Cubs Trade Rob Bowen and Jerry Blevins for Jason Kendall

[dew1679666265]

Saying this may get me in trouble, but if you like this trade, get your head examined.

Yeah, because trading a crappy catcher and a minor league relief pitcher for a guy who has been solid in 11 out of his 12 MLB years is always a bad idea.

His career is over. Yes, he used be great, but so did lots of other guys who got old and then weren't so great anymore. This would be example #23,456.

 

How do you know this? He had a good OBP last year, a decent OBP the year before and awesome OBPs the two years before that. Last year he was bad in the first half and had a very high OBP (in the .390s) in the second half.

 

Where is the evidence that he is definitely done?

[Guest]

Why are people still complaining about Blevins being tossed into the deal? Yes, he's having a very good year. But he was a terrible, terrible pitcher the last TWO years. It's not like he's a can't miss prospect or anything. He's a freaking middle reliever that's having a nice year in AA... after having two pathetic years. Big deal!

 

His two pathetic years came from trying to sidearm and losing 10 mph velocity from it. And his secondary pitches have improved since then.

[nilodnayr]

to be fair

 

 I Split         G   GS  PA  AB  R   H  2B 3B HR RBI  BB IBB  SO HBP  SH  SF ROE GDP  SB CS   BA   OBP   SLG   OPS  BAbip sOPS+ tOPS+ Split
+-+------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+--+--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------------+
  1st Half      73  72 298 261  26  69 10  0  1  22  23   2  26   8   3   3   5   7   5  4  .264  .339  .314  .653  .287    73    84 1st Half     
  2nd Half      70  69 328 291  50  94 13  0  0  28  30   0  28   4   1   2   2  12   6  1  .323  .391  .368  .759  .355   101   114 2nd Half  

 

 

last season

 

 

 

I was gonna bring this exact thing up.

 

I reserve judgment on the deal until Kendall plays a little. Don't know much about Blevins, but didn't really read a whole lot about him on this board in the past. From this thread, I'd have guessed he was one of out top prospects.

 

They don't need "great" production from the C spot, just better than what they had. And there's really no reason they can't keep Soto over Hill, although Hill is a lefty. But he wouldn't be the starter against righties anyway.

 

I read this whole thread and it seems 'much ado about nothing' so far.

 

FYI, if his BABIP in the first half of this year was the same it was in the second half of last year (and all the hits were singles) he'd have about the same OPS.

[weis21]

Look I'm not saying it was the mother of all trades. But Kendall has been hitting for the last couple of months, and the catchers that we have left since the awful Barrett trade weren't exactly tearing it up. Yes, I'd rather let Soto have a shot, but if we can get a decent half season out of Kendall, then I don't think this deal is the travesty it's being portrayed as.

 

+1

[AlwaysaCub]

A .261 OBP? Are you serious?

[AI]

My entire feeling is based around the fact that its going to be impossible for broken-down shell of his former self Kendall to produce anywhere close to his previous seasons.

 

Well at least you aren't overstating things.

 

Its my opinion about the player. Perhaps I should have been more clear in a message board post that it reflected my opinion.

[CUBZ99]

IF we owe the remaining 3.75 million on Kendall's contract, we just gave up much of our deadline payroll flexibility for a 33 year old catcher whose tired, worn out body can no longer produce at a ML level. And that's just offensively. He sucks behind the plate and opposing teams may now run at will. Making Soto the starter would very likely produced greater offensively and defensively. Instead it appears we've spent almost 4 million dollars to get worse behind the plate. If that was possible.

 

Saying this may get me in trouble, but if you like this trade, get your head examined.

 

Maybe you should wait to see all of the details, as you, yourself admit you don't know how much CASH was coming he Cubs way.

 

If the A's pick up the remainder of Kendall's contract, it is hardly a terrible trade. Blevins may turn out to be a decent player some day, or he may hit a rut in AAA and never make it to the majors. And your statement that Soto would likely produce better than Kendall is based on what? Talk about over valuing minor league numbers. If Kendall can put together a 2nd half in line with his past seasons, the Cubs made a good trade.

