Comments on: Odds And Ends: Putrid Defense, Kendrick’s Crud http://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/ Your source for Phillies news, events, trade rumors, tickets, bars and other fun stuff. Thu, 24 May 2012 21:36:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Lewisaucehttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4264 Lewisauce Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:22:30 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4264 I have one question for the "trade Howard" camp: how do you replace his bat? There is no other bona-fide cleanup hitter on this team, and I think we can all agree that Greg Golson, good as he will be someday, won't be a No. 4 hitter. Maybe Burrell has the raw talent, but I think that ship has sailed. He's more comfortable batting fifth, and that's where he needs to stay (preferably in Philly, but that's just me).I like the idea of maybe trading Howard in a couple years, especially if his strikeouts stay high and his A-Rod-like demands become an A-Rod-like all-around persona/attitude. That would give us some time to find a replacement. But I think any talk of trading him "soon" is way, way premature. I have one question for the “trade Howard” camp: how do you replace his bat? There is no other bona-fide cleanup hitter on this team, and I think we can all agree that Greg Golson, good as he will be someday, won’t be a No. 4 hitter. Maybe Burrell has the raw talent, but I think that ship has sailed. He’s more comfortable batting fifth, and that’s where he needs to stay (preferably in Philly, but that’s just me).

I like the idea of maybe trading Howard in a couple years, especially if his strikeouts stay high and his A-Rod-like demands become an A-Rod-like all-around persona/attitude. That would give us some time to find a replacement. But I think any talk of trading him “soon” is way, way premature.

]]> By: Mr Methttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4263 Mr Met Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:38:31 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4263 You'll be OK, NY is a friendly place, just don't act like an ahole that wants trouble. You’ll be OK, NY is a friendly place, just don’t act
like an ahole that wants trouble.

]]> By: Mike W.http://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4262 Mike W. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:33:39 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4262 About to head to Shea. Gotta say I've heard quite a few horror stories about Phillies fans getting hurt the past 2 days. Have decided on wearin a Mike Schmidt-tshirt jersey instead of the full out jroll jersey. we'll see how it goes.go phils About to head to Shea. Gotta say I’ve heard quite a few horror stories about Phillies fans getting hurt the past 2 days. Have decided on wearin a Mike Schmidt-tshirt jersey instead of the full out jroll jersey. we’ll see how it goes.

go phils

]]> By: Schmidthttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4261 Schmidt Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:33:18 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4261 Look back to two years ago (his MVP season) at where Howard's HRs went - about half went the other way. And strikeouts are -not that bad- in the grand scheme of things, not too much worse than say, a grounder to second for an out. There is a reason guys like Howard, Burrell, etc. tend to strike out a lot. Power hitters pick their pitch, and are extremely patient at the plate, so they hit in high-count situations a lot. They know that a ball in the strike zone, although a strike, is not necessarily their pitch, so they will take it, and be confident enough in their hitting abilities to go 0-2 in the count. Look at the lists of all-time home run leaders, and all-time walks leaders - the overlap between the top 50 on each is undeniable. And while there isn't as strong a correlation between the HR and SO lists, the names at the top of that list aren't so bad either, including our very own Michael Jack Schmidt at #7. This is not a new idea by any means.The same general principles apply to Burrell, as well, but if we're down big at the all-star break, he should probably be at least shopped around, due to his contract situation (how many guys sign a new contract after their old one expires for less money with the same team? Do we want to give him more, or is it time to part ways, sad as it may be?).Anyone saying Howard should be even considered for a trade is wrong. He is the best player to wear a Phillies' uniform we have seen in a long time. Look back to two years ago (his MVP season) at where Howard’s HRs went – about half went the other way. And strikeouts are -not that bad- in the grand scheme of things, not too much worse than say, a grounder to second for an out. There is a reason guys like Howard, Burrell, etc. tend to strike out a lot. Power hitters pick their pitch, and are extremely patient at the plate, so they hit in high-count situations a lot. They know that a ball in the strike zone, although a strike, is not necessarily their pitch, so they will take it, and be confident enough in their hitting abilities to go 0-2 in the count. Look at the lists of all-time home run leaders, and all-time walks leaders – the overlap between the top 50 on each is undeniable. And while there isn’t as strong a correlation between the HR and SO lists, the names at the top of that list aren’t so bad either, including our very own Michael Jack Schmidt at #7. This is not a new idea by any means.

