A’s Ship Veteran Kendall to Cubs
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The Chicago Cubs acquired veteran catcher Jason Kendall yesterday in a trade with the Oakland Athletics for catcher Rob Bowen and minor league left-hander Jerry Blevins.
Kendall, a .298 career hitter in 12 major league seasons with Pittsburgh and Oakland, was batting only .226 for the A’s this season with two homers and 22 RBIs. He was a three-time All-Star with the Pirates and is known for his ability to get on base. He has more walks than strikeouts during his career.
The Cubs began play Monday night 3 1/2 games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central.
“We certainly feel we’re going to be in it the rest of the way. His character and his leadership is terrific. We feel he’s still got a lot left in the tank,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said.
“It’s a good fit for us, obviously it makes us better on the field and in the clubhouse. I spoke to him about half hour ago and I can’t tell you how excited he is. He was thrilled.”
The 33-year-old Kendall has been praised for his durability despite his inconsistencies on offense, but the A’s like Kurt Suzuki and plan to make him their starter.
“This also gives Jason an opportunity to get into what he relished when he got over here, which was to be with a team that is right there knocking on the door,” 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.”
Mets outfielder Moises Alou homered in his first rehab game Monday and said he is only one or two weeks away from returning to the majors.
The 41-year-old left fielder has been out since tearing a quadriceps muscle in his left leg on May 12. He went 2-for-3 yesterday, with a solo homer and a walk, for the Gulf Coast League Mets.
“It was nice to be out there batting,” he said. “Right now, it’s just about getting back into shape for play. My quad was not hurting me at all today. I’m almost 100%.”
Alou is expected to play Friday at Vero Beach against the Gulf Coast Dodgers. It could take up to two weeks for him to be ready to rejoin New York’s lineup.
