July 9, 200422 yr There's no indication the Marlins did any more than ruminate about the possibility of pursuing Nomar Garciaparra. But one high-profile player they are believed to have interest in is Pirates catcher Jason Kendall. You don't need to be related to Pudge Rodriguez to know why. In their first year of the post-Pudge era, Marlins catchers rank 28th in the big leagues in RBI (28) and slugging (.312). They're 26th in batting average (.229). And only the Cardinals' catchers have fewer homers than Florida's three. That's a monstrous tumble from last year, when Marlins catchers hit .284, with 19 homers, 94 RBI and a .451 slugging percentage. Kendall So Kendall would be a perfect fit. He was last seen hitting .308, with a .387 on-base percentage, and playing as well defensively as he has in years. But to make a trade workable for the ever-thrifty Marlins, the Pirates would need to digest a big hunk of the $38 million Kendall has coming through 2007. And they've balked in the past at eating even half of the contract. But teams that have spoken with Pirates GM Dave Littlefield say he is so driven to get Kendall's contract off the books, he undoubtedly wouldn't place anywhere near as high a price tag on Kendall as he has on Kris Benson. Indications are that the two teams haven't had any more than exploratory talks. But that, apparently, is because the Marlins want to wait another week or two to see where they are in the race and to prioritize their needs. So could this still happen? Don't touch that dial. If the Marlins can't find a way to trade for Kendall to upgrade their catching, clubs that have spoken with them report they also have interest in the Diamondbacks' Brent Mayne and the Mets' Vance Wilson. Florida also continues to shop for bullpen help. And it isn't out of the question the Fish could deal for another bat, now that they've fallen to 13th in the league in runs scored. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/stor...yson&id=1836921 I don't think Kendall's going to turn us completely around, but he's the best option for our needs.
July 9, 200422 yr I think Kendall would be a great option especially if Willingham works out well in left(if Jack lets him play). Send Treanor down and Red the becomes one of the best backups in the league again. Plus that gives a proven bat, but its still a matter of this current team improving over the next week or two and I'm not convinced that will happen, I hope tho.
July 9, 200422 yr if we get kendall, sure power wont go up but clutch hitting and base hits and even speed will.
July 9, 200422 yr ...like little kids thinking they are going to get a big increase in their allowance. Everyday, new pipe-dreams. The FO hasn't scored a biggy yet, but when they do it will be well-calculated within our budget and dependent on the current Roster to earn the salaries they're being paid.
July 9, 200422 yr about a month ago I wanted to trade for Kendall is much as anyone, but at this point I'd like to see more of Willingham before I would make a move for Kendall. Right now I'd much rather get a left-handed power bat like Finley who we can stick in left.
July 9, 200422 yr len and tommy were saying the other day how pro player stadium is perfect for kendall i think he's hitting over 400 in PPS. would fit right in to that # 3 spot, although that would give 1-3 pretty much no power, it would give us great speed at the top of the order.
July 9, 200422 yr len and tommy were saying the other day how pro player stadium is perfect for kendall i think he's hitting over 400 in PPS. would fit right in to that # 3 spot, although that would give 1-3 pretty much no power, it would give us great speed at the top of the order. 448848[/snapback] All Kendall needs to get are base hits to drive in Pierre and Castillo.
July 9, 200422 yr len and tommy were saying the other day how pro player stadium is perfect for kendall i think he's hitting over 400 in PPS. would fit right in to that # 3 spot, although that would give 1-3 pretty much no power, it would give us great speed at the top of the order. 448848[/snapback] Yeah. And Vladimer and Barry Bonds could do pretty good, too. Get Real. We don't have the money. The FO will do soon, within the budget (plus). We need a Pitcher, a Bat and a Catcher. Your weekly allowance cannot conceive of such a challenge.
July 9, 200422 yr We'd have more money without the damn Hampton contract. He sucks and is getting $14 million, with $9 million from the marlins a year. How does such a bad pitcher get such a contract?
July 9, 200422 yr actually hampton is 10.5 to us 448872[/snapback] Why did the marlins bother with the whole hampton thing, the trade should have been for just Juan. All Hampton got us was spooneybarger.
July 9, 200422 yr We don't need a catcher. We need a outfield who bats lefthanded so he can platoon with Conine and take pinch-hit at bats from Lenny Harris.
July 10, 200422 yr We don't need a catcher. We need a outfield who bats lefthanded so he can platoon with Conine and take pinch-hit at bats from Lenny Harris. 449031[/snapback] Enter Rob Mackowiak.
July 10, 200422 yr actually hampton is 10.5 to us 448872[/snapback] Why did the marlins bother with the whole hampton thing, the trade should have been for just Juan. All Hampton got us was spooneybarger. 448938[/snapback] Are you kidding? It got rid of CJ and Wilson's contracts, that's why. Pierre was a nice little throw in. Hampton, had he stayed, may have had a better chance at being a success AND getting something done in the playoffs. But I am glad we shipped him off - eventhough Spooneybarger has been injured. That deal really helped this franchise a lot.
July 10, 200422 yr But couldn't the Braves had paid more. They are the team he plays for. 449533[/snapback] Yes, they could have paid more - but the deal wouldnt have happened. I tried to explain that deal when it happened, but some still cannot grasp what that deal was about. That deal was about contracts - the Marlins saved a TON of money. In fact, is set the foundation, financially, to field the team we have currently. Without that deal, no Fudge.
July 10, 200422 yr Kendall at the 3 would be a great fit. You dont need power to be a good run producer - you just need to hit when guys are in scoring position. Fudge only had 16HRs last season. But his RISP was insane - eventhough he only had 85RBI. Adding Kendall would add another quality bat and lengthen our lineup and its effectiveness. But, at what cost?
July 10, 200422 yr yea I really think they need to get kendall. or at least someone that can handle the bat well. this year, the marlins have left a lot of guys stranded on the bases. that needs to stop.
July 10, 200422 yr Tonight, we did a solid job for the most part of moving runners. We had a couple bad breaks and that is it. The Mets are hot and it was going to take a lot to win tonight. There is always tomorrow. I think, and most here seem to feel the same, that the Marlins are going to have to show something to get a deal to happen. I dont think that the FO is looking at wins/losses, but how this team is playing and what it would take to put it ahead. That said, I think Kendall would help out a lot with this team but it comes down to money. I cant remember what his contract status is either, but I know it is pricey. And it would have to be cheaper than Fudge, otherwise, we made a HUGE mistake.
July 10, 200422 yr I'd rather have a .320 hitter who has little power but awesome OBP and average with RISP than a guy with OK average and 40 home runs so bring on Kendall and bat him 3rd CF - Pierre 1B - CHoi (nice lefty bat after Pierre gets on base...a grounder to right could be 1st and 3rd no outs for Kendall, Lowell, and Cabs...I like those odds...) C - Kendall 3B - Lowell RF - Cabs LF - Willy SS - Sea Bass 2B - Castillo (only as a curiosity thing I put him here, with his speed he could get on base and be a speedy guy for the pitcher to bunt over and it helps turn line-up over better, plus Castillo is decent contact hitter that could be the last gasp to knock in a runner in scoring position before the pitcher's slot...) p.s. I'd move Niner to bench and say buh-bye Lenny Harris
July 10, 200422 yr if we get kendall, sure power wont go up but clutch hitting and base hits and even speed will. 448796[/snapback] Clutch hitting is exactly what this team is missing. As far as power goes its not like Fudge was a power threat last year in the 3 hole.
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