The same general principles apply to Burrell, as well, but if we’re down big at the all-star break, he should probably be at least shopped around, due to his contract situation (how many guys sign a new contract after their old one expires for less money with the same team? Do we want to give him more, or is it time to part ways, sad as it may be?).

Anyone saying Howard should be even considered for a trade is wrong. He is the best player to wear a Phillies’ uniform we have seen in a long time.

]]> By: Schmidthttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4260 Schmidt Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:16:55 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4260 I suggest "Bruntlett" as a new euphemism for perineum. I suggest “Bruntlett” as a new euphemism for perineum.

]]> By: mickhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4257 mick Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:28:10 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4257 I agree with you on Howard.If does not cut his strikeouts down and negate the shift by going to the opposite field consistently-- his long term future in Philly will be threatened. His glove is bad at best- he is in his prime today and really has no upside. Having said that I love this guy when he is hot with the bat--plus he is a good guy.He looks like a huge American league DH in three years. I can hear the crying already I agree with you on Howard.If does not cut his strikeouts down and negate the shift by going to the opposite field consistently– his long term future in Philly will be threatened. His glove is bad at best- he is in his prime today and really has no upside. Having said that I love this guy when he is hot with the bat–plus he is a good guy.He looks like a huge American league DH in three years. I can hear the crying already

]]> By: Matt Kwasiborskihttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4256 Matt Kwasiborski Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:04:48 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4256 A couple of points: 1. Santana- Wouldn't have waived his no-trade clause to come here even if we gave up Goloson and several younger pitchers. 2. Blanton- medicore and overpriced because he comes from Oakland- will cost too many prospects 3. Lohse- should have been re-signed for 4M-6M. 4. Trade Howard- and let him become the face of baseball somewhere else, why? 5. Burrell- worth exploring trade options if team tanks but other than that, keep him and ride him out this year. No one is going to give up a big time prospect for him if we are looking to trade him. And he has to waive his no trade clause too, which he wasn't willing to do when Gillick had some trade options for him.Money- Phils say they were over the budget but were in the run for signing Mike Lowell. Offered Lowell more money then the Sox. Aaron Rowand- signed for one more year at same yearly average with the sad sack Giants.The money is there and they will go out and get the player they want, hopefully! A couple of points:
1. Santana- Wouldn’t have waived his no-trade clause to come here even if we gave up Goloson and several younger pitchers.
2. Blanton- medicore and overpriced because he comes from Oakland- will cost too many prospects
3. Lohse- should have been re-signed for 4M-6M.
4. Trade Howard- and let him become the face of baseball somewhere else, why?
5. Burrell- worth exploring trade options if team tanks but other than that, keep him and ride him out this year. No one is going to give up a big time prospect for him if we are looking to trade him. And he has to waive his no trade clause too, which he wasn’t willing to do when Gillick had some trade options for him.

Money- Phils say they were over the budget but were in the run for signing Mike Lowell. Offered Lowell more money then the Sox. Aaron Rowand- signed for one more year at same yearly average with the sad sack Giants.

The money is there and they will go out and get the player they want, hopefully!

]]> By: Tim Malcolmhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4255 Tim Malcolm Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:56:36 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4255 It's also hard for a team like the Phillies - with so many fantastic, young players - to balance who gets the big deals and who gets hung to dry. I'm not sold on locking Howard up longterm. I'd rather lock Hamels up and let Howard sit through arb another year. Or we trade him. But we can't trade him this year. It’s also hard for a team like the Phillies – with so many fantastic, young players – to balance who gets the big deals and who gets hung to dry. I’m not sold on locking Howard up longterm. I’d rather lock Hamels up and let Howard sit through arb another year. Or we trade him. But we can’t trade him this year.

