Former Pirate Kendall happy to be in spring training with Athletics
PHOENIX (AP) – Jason Kendall could sense a winning vibe from the moment he walked into Oakland’s spring training complex. It’s quite a change from what he’s been used to after spending nine losing seasons in Pittsburgh.
“I kind of feel like a rookie in a round about way,” the Athletics’ new catcher said Wednesday. “We’ve just got a bunch of good guys. Everybody’s cool. Not to say that wasn’t the case over there, but you walk into the clubhouse and the atmosphere is like, ‘Hey, you know what, get your work done and come April 4, let’s go win.”‘
Kendall will be counted upon to nurture the A’s young pitching staff and also help this club get back on track after it missed the playoffs for the first time in five years.
The A’s acquired Kendall in a November trade that sent left-handed pitchers Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes to the Pirates. The Pirates had tried to swap him for several years and apparently were in serious talks with the San Diego Padres in 2003 but nothing got done.
General manager Billy Beane admired Kendall from afar for years, and Kendall waived his no-trade clause to play for a contender closer to his Manhattan Beach, Calif., home. The decision took a “half-second,” he said.
“It’s awesome,” rookie right-hander Joe Blanton said of having Kendall around. “Any time you can throw to somebody like that, it’s just great. He’s been catching for that long and he’s been in the game and knows the game.”
Kendall is spending his early days in spring training meeting pitchers and learning their personalities and tendencies.
A three-time All-Star and .306 career hitter, he likely will bat second behind Mark Kotsay. Kendall mostly hit leadoff last season and batted .319.
“Kendall is a blue-collar guy and a guy I’ve admired just watching him play,” A’s first baseman Scott Hatteberg said. “I’m excited to see him on a daily basis.”
While there’s plenty of work to do with the pitchers, Kendall believes a big part of spring training is just getting back in a routine – for him, being back down in the catcher’s stance for hours at a time. It always takes his body a few days to adjust.
Kendall appreciates the business approach of the A’s, who are known for having one of baseball’s most easygoing clubhouses in recent years.
“Everybody knows what they have to do to get ready for a season,” Kendall said. “Go about your business and get your work in. We’re treated like grown men, which is the way it should be.”
Kendall enjoys the daily duties of studying hitters and prepping pitchers. He expects a fairly smooth adjustment to the American League. This will be his 10th big league season, so he’s seen most everybody at some point.
“In baseball today, everybody changes teams,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you what 30 times 30 is, but I can tell what I threw Todd Helton three years ago on a 2-1 count.”