Kendall was decidedly mediocre. Unfounded hypotheses about his influence over the pitching staff aside, there was nothing above average about his defense.
Melhuse
I wonder what Adam Melhuse is thinking right about now.... And he's sitting right across in the other dugout.
I, too, hope Kendall
does fabulously well in the second half.
Not because I like the guy (actually, I don't), but because if he goes on a tear maybe that will make teams more willing to trade for Kotsay or Crosby.
Kendall was kool
I'm bummed to see Kendall go, but I'm excited to see Suzuki play, and I'm glad we were able to get something for him. I will miss the scrappy thing, and I'm guessing he'll really help the Cubs (I'm in Chicago as well), but I won't miss the really bad offense this year, and the constant steals against the A's when he played.
Let's hope Suzuki does well, that Kendall does well for the Cubs, that the guys we got turn out to be decent.
Best of luck, Jason. If you need a Mac guy, let me know, and I'll show you some good places to eat on the down-low.
Just makes the Milton Bradley fiasco seem that much worse, though I still don't know what the exact reasons are, and probably never will.
I enjoyed having Kendall on our team.
He played the game the right way...hard. He showed grit, passion, and an in and out knowledge of the game. You could never sneak anything by him (no I'm not talking about at the plate)...the sulk off was classic. He's made some very memorable moments for us.
However, I'm glad to see him go to a contender, and I'm glad to see Suzuki get a chance. It will be interesting to see who else gets traded here, and for what. Our more valuable pieces are still here for the trading.
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