]]> By: Geoffhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4254 Geoff Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:07:30 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4254 This is what irritates me more than anything else though: lately theyve been waiting until the last moment to sign people long-term. YOung players HATE that and they think its a slight to them. They want the team to approach them early in arbitration or before the first arb year even with some players, and lock them up long-term. Making Howard sit through arb every year will guarantee that he hates the front office and will want out of here. hamels will get upset even before the end of his arbitration and want out if they dont sign him to a long-term extension and buy out arb years and FA years with guaranteed money. you have to do that now. you see the trend in baseball. carmona got locked up today long-term. This is what irritates me more than anything else though: lately theyve been waiting until the last moment to sign people long-term. YOung players HATE that and they think its a slight to them. They want the team to approach them early in arbitration or before the first arb year even with some players, and lock them up long-term. Making Howard sit through arb every year will guarantee that he hates the front office and will want out of here. hamels will get upset even before the end of his arbitration and want out if they dont sign him to a long-term extension and buy out arb years and FA years with guaranteed money. you have to do that now. you see the trend in baseball. carmona got locked up today long-term.

]]> By: Geoffhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4253 Geoff Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:28:49 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4253 I agree with pretty much all of these points. Theyre spending money, its just frustrating because theyre close and everyone knows taht theyre a few pitchers/players away from the series. You dont have to spend outrageous money to win, but id say they need to spend about 20-30 million more assuming that they fix their payroll mistakes now and spend the rest wisely. id say 150 is a safe number to spend given todays inflated salaries assuming you spend that money wisely and dont committ to outlandish contracts. giving into howards "unprecedented" demands would be outrageous and, assuming theyre within their little budget schema, it would damage their hopes of signing hamels whom i consider WAY more important to resign, like its not even a question who you choose to keep. I agree with pretty much all of these points. Theyre spending money, its just frustrating because theyre close and everyone knows taht theyre a few pitchers/players away from the series. You dont have to spend outrageous money to win, but id say they need to spend about 20-30 million more assuming that they fix their payroll mistakes now and spend the rest wisely. id say 150 is a safe number to spend given todays inflated salaries assuming you spend that money wisely and dont committ to outlandish contracts. giving into howards “unprecedented” demands would be outrageous and, assuming theyre within their little budget schema, it would damage their hopes of signing hamels whom i consider WAY more important to resign, like its not even a question who you choose to keep.

]]> By: Gavinhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4252 Gavin Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:51:32 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4252 I agree with most of these points. Its too early to bury Kendrick, but a backup plan is needed and the Phils have proven over the years that they dont have back up plans very often.There is no reason why we shouldnt have Kyle Loshe....and a Blanton trade would be realistic without giving up the farm. Lohse for 1 year 4 mill? Are you kidding me? I'm awestruck that Gillick and crew and that inept.Listen guys.....the payroll is HIGH. Alot higher than I ever imagined. I really dont think we can bash ownership for not spending money. They just havent been willing to break the bank....and that is very frustrating.I think they're trying to do what they can without comitting too many dollars to pitchers because they want to wait for Outman, Carrasco, Carpenter, and the rest.....that way they have inexpenisve good pitchers and can sign Howard and Hamels to big deals and still be great. I'm not saying thats right, but thats my theory of whay they wont spend more money right now. Thoughts?The iron is hot right now and I dont want to look back 6 years from now and realize that the window has closed like it did to the IGGLES. I agree with most of these points. Its too early to bury Kendrick, but a backup plan is needed and the Phils have proven over the years that they dont have back up plans very often.

There is no reason why we shouldnt have Kyle Loshe….and a Blanton trade would be realistic without giving up the farm. Lohse for 1 year 4 mill? Are you kidding me? I’m awestruck that Gillick and crew and that inept.

Listen guys…..the payroll is HIGH. Alot higher than I ever imagined. I really dont think we can bash ownership for not spending money. They just havent been willing to break the bank….and that is very frustrating.

I think they’re trying to do what they can without comitting too many dollars to pitchers because they want to wait for Outman, Carrasco, Carpenter, and the rest…..that way they have inexpenisve good pitchers and can sign Howard and Hamels to big deals and still be great. I’m not saying thats right, but thats my theory of whay they wont spend more money right now. Thoughts?

The iron is hot right now and I dont want to look back 6 years from now and realize that the window has closed like it did to the IGGLES.

