Cubs Trade Rob Bowen and Jerry Blevins for Jason Kendall

[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.

 

yeah, OPS+ sucks...batting average is clearly where it's at.

If you want to look at one stat to determine how good a player is, go for it. OPS+ says that Jason Kendall has been barely, just barely, above average during his career. If you really believe that... well, I don't know what to tell you.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Is it possible Kendall is a NL player??

 

Just trying to be optimistic

 

and to get things straight - Marshall was NOT traded??

 

No, Rich and Koyie Hill for Kendall and Barton.

[dew1679666265]

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.

 

And last year when he was bad in the first half and very good in the second half gives us the hope that he can turn it around and be at least decently productive.

 

Sure, it's not a guarantee, but I like him as an option over Hill or Bowen at the worst. At the best, this is a solid trade.

 

even during his bad first half last year he was still walking. His OPS was 100 points higher in the first half last year than it was in the first half this year.

 

I have trouble believing that a player who has always been very patient all of a sudden can't remember how to walk. Chances are he struggled early and began to press. Hopefully as his average picks up the walks will too. That's at least a possible expectation, if not probable.

[cheapseats]

I could care less about Bowen. He was nothing more than a backup anyway. But we basically trade Barrett and Blevins for Jason Kendall. Why not just keep Barrett? They're basically even defensively, with Barrett being much, much better offensively. When was the last time Kendall even hit a homerun? 1998? I've been trying to figure this trade out, but I just don't get it.

 

he's actually got a pair of home runs this year!

 

woo!

 

And if we adjust for park effects (the park in Oakland is spacious), he'd probably be in double digits.

[CubColtPacer]

I could care less about Bowen. He was nothing more than a backup anyway. But we basically trade Barrett and Blevins for Jason Kendall. Why not just keep Barrett? They're basically even defensively, with Barrett being much, much better offensively. When was the last time Kendall even hit a homerun? 1998? I've been trying to figure this trade out, but I just don't get it.

 

It certainly does point to the fact that the Cubs traded Barrett because of his ongoing feud with Z, which didn't seem to be over based on their reactions when Barrett was traded. A lot of people thought it was just a move to bring in more defense, but this move would indicate that's not the case. It must have gotten bad enough that the Cubs decided one of Z or Barrett had to go, and Barrett was the obvious choice there.

 

Also, remember that the deal would be Barrett and Blevins for Kendall and Kyler Burke.

[Banedon]

I could care less about Bowen. He was nothing more than a backup anyway. But we basically trade Barrett and Blevins for Jason Kendall. Why not just keep Barrett? They're basically even defensively, with Barrett being much, much better offensively. When was the last time Kendall even hit a homerun? 1998? I've been trying to figure this trade out, but I just don't get it.

 

Now that I can agree with. Barrett shouldn't have been traded..or at least not traded for the crap he was traded for. But assuming for a second that Hendry realized after the fact that he made a mistake with getting Bowen, then there's little fault in him correcting that as best as he can.

[abuck1220]

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.

 

yeah, OPS+ sucks...batting average is clearly where it's at.

If you want to look at one stat to determine how good a player is, go for it. OPS+ says that Jason Kendall has been barely, just barely, above average during his career. If you really believe that... well, I don't know what to tell you.

 

and if you don't, i don't know what to tell you.

 

and if you believe that at his age and with the numbers of games he's caught kendall is going to be anything remotely close to the player he was six years ago, i don't know what to tell you.

[Sarcastic]

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.

 

yeah, OPS+ sucks...batting average is clearly where it's at.

If you want to look at one stat to determine how good a player is, go for it. OPS+ says that Jason Kendall has been barely, just barely, above average during his career. If you really believe that... well, I don't know what to tell you.

 

Thing is, you have to consider the fact that kendall is at a position chock full of guys way below league average. That is not factored into OPS+.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

Is it possible Kendall is a NL player??

 

Just trying to be optimistic

 

and to get things straight - Marshall was NOT traded??

 

No, Rich and Koyie Hill for Kendall and Barton.

 

Barton sucks. He doesn't hit well. :D

[Banedon]

 

Derosa is a vet.

 

And a lifetime backup until this year. If he's so good, why didn't he have a starting job before?

 

Just nitpicking the Biggio analogy a little. :)

[nilodnayr]

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.

 

Noting?

 

I was under the impression the cubs gave up Barrett (via Bowen), Blevins and 3.5ish Million to get Kendall. Guys, how awesome is it that we get all that back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deeg]

Take it from a Bay Area resident who has seen a ton of Kendall these last 2.5 years - he's done. As Indy said, it's not the years, it's the mileage - and this guy has worn out the tread with the workload he's taken behind the plate. He's physically cooked and as a result, he's now one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball and, since he never had much power, his OBP-centric offensive game has suffered too. His walk rate might rebound and he could give us something like .270-340-330 in the 2nd half, but for as bas a catcher as he is that hardly seems like much of an upside.

 

But hey - he's a great chemistry guy, so that must be what counts.

[CubFanPhilly]

It's a nothing deal involving a big name.

 

- If the Cubs have a trading chip that completes the big deadline deal, Blevins wasn't it.

 

- Blevins wasn't going to see Wrigley anytime soon with Ohman, Cotts, Eyre, and Rapada around.

 

- The $1-$1.5 mil (net of the Barrett trade) isn't going to prevent the deadline deal that really makes a difference.

 

- This doesn't ruin Soto's ceiling (a serviceable backup C).

 

- Kendall's absymal numbers so far this year aren't significantly more abysmal than Hill/Bowen.

