Kendall Extension Watch

[Lefty]

Is he this year's Gary Gaetti? Off-day at home on the 20th is my bet. Or maybe Hendry can announce it live on a game broadcast.

[Banedon]

Nah. It won't happen during the season.

[BeerHere]

I want to see what Soto can do in the major leagues. I'm not against extending Kendall as long as Blanco is DFA'd or traded. Soto should get a shot.

[CUBZ99]

I wouldn't mind an extension if it is cheap. Kendall is one guy on the team that is easy to root for. That being said, with Soto's rise, there is no way that Hendry goes into the season with 3 catchers, and with Blanco signed, that leaves Kendall as the odd man out.

[weis21]

I'm not completely sold on Soto, since the only year he's done anything special at the plate was this year. That said, I'd like to see what he could do but have a good back up plan. A multi-year deal for Kendall would be really stupid though.

[Little Slide Rooter]

With Soto on the fast track and Blanco with a year left, Kendall may be the odd man out, especially with his defensively skills clearly lacking and Sotos un proven, the Cubs will need to keep Blanco around for defense,.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

3 years 21 million.

[rawaction]

I wouldn't mind re-signing Kendall if Blanco was DFA'd. I would be happy with a catching tandem of Soto and Kendall if the playing time was distributed pretty evenly. I would offer a 2-year deal for about $10M, if he would accept a 1-year deal, I'd give him as much as $7M. Kendall is not good defensively, so isn't a great backup catcher. But he is good insurance in case Soto doesn't pan out.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I would offer a 2-year deal for about $10M, if he would accept a 1-year deal, I'd give him as much as $7M. .

 

That is grossly overpaying.

[rawaction]

I would offer a 2-year deal for about $10M, if he would accept a 1-year deal, I'd give him as much as $7M. .

 

That is grossly overpaying.

 

I believe that's what the market has shown to be. What Kendall is being paid now is being grossly overpaid. Like it or not, players don't take that drastic pay cuts unless they completely can't play at all anymore. 5M/year is a lot for a backup catcher, but if Blanco can get 2.5M, I'm sure Kendall could get 5.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I would offer a 2-year deal for about $10M, if he would accept a 1-year deal, I'd give him as much as $7M. .

 

That is grossly overpaying.

 

I believe that's what the market has shown to be. What Kendall is being paid now is being grossly overpaid. Like it or not, players don't take that drastic pay cuts unless they completely can't play at all anymore. 5M/year is a lot for a backup catcher, but if Blanco can get 2.5M, I'm sure Kendall could get 5.

 

That still doesn't mean the Cubs have to be that team to give it to him. Save that task for Ned Colleti. I'd offer him 1 year @ 1 million tops.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'd be nice if the Cubs could recognize and appreciate lightning in a bottle for what it is, if only this one time.

[YearofDaCubs]

I would only sign Kendall to a 1 year deal and get rid of Blanco and leave Soto as our 2nd catcher.

[rawaction]

I would offer a 2-year deal for about $10M, if he would accept a 1-year deal, I'd give him as much as $7M. .

 

That is grossly overpaying.

 

I believe that's what the market has shown to be. What Kendall is being paid now is being grossly overpaid. Like it or not, players don't take that drastic pay cuts unless they completely can't play at all anymore. 5M/year is a lot for a backup catcher, but if Blanco can get 2.5M, I'm sure Kendall could get 5.

 

That still doesn't mean the Cubs have to be that team to give it to him. Save that task for Ned Colleti. I'd offer him 1 year @ 1 million tops.

 

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

[jersey cubs fan]

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

It's the risk you take, whereas, Kendall at big money is not.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I would offer a 2-year deal for about $10M, if he would accept a 1-year deal, I'd give him as much as $7M. .

 

That is grossly overpaying.

 

I believe that's what the market has shown to be. What Kendall is being paid now is being grossly overpaid. Like it or not, players don't take that drastic pay cuts unless they completely can't play at all anymore. 5M/year is a lot for a backup catcher, but if Blanco can get 2.5M, I'm sure Kendall could get 5.