My entire feeling is based around the fact that its going to be impossible for broken-down shell of his former self Kendall to produce anywhere close to his previous seasons.

 

The Cubs gave up next to nothing to get him. I would rather put my faith in a guy that has produced and put up a .350ish OBP in 2005 and 2006, rather than take my chances with the junk the Cubs have at catcher now. Even if Kendall is terrible it is likely he will outproduce any catcher the Cubs currently have on their roster.

 

Blevins is the only reservation I have about this trade, and until tonight, I have never seen so much love for the guy.

[Mizzou]

Saying this may get me in trouble, but if you like this trade, get your head examined.

Yeah, because trading a crappy catcher and a minor league relief pitcher for a guy who has been solid in 11 out of his 12 MLB years is always a bad idea.

 

what is your definition of "solid"? He's been a below average hitter in 5 of his last 7 seasons, including an awful year this year. By all accounts he's not very good defensively.

Based on what, the almighty OPS+? If you look at his average and his OBP, he hasn't been anywhere near below average. He's not a power hitter... most baseball players aren't.

[PackLandVA]

 

People need to look at who is being given up rather than the position.

 

People would've called Marmol nothing a year ago if he was included in a trade.

 

Kinda like Wellmeyer a few years ago. Or "can't miss" Juan Cruz. Or a whole host of other possibilities that are "something" in the minors but never amount to anything in the majors.

 

Minor leaguers are almost always gonna be an unknown. Hopefully this works in the Cubs favor. But it's not like Blevins was one of the Cubs top prospects for crying out loud. He's had a very good first half in A and AA ball.

 

Or Marshall, Hill, Zambrano, Marmol, etc. when they were in the farm system.

 

Kendall is an unknown at this point, no one knows if he's going to turn it around, I'll repeat what I've said that Perry has worked with Kendall in the past and hopefully it is a somewhat easy correctable mechanical flaw rather than a slower bat.

 

Sure, Blevins doesn't make everyone wet their pants in BA's handbook when he's not listed but he has good stuff and been productive, which gives him value espec. from the left side. If he maintains production throughout the year and stays healthy, he'll be in BA's handbook.

 

I find it ironic that some say that the Cubs got Kendall for nothing, what does that say about Kendall's value?

 

Or like Sisco. Haggerty, Johnson, Beltran, etc., etc., etc. For every star (or even solid MLBer) there's hundreds that never make it but HAD potential. He's a low level pitcher with an unspectacular history until the first half of this season. I reserve judgment. Can't can't be worse than what they've had the last month and he could actually be better.

[Banedon]

My entire feeling is based around the fact that its going to be impossible for broken-down shell of his former self Kendall to produce anywhere close to his previous seasons.

 

Well at least you aren't overstating things.

 

Its my opinion about the player. Perhaps I should have been more clear in a message board post that it reflected my opinion.

 

And it's my opinion that you are overstating it. Glad we clarified that.

[AI]

A's general manager Billy Beane said, "I think it's a place he'll thrive in and people there in Chicago will also identify with a guy like Jason."

 

Translation...those morons in Chicago will cheer for any piece of crap in a Cub uniform.

[cheapseats]

Look I'm not saying it was the mother of all trades. But Kendall has been hitting for the last couple of months, and the catchers that we have left since the awful Barrett trade weren't exactly tearing it up. Yes, I'd rather let Soto have a shot, but if we can get a decent half season out of Kendall, then I don't think this deal is the travesty it's being portrayed as.

 

+1

 

I've changed my mind. It's a good thing.

 

What do you guys think it would take to get Craig Biggio from Houston now that Burke is going to get more playing time at 2B?

 

If we could get Biggio, we could have an infield full of all-stars with Kendall, Lee, Biggio, Izturis, and Ramirez.