 

The only way this isn't a big nothing trade is if somehow Kendall reverts to something close to his career numbers. That'd be something of a miracle considering his decline over the last three seasons.

 

Hopefully Hendry does the right thing and deals or DFAs Koyie Hill rather then sending Soto down.

 

CFP

Edited July 17, 2007 by CubFanPhilly

[JonnyRed]

I must have forgotten that career numbers mean absolutely nothing, my bad. He's having a down year so far, but for what we gave up, I'm OK with taking the chance on him.

 

Blevins was having an outstanding year at AA. I wouldn't have traded him straight up for Kendall. Add the fact that we're going to have to pay Kendall, and it turns out to be a terrible trade. Kendall is old, is just as bad defensively as Barrett, and has no power whatsoever. I have no idea what Hendry is thinking. He should be removed from his GM duties immediately.

 

I'm sorry, what exactly has Blevins done in the major leagues? Did I miss something? The guy has had arm problems and isn't even sniffing the bigs, so why is everyone crying over this guy?

[cubweiser03]

I can handle a bad 1st half but the BB/K ratio is alarming. Up to this year his BB/K ratio was more walks than ks (awesome). Now he is striking out TWICE as much, a complete 180 from the hitter he has been in the past.

[A New Era]

Ok so our C has put on .260 OBP so far this year. It's POSSIBLE Kendall could put up to .330 or better.

 

Can anyone compare what our C have put up OPS+ wise this year? I'm ok with this deal, maybe the scout saw that he was having a better June and thought he could have a good few months in Wrigley?

 

is it really that hard to get positive about an offensive upgrade? Even if it's minor? I'm behind our new cubbie and hope he does well.

[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.

 

yeah, OPS+ sucks...batting average is clearly where it's at.

If you want to look at one stat to determine how good a player is, go for it. OPS+ says that Jason Kendall has been barely, just barely, above average during his career. If you really believe that... well, I don't know what to tell you.

 

Thing is, you have to consider the fact that kendall is at a position chock full of guys way below league average. That is not factored into OPS+.

No dude, OPS+ is all that matters. Nothing else is important. NOTHING.

[LeftCoastCubFan]

So, Kendall’s obp finally dropped low enough for the Cubs to feel he fits the organization. :P

 

Seriously though it all comes down to the money. I have to guess that Oakland was willing to eat a little of the contract, and throwing in Blevins was to have them pay a little more of it to make it palatable. As long as it doesn’t affect any other deals it’s no big deal. If Kendal produces higher offensively then our current batch of catchers, it’s a good deal. Even if it doesn’t it only cost a middling prospect.

[bannor10]

I like the move. Face it, tonight we had Koyie Hill as our catcher. A career minor leaguer. Kendel may not be the player he was three years ago but our team is just a little bit better. Maybe not a lot better but just a little bit. That may be enough to win a weak NL central.

 

Blevins may down the road be a loss but as a Chicago team with the money they can make in tv revenue etc. we should be able to buy any player we want.

[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.

 

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.

 

yeah, OPS+ sucks...batting average is clearly where it's at.

If you want to look at one stat to determine how good a player is, go for it. OPS+ says that Jason Kendall has been barely, just barely, above average during his career. If you really believe that... well, I don't know what to tell you.

 

and if you don't, i don't know what to tell you.

 

and if you believe that at his age and with the numbers of games he's caught kendall is going to be anything remotely close to the player he was six years ago, i don't know what to tell you.

 

I'd take his OBP from last year - .367. Not sure where the six years ago came from, he's had quite good OBPs three of the past four years before this one.

[nilodnayr]

 

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.

 

While he had control issues, his K rate is the definition of spectacular. As its been said many times, he was coming off an injury and working on a sidearm motion. Hes back to overhand and dominating. Sure a lot of minor league pitchers with promise never make it. Does that mean we should get rid of them all?

 

Soto can't be worse than what we've had the last month and could be better. And he was free.

[UK1679666180]

 

You must be confusing me with some other posters. In none of my comments did I say we gave up "nothing". I don't know much about Blevins other then he has some potential like so many other players in the Minors. But I didn't realize he was such a prized youngster.

 

What I did say is: Much ado about nothing.

 

Others have, mainly on the fact he's a reliever and he's in the minors. That only diminishes the value of a farm system that line of thinking, look at how the Giants are doing if you want to see a constantly poor farm system.

 

Expecting the Cubs to get outbid everyone on most of the top FAs is wishful and often incorrect thinking.

 

The farm system has value and the Cubs will need more players to come from it to win a WS.

 

Trying to establish a lack of value of prospects based on past flameouts shows a lack of knowledge of how important it can be when teams commit to building from within.

[Mizzou]

Bold prediction: Jason Kendall will be the 2007 version of the 1998 Gary Gaetti.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

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.

 

yeah, OPS+ sucks...batting average is clearly where it's at.

If you want to look at one stat to determine how good a player is, go for it. OPS+ says that Jason Kendall has been barely, just barely, above average during his career. If you really believe that... well, I don't know what to tell you.

 

Thing is, you have to consider the fact that kendall is at a position chock full of guys way below league average. That is not factored into OPS+.

No dude, OPS+ is all that matters. Nothing else is important. NOTHING.

 

Kendall was 2nd to last among qualified catchers in OPS last year, and was last in 2005.

[CubFanPhilly]

Those saying Kendall has been decent the last month and a half should take a look at his July. It's just as putrid as his April/May: .229/.229/.286/.514 (yes, 0 walks in 35 ABs).