]]> By: Matthttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4251 Matt Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:50:19 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4251 http://www.cafepress.com/buy/philadelphia/-/pv_design_details/pg_1/id_23383583/opt_/fpt_/c_666/ http://www.cafepress.com/buy/philadelphia/-/pv_design_details/pg_1/id_23383583/opt_/fpt_/c_666/

]]> By: Mike Thttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4250 Mike T Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:44:11 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4250 I'm on the same page as Geoff. That's the truth. I’m on the same page as Geoff. That’s the truth.

]]> By: Geoffhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4249 Geoff Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:33:32 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4249 your rotation should include: Hamels, Myers, Blanton (from oakland via prospect trade). lohse (resigned for one year 4 million like they COULD have done but refused to do), and kendrick. thats reasonable given the FAKE budgetary concerns the owners drum up. you worried about dumping salary? howard or burrel get moved for mlb-ready or near mlb-ready prospects. they shouldnt have to do that but id rather have insane pithcing and a solid offense than an insane offense with WAY too many K's and average pitching. your rotation should include: Hamels, Myers, Blanton (from oakland via prospect trade). lohse (resigned for one year 4 million like they COULD have done but refused to do), and kendrick. thats reasonable given the FAKE budgetary concerns the owners drum up. you worried about dumping salary? howard or burrel get moved for mlb-ready or near mlb-ready prospects. they shouldnt have to do that but id rather have insane pithcing and a solid offense than an insane offense with WAY too many K’s and average pitching.

]]> By: Geoffhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4248 Geoff Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:25:39 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4248 Kendrick will be fine as long as someome teaches him how to throw an out pitch-level curveball Kendrick will be fine as long as someome teaches him how to throw an out pitch-level curveball

]]> By: OZhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4247 OZ Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:25:07 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4247 Kendrick -too soon to judge boys....Phils always stink it up in April. Myers has been awful in his first two starts as well, and its not like Phils organization has any good starting pitchers in the bullpen, let alone AAA.Bruntlett could've stopped the bleeding yesterday, and perhaps things turn out differently...maybe, maybe not.maybe if our half-ass ownership would let them spend money, and do it wisely, Kendrick would be our #5 behind Santana, Myers, Hamels, Moyer... Kendrick -too soon to judge boys….Phils always stink it up in April. Myers has been awful in his first two starts as well, and its not like Phils organization has any good starting pitchers in the bullpen, let alone AAA.

Bruntlett could’ve stopped the bleeding yesterday, and perhaps things turn out differently…maybe, maybe not.

maybe if our half-ass ownership would let them spend money, and do it wisely, Kendrick would be our #5 behind Santana, Myers, Hamels, Moyer…

]]> By: Geoffhttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4246 Geoff Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:24:41 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4246 As am I. They just openly said they werent going to try for bedaqrd or santana. they asked him about kyle lohse for 4 mill before the cardinals did it and he outright dismissed it. even claudio vargas could go and be another arm in the mix but the mets will probably get him. They also dont have the prospects for bedard or santana without giving up all of their remaining good prospects. you dont want to trade golson because he will win several gold gloves as a starting outfielder before too long providing he improves at the plate. the pitching prospects at the top are good enough to get blanton or someone like him but not santana. They need to trade howard or burrell to GET those types of prospects to trade to get someone like santana. it would be nice to have hamels start as a 2 behind someone BETTER than him but thats a little bit fo a pipe dream. they still need to make a move here BEFORE the deadline to address the pitching effectively. As am I. They just openly said they werent going to try for bedaqrd or santana. they asked him about kyle lohse for 4 mill before the cardinals did it and he outright dismissed it. even claudio vargas could go and be another arm in the mix but the mets will probably get him. They also dont have the prospects for bedard or santana without giving up all of their remaining good prospects. you dont want to trade golson because he will win several gold gloves as a starting outfielder before too long providing he improves at the plate. the pitching prospects at the top are good enough to get blanton or someone like him but not santana. They need to trade howard or burrell to GET those types of prospects to trade to get someone like santana. it would be nice to have hamels start as a 2 behind someone BETTER than him but thats a little bit fo a pipe dream. they still need to make a move here BEFORE the deadline to address the pitching effectively.