[Exile on Waveland]

Why are people still complaining about Blevins being tossed into the deal? Yes, he's having a very good year. But he was a terrible, terrible pitcher the last TWO years. It's not like he's a can't miss prospect or anything. He's a freaking middle reliever that's having a nice year in AA... after having two pathetic years. Big deal!

 

His two pathetic years came from trying to sidearm and losing 10 mph velocity from it. And his secondary pitches have improved since then.

 

Not valuing young arms (especially lefty arms with good stuff) is a fatal error. Again, I know nothing of Blevins, but young arms are invaluable. Bowen for Kendall is a low risk gamble, but one worth taking, in my opinion. I wouldn't have thrown in any pitcher with promise, though.

 

Hmm...was it weird to quote you with that? I was trying to agree, I guess.

[Mizzou]

Why are people still complaining about Blevins being tossed into the deal? Yes, he's having a very good year. But he was a terrible, terrible pitcher the last TWO years. It's not like he's a can't miss prospect or anything. He's a freaking middle reliever that's having a nice year in AA... after having two pathetic years. Big deal!

 

His two pathetic years came from trying to sidearm and losing 10 mph velocity from it. And his secondary pitches have improved since then.

Didn't know that. He's still a minor league relief pitcher that's been successful for a whole half season. I'm not upset that he's gone.

[AI]

My entire feeling is based around the fact that its going to be impossible for broken-down shell of his former self Kendall to produce anywhere close to his previous seasons.

 

Well at least you aren't overstating things.

 

Its my opinion about the player. Perhaps I should have been more clear in a message board post that it reflected my opinion.

 

And it's my opinion that you are overstating it. Glad we clarified that.

Refreshing for both of us, I'm sure.

[apete6]

Does this signal the end of the season for Henry Blanco?

 

Is this the end of Koyie Hill's Cub career? (unless he's DFAd and no one picks him up, in which case we can resign him to AAA)

 

Who will start? Kendall or Soto?

[CUBZ99]

A's general manager Billy Beane said, "I think it's a place he'll thrive in and people there in Chicago will also identify with a guy like Jason."

 

Translation...those morons in Chicago will cheer for any piece of crap in a Cub uniform.

 

Except Jaque Jones, Neifi Perez, Izturis, ...........

[Exile on Waveland]

A's general manager Billy Beane said, "I think it's a place he'll thrive in and people there in Chicago will also identify with a guy like Jason."

 

Translation...those morons in Chicago will cheer for any piece of crap in a Cub uniform.

 

Wow, is that a joke? Jacque Jones says hi. So do Juan Pierre, LaTroy Hawkins, Dusty Baker, etc.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Look I'm not saying it was the mother of all trades. But Kendall has been hitting for the last couple of months, and the catchers that we have left since the awful Barrett trade weren't exactly tearing it up. Yes, I'd rather let Soto have a shot, but if we can get a decent half season out of Kendall, then I don't think this deal is the travesty it's being portrayed as.

 

+1

 

I've changed my mind. It's a good thing.

 

What do you guys think it would take to get Craig Biggio from Houston now that Burke is going to get more playing time at 2B?

 

If we could get Biggio, we could have an infield full of all-stars with Kendall, Lee, Biggio, Izturis, and Ramirez.

 

Biggio could go back to catcher, too. It'll give Kendall some rest.

[Banedon]

Look I'm not saying it was the mother of all trades. But Kendall has been hitting for the last couple of months, and the catchers that we have left since the awful Barrett trade weren't exactly tearing it up. Yes, I'd rather let Soto have a shot, but if we can get a decent half season out of Kendall, then I don't think this deal is the travesty it's being portrayed as.

 

+1

 

I've changed my mind. It's a good thing.

 

What do you guys think it would take to get Craig Biggio from Houston now that Burke is going to get more playing time at 2B?

 

If we could get Biggio, we could have an infield full of all-stars with Kendall, Lee, Biggio, Izturis, and Ramirez.