 

That still doesn't mean the Cubs have to be that team to give it to him. Save that task for Ned Colleti. I'd offer him 1 year @ 1 million tops.

 

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

 

Agree, that is a risk. Too bad we couldn't get a better idea of his production at this level...but we just haaaad to give Koyie Hlll those 93 AB's. That still pisses me off.

[rawaction]

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

It's the risk you take, whereas, Kendall at big money is not.

 

I don't think 5M is big money, comparatively. But as has been stated, it would be nice if we had a better idea of Soto's capabilities offensively at this level.

[CubinNY]

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

It's the risk you take, whereas, Kendall at big money is not.

 

I don't think 5M is big money, comparatively. But as has been stated, it would be nice if we had a better idea of Soto's capabilities offensively at this level.

That's what pisses me off so much about this entire situation.

 

Soto may never be as good as he has been this past couple of months. Why not bring him up and see what he can do.

 

This is another case of Murton, DuBois, etc., etc. Just once I wish the Cubs would do the right thing.

[jersey cubs fan]

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

It's the risk you take, whereas, Kendall at big money is not.

 

I don't think 5M is big money, comparatively. But as has been stated, it would be nice if we had a better idea of Soto's capabilities offensively at this level.

 

I think $5m is very big money, comparatively. Kendall is no guarantee to give you a season's worth of production. He could very easily be worse than Soto next year. The only way you pay $5m more for a guy like that is if you are certain he's going to be better than somebody who could replace him. $5m has to give you a significant upgrade.

 

Mike Piazza went from $16m to $1.25m between 2005 and 2006, and his 2005 season was better than Kendall's 2007. Frank Thomas went from $8m in 2005 with a 131 OPS+ to $500,000 in 2006. It wasn't until an MVP consideration 2006 that he bumped back up. Jason Kendall sucks defensively and has a 66 OPS+ in 2007. There is absolutely no justification for signing him to a contract that goes beyond 1 year at $1.5m or lower.

Edited August 31, 2007 by jersey cubs fan

[rawaction]

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

It's the risk you take, whereas, Kendall at big money is not.

 

I don't think 5M is big money, comparatively. But as has been stated, it would be nice if we had a better idea of Soto's capabilities offensively at this level.

That's what pisses me off so much about this entire situation.

 

Soto may never be as good as he has been this past couple of months. Why not bring him up and see what he can do.

 

This is another case of Murton, DuBois, etc., etc. Just once I wish the Cubs would do the right thing.

 

I know it sucks. The Brewers were playing well and handed jobs over to Corey Hart and Ryan Braun. The Cards have plugged in Ankiel. Plenty of examples out there of teams that have thrown young players into the fire and let them play. I think part of the reason guys like Murton and Pie struggle (and why Soto probably will) is because the Cubs don't give them every possible chance to succeed.

[rawaction]

I understand that, but what happens if Soto doesn't perform. Granted it's been 33 ABs, but he hasn't hit in his major league stints. And despite the mammoth season this year, it's the only time he's been over a .756 OPS. Also, he's had some injury problems in the past. Blanco or Koyie Hill production for a long period of time could be disasterous for a team with offensive holes elsewhere.

 

It's the risk you take, whereas, Kendall at big money is not.

 

I don't think 5M is big money, comparatively. But as has been stated, it would be nice if we had a better idea of Soto's capabilities offensively at this level.

 

I think $5m is very big money, comparatively. Kendall is no guarantee to give you a season's worth of production. He could very easily be worse than Soto next year. The only way you pay $5m more for a guy like that is if you are certain he's going to be better than somebody who could replace him. $5m has to give you a significant upgrade.

 

Mike Piazza went from $16m to $1.25m between 2005 and 2006, and his 2005 season was better than Kendall's 2007. Frank Thomas went from $8m in 2005 with a 131 OPS+ to $500,000 in 2006. It wasn't until an MVP consideration 2006 that he bumped back up. Jason Kendall sucks defensively and has a 66 OPS+ in 2007. There is absolutely no justification for signing him to a contract that goes beyond 1 year at $1.5m or lower.

