Say what you want about Kendall...

[dew1679666265]

Shelton looked like ARod for a month last year too, I wouldnt' judge a player by a two week sample of stats. Kendall is still a weak hitting catcher who can't throw guys out, eventually his stats will show that. He supposedly calls a good game so at least he has that going for him.

 

The thing is, Kendall was lambasted around here for his Cubs start (1 hit in first 15 ABs), and Soto chants have been relentless.

 

I think this thread is just correction for fans appreciating Kendall's recent performance, and there is nothing wrong with a little positive energy. Yes his OPS as a Cubs is still only .721, but it's a hell of an improvement over Hill or Bowen.

 

And while the team has only played 5 games in August, that August line of .357/.471/.571/1.042 looks like shiny candy compared to the rest of the year.

 

 

I appreciate Kendall's ability to get on base (even if he hasn't done so much of the year). I agree that he'll probably get on base more than any other option the Cubs have a catcher. However, he has two major problems:

 

1. He has no power.

2. He has no arm.

 

It just so happens that Soto has nearly 20 homeruns in AAA, and he has a decent arm. While Soto probably won't get on base as much as Kendall this year (and that's debateable), he will hit a few more homeruns. That power is desperately needed in our lineup right now. I'd go with a Kendall/Soto tandem, and I'd try to send down Hill. If we lose him, we lose him...

 

I agree with this. I don't want Soto to be our #1 catcher down the stretch, but would be more than happy to see him split time with Kendall and send down K. Hill.

 

Basically, like CCP's been saying, call up Soto and give him K. Hill's playing time (and more if he hits up here like he is in Iowa, however unlikely).

[TheDude]

I appreciate Kendall's ability to get on base (even if he hasn't done so much of the year). I agree that he'll probably get on base more than any other option the Cubs have a catcher. However, he has two major problems:

 

1. He has no power.

2. He has no arm.

 

It just so happens that Soto has nearly 20 homeruns in AAA, and he has a decent arm. While Soto probably won't get on base as much as Kendall this year (and that's debateable), he will hit a few more homeruns. That power is desperately needed in our lineup right now. I'd go with a Kendall/Soto tandem, and I'd try to send down Hill. If we lose him, we lose him...

 

I'm certainly not anti-Soto. I'd love to see him in a Cubs uniform. I just have a feeling that Catcher is the one position Lou Piniella isn't going to leave in the hands of a rookie during a stretch-run, especially since the kid hasn't caught the staff all year.

 

I don't think Lou is alone on this either. I think many managers have that mentality. They want a veteran receiver for a playoff push, for right or wrong.

 

So personally, I'm just rooting for Kendall all the way and not worrying about Soto's supposed snub.

 

And as for Kendall's arm, all those Mets/Phillies stolen bases the past week have been on the pitchers. It's been ridiculous the leads these runners have been getting.

[TheDude]

I don't want Soto to be our #1 catcher down the stretch, but would be more than happy to see him split time with Kendall and send down K. Hill.

 

Basically, like CCP's been saying, call up Soto and give him K. Hill's playing time (and more if he hits up here like he is in Iowa, however unlikely).

 

I agree. But if Bruce Miles reporting is to be believed, the cubs pitchers like Hill quite a lot, and that is the only reason he is still around.

[dew1679666265]

I don't want Soto to be our #1 catcher down the stretch, but would be more than happy to see him split time with Kendall and send down K. Hill.

 

Basically, like CCP's been saying, call up Soto and give him K. Hill's playing time (and more if he hits up here like he is in Iowa, however unlikely).

 

I agree. But if Bruce Miles reporting is to be believed, the cubs pitchers like Hill quite a lot, and that is the only reason he is still around.

 

I definitely believe Bruce's reporting. It doesn't surprise me one bit that they like Hill, but I have a feeling Soto - being considered a very good defensive catcher - would be just as good all around as Hill defensively while producing more offensively (hopefully, surely).

 

I'm also hoping Soto and Z could form the same type bond Z and Hill seem to have.

[RyCubsFan]

On Soto's Power...

 

It's not like he's hitting cheap shots. From last night's Iowa game notes:

 

Soto drilled a home run to centerfield in the second inning...