 

The difference is that we don't currently have any proven production at C that are any better than Kendall (Granted, the Cubs aren't giving Soto a decent shot, and that would be my first choice)

 

At 2B we have numerous options.

 

And yes, I know you were being facetious.

[JonnyRed]

Kendall's career numbers against the other NL Central teams... (AVG/OBP)

 

MIL: .291/.381

HOU: .307/.395

STL: .309/.374

CIN: .317/.404

 

And his career 2nd half numbers are .308/.384

 

Great post (from one MU-grad to another...class of 92). I like the trade for the simple reason that we now have a veteran presence behind the plate. Someone who has been successful in the NL for some time. We've got a much better chance with Kendall than we do with a weak-hitting Bowen or inexperienced Soto. Let's see how this pans out before we go calling Hendry the worst GM in the game and this the worst trade since Brock. Jeez, you'd think we just lost our 4th game in a row the way everyone is acting.

[cheapseats]

Does this signal the end of the season for Henry Blanco?

 

Is this the end of Koyie Hill's Cub career? (unless he's DFAd and no one picks him up, in which case we can resign him to AAA)

 

Who will start? Kendall or Soto?

 

Blanco's almost ready to bring his big bat back to the Cubs lineup. I'm sure Lou will make good choices and ride the hot hand. If Blanco comes back and hits like he's able to hit, Kendall will sit more often. If Kendall regains his form from 7 years ago, Hank will ride the pine.

[CUBZ99]

Why are people still complaining about Blevins being tossed into the deal? Yes, he's having a very good year. But he was a terrible, terrible pitcher the last TWO years. It's not like he's a can't miss prospect or anything. He's a freaking middle reliever that's having a nice year in AA... after having two pathetic years. Big deal!

 

His two pathetic years came from trying to sidearm and losing 10 mph velocity from it. And his secondary pitches have improved since then.

 

Not valuing young arms (especially lefty arms with good stuff) is a fatal error. Again, I know nothing of Blevins, but young arms are invaluable. Bowen for Kendall is a low risk gamble, but one worth taking, in my opinion. I wouldn't have thrown in any pitcher with promise, though.

 

Hmm...was it weird to quote you with that? I was trying to agree, I guess.

 

The same people that are arguing Blevins is invaluable are the same people that moan and complain that Hendry only sells low. If the Cubs had held onto Blevins and he flamed out, people would be complaining that Hendry should have gotten rid of him when he had a 1.02 and some value in the minors. Lets wait to see how things shake out before we proclaim trading Blevins a fatal error.

[Drew Doughty]

Based on what, the almighty OPS+? If you look at his average and his OBP, he hasn't been anywhere near below average. He's not a power hitter... most baseball players aren't.

 

fine, his OBP has been above average the last however many years. Unfortunately you do have to do more than that to be an average hitter. And also unfortunately, his walk rate is way down this year. Coupled with his woeful average, he's not a very good player at this point in his career. He's not as bad as he was to start the year, but he's not very good either. Even in his "good" month, he posted a 326 OBP.

[Guest]

Why are people still complaining about Blevins being tossed into the deal? Yes, he's having a very good year. But he was a terrible, terrible pitcher the last TWO years. It's not like he's a can't miss prospect or anything. He's a freaking middle reliever that's having a nice year in AA... after having two pathetic years. Big deal!

 

His two pathetic years came from trying to sidearm and losing 10 mph velocity from it. And his secondary pitches have improved since then.

 

Not valuing young arms (especially lefty arms with good stuff) is a fatal error. Again, I know nothing of Blevins, but young arms are invaluable. Bowen for Kendall is a low risk gamble, but one worth taking, in my opinion. I wouldn't have thrown in any pitcher with promise, though.

 

Hmm...was it weird to quote you with that? I was trying to agree, I guess.

 

Exactly, you, Ping and I are in complete agreement.

 

I have no problem with Bowen for Kendall.