 

You're comparing 2 DHs to a catcher? Thomas and Piazza had 0 value as defensive players. Kendall, while not great, can still play the toughest position to fill in professional sports at least somewhat competently. The Cubs are paying Blanco 2.5M. While I will give you that is insane, Kendall monumentally better. And unless you can find similar production for cheaper, I think it can be justified paying him that amount of money.

[jersey cubs fan]

You're comparing 2 DHs to a catcher? Thomas and Piazza had 0 value as defensive players. Kendall, while not great, can still play the toughest position to fill in professional sports at least somewhat competently. The Cubs are paying Blanco 2.5M. While I will give you that is insane, Kendall monumentally better. And unless you can find similar production for cheaper, I think it can be justified paying him that amount of money.

 

Piazza took that paycut at SD, as a C. Besides, I'm comparing them because you said vets don't take such paycuts even when they have a bad year.

 

Kendall's OPS+ the past 3 years has been 77, 89 and 66. The point is you're damn right you can find similar production (and quite possibly better) for cheaper.

[rawaction]

You're comparing 2 DHs to a catcher? Thomas and Piazza had 0 value as defensive players. Kendall, while not great, can still play the toughest position to fill in professional sports at least somewhat competently. The Cubs are paying Blanco 2.5M. While I will give you that is insane, Kendall monumentally better. And unless you can find similar production for cheaper, I think it can be justified paying him that amount of money.

 

Piazza took that paycut at SD, as a C. Besides, I'm comparing them because you said vets don't take such paycuts even when they have a bad year.

 

Kendall's OPS+ the past 3 years has been 77, 89 and 66. The point is you're damn right you can find similar production (and quite possibly better) for cheaper.

 

From where though? I haven't really looked, but I don't have anyone off the top of my head that will be reasonably available for less.

[jersey cubs fan]

You're comparing 2 DHs to a catcher? Thomas and Piazza had 0 value as defensive players. Kendall, while not great, can still play the toughest position to fill in professional sports at least somewhat competently. The Cubs are paying Blanco 2.5M. While I will give you that is insane, Kendall monumentally better. And unless you can find similar production for cheaper, I think it can be justified paying him that amount of money.

 

Piazza took that paycut at SD, as a C. Besides, I'm comparing them because you said vets don't take such paycuts even when they have a bad year.

 

Kendall's OPS+ the past 3 years has been 77, 89 and 66. The point is you're damn right you can find similar production (and quite possibly better) for cheaper.

 

From where though? I haven't really looked, but I don't have anyone off the top of my head that will be reasonably available for less.

 

Really? Geovany Soto. .279/.359/.425 career minor league line. Even if he goes .259/.339/.400 he'd be worth the $5m that can be spent on actual production. If there is ever a time to give a prospect a chance, it's when you have to pay millions to keep a guy who is going to be 34 years old and is nowhere near a guarantee to outproduce the kid.

[rawaction]

You're comparing 2 DHs to a catcher? Thomas and Piazza had 0 value as defensive players. Kendall, while not great, can still play the toughest position to fill in professional sports at least somewhat competently. The Cubs are paying Blanco 2.5M. While I will give you that is insane, Kendall monumentally better. And unless you can find similar production for cheaper, I think it can be justified paying him that amount of money.

 

Piazza took that paycut at SD, as a C. Besides, I'm comparing them because you said vets don't take such paycuts even when they have a bad year.

 

Kendall's OPS+ the past 3 years has been 77, 89 and 66. The point is you're damn right you can find similar production (and quite possibly better) for cheaper.

 

From where though? I haven't really looked, but I don't have anyone off the top of my head that will be reasonably available for less.

 

Really? Geovany Soto. .279/.359/.425 career minor league line. Even if he goes .259/.339/.400 he'd be worth the $5m that can be spent on actual production. If there is ever a time to give a prospect a chance, it's when you have to pay millions to keep a guy who is going to be 34 years old and is nowhere near a guarantee to outproduce the kid.

 

Really? I guess we are talking about 2 different things. Because I clearly said that Soto should get a shot and Kendall was a contingency plan provided the Cubs got rid of Blanco and used the catchers properly.