]]> By: Mike Thttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4245 Mike T Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:07:43 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4245 Here's my problem: During Spring Training while the Phillies were busy playing ridiculous (and in my mind not the least bit funny) pranks on their rookie starter, the Mets were out signing Johan Santana, and the Mariners, of all teams, were busy signing Eric Bedard.I still cannot understand why were weren't even in contention for Santana, and how quickly we were out of contention for Eric Bedard. I'm still furious over that. This organization continues to surprise me - and not in a good way. Here’s my problem: During Spring Training while the Phillies were busy playing ridiculous (and in my mind not the least bit funny) pranks on their rookie starter, the Mets were out signing Johan Santana, and the Mariners, of all teams, were busy signing Eric Bedard.

I still cannot understand why were weren’t even in contention for Santana, and how quickly we were out of contention for Eric Bedard. I’m still furious over that. This organization continues to surprise me – and not in a good way.

]]> By: kowalski69http://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4244 kowalski69 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:03:30 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4244 i witnessed some sad sights at last nights game. the worst of which came in the 5th inning when a group of phillies fans wanted nothing more than to instigate a fight and disturb the night for other fans (phillies fans included). the situation ended with a force of no less than 15 security guards ripping the shirt and jersey off of a fan who refuses to be escorted out. the situation led to 'phillies suck' chants and beers and hot dogs being thrown. why cant fans of an opposing team enjoy a game at a rival stadium with a rival crowd and just act normal? these guys didnt come to enjoy a game they came to instigate a fight. i witnessed some sad sights at last nights game. the worst of which came in the 5th inning when a group of phillies fans wanted nothing more than to instigate a fight and disturb the night for other fans (phillies fans included). the situation ended with a force of no less than 15 security guards ripping the shirt and jersey off of a fan who refuses to be escorted out. the situation led to ‘phillies suck’ chants and beers and hot dogs being thrown. why cant fans of an opposing team enjoy a game at a rival stadium with a rival crowd and just act normal? these guys didnt come to enjoy a game they came to instigate a fight.

]]> By: Matt Kwasiborskihttp://philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/comment-page-1/#comment-4243 Matt Kwasiborski Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:57:37 +0000 http://www.philliesnation.com/archives/2008/04/odds-and-ends-putrid-defense-kendricks-crud/#comment-4243 In the past couple of seasons I would roast the Phils for their bad start but right now I am not panicking this time. They have some concentration issues on defense right now but I have faith they will get it straightened out. They don't seem poised to lose the next 6 or 7 games in a row even with Howard, Victorino and Feliz struggling at the plate. In previous years, the whole team looked like it was pressing and I don't see that now. What does need to increase is concentrating defensively and pitching with confidence.That leads me to Kendrick. I think he deserves more time before we start talking about demoting him. He has struggled this year but he did win 10 games for us out of nowhere. Some say he had luck with run support and inducing key double play balls, but 10 wins (even Eaton won 10) is 10 wins and he deserves the benefit of the doubt for now.I watched the game last night and he did look shaky. I also saw some horrendous defense, a very tight strike zone and nasty weather where he probably couldn't grip the ball as well if it were a dry day. Let's back off on them for now and let them battle it out. They have earned it from us this year. In the past couple of seasons I would roast the Phils for their bad start but right now I am not panicking this time. They have some concentration issues on defense right now but I have faith they will get it straightened out. They don’t seem poised to lose the next 6 or 7 games in a row even with Howard, Victorino and Feliz struggling at the plate. In previous years, the whole team looked like it was pressing and I don’t see that now. What does need to increase is concentrating defensively and pitching with confidence.

That leads me to Kendrick. I think he deserves more time before we start talking about demoting him. He has struggled this year but he did win 10 games for us out of nowhere. Some say he had luck with run support and inducing key double play balls, but 10 wins (even Eaton won 10) is 10 wins and he deserves the benefit of the doubt for now.

I watched the game last night and he did look shaky. I also saw some horrendous defense, a very tight strike zone and nasty weather where he probably couldn’t grip the ball as well if it were a dry day. Let’s back off on them for now and let them battle it out. They have earned it from us this year.

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