Jason Kendall

JASON KENDALL - PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Catcher
Age: 28 (June 26, 1974)
Height: 6-0 Weight: 195
Throws: Right Bats: Right



History

Jason Daniel Kendall was drafted out of Torance High School in San Diego, CA with the Pirates first round selection (23rd overall) in 1992. In his first full professional season, Kendall backed up this selection by immediately making the South Atlantic League All-Star team. The trend would continue in 1994, as he'd hit an astounding .309 with 7 HR and 72 RBI combined with Salem (A) and Carolina (AA) before he totally busted out in 1995, when he would earn the Southern League's MVP honors, batting .326 and breaking the Mudhens record for runs scored, prompting the team to call him up to the majors at the start of the 1996 season.

The Breakthrough

It didn't take Kendall long, as he hit .300 in 414 ABs and striking out just 30 times (once every 14 ABs) in 1996. Always known for his durability, Kendall made 118 starts behind the plate that year. He mixed good speed (5-7 SB attempts) with solid doubles power and amazing plate discipline, earning an All-Star bid in his rookie year, and finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year ballotting behind Todd Hollandsworth and Edgar Renteria.

Sustaining It

Kendall came back in 1997 and looked better than ever, keeping his average in the .300 (.294) range again, while adding a bit of power and gaining confidence on the basepaths. His 36 doubles ranked first on the Pirates, and his 18 steals brought a dimension to his game that very few catchers have: Speed!

His numbers would continue to rise in 1998, as Kendall set career highs in Batting Average (.327), homers (12), RBI (75), Runs (95), and SB (26), earning him his second All Star appearance. As he continued to climb higher and higher, 1999 was showing no boundaries for Kendall. Through 78 games, he'd already swiped 22 bases; he'd already hit 8 homers and driven in 41 runs; he was killing the ball at a .332 clip. But then, just when this five-tool superstar was hitting stride.........

July 4, 1999

Kendall, a fierce, durable competitor was doing what he always did: whatever it takes to win. As he tried to bunt his way on, Kendall stepped awkwardly on first base, dislocating his right ankle. The injury required season-ending surgery, and caused many to wonder if Kendall would ever be the demon on the basepaths that he once was.

The Comeback

Kendall came back strong in 2000, setting new career highs in HR (14), Runs (112), and Walks (79). His speed obviously wasn't what it was before the injury. Although Kendall did manage to steal 22 bases again (a figure which matched his 78 game production of the year before) in 152 games, he was caught a career high 12 times. His average stayed high (.320), and his value was certainly still high, but it seemed to have diminished a bit.

2001

2001 was, undoubtedly, the worst season that Kendall has ever had. For the first time in his career, Kendall's average was well below the .300 mark (.266), his power production dropped to just 10 homers, and the fear that he used to put into batteries while on the basepaths almost completely subsided, as he was actually caught stealing more often than he was successful (13 for 27). He hit a measly .239 in June and sufferred even more in July, batting a paltry .228 with 1 homer and 10 RBI.

Kendall was, however, resilient, as he began to find the form that made him one of the top three catchers in the game in August, tearing the cover off the ball at a .337 clip while jacking 5 dingers. Many would look at this as a building block, hoping for a glimpse of his former success.

2002 Outlook

Kendall was considered one of the top sleeper catchers in the big leagues, as he was a superstar who was coming off the worst year in his career. Most expected him to return to his customary .300 hitting ways with about 15 homers. He was still expected to run, but nobody was sure just how much.

2002

Those who decided to stick with Kendall have been rewarded. Although he got off to another bad start (.227 in April), Kendall has been solid since, batting .283 so far this season. His RBI and power numbers haven't been all that impressive, but he seems to be gaining a bit more confidence in his surgically repaired ankle, and has gone 12 for 18 in SB attempts so far this season. The power should start to pick up the rest of the way.

Fantasy Decisions

Kendall still seems to be a good bet for single season leagues and a great bet for keepers, as he's entering his prime (28). The Catcher position is typically limited to about 4 or 5 guys who can help you, 4 or 5 guys who won't hurt you, and 20 guys who will drag down your team's secondary numbers. Kendall would fall in the second group right now, but has enormous potential to jump into the first group. His speed as a backstop makes him a threat on any team.

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James Meyerriecks
Cardinals and Royals Lead Correspondent