The Kyle Kendrick Project

Flash back to Phillies Spring Training 2009. The Phils are coming off a World Series Title and there is a certain buzz surrounding Bright House Networks Field. My dad and I had the privelege to attend 2009 Spring Training and on one gameless day we found ourselves wandering about the Carpenter Complex hoping to catch some minor league action. A split squad AAA game was going on and we sat on the bleachers to take in the game. As the game got underway, I quickly realized that the bat boy for the Phillies AAA team was none other than Kyle Kendrick.

Please note that this article is not a hatchet job on Kyle Kendrick. I think that he is a solid MLB pitcher but I just feel that there is no room for him on this team. In the starting rotation the only place he would fit is in the 5th spot. But Joe Blanton is there and while some people feel that Kendrick would be a better fit than Blanton, statistically speaking Blanton is the better pitcher. Kenrick did have a slightly better 2010 going 11-10 with a 4.73 ERA as opposed to Blanton's 9-6 record with a 4.82 ERA. But Blanton's career ERA is lower and his overall consistency and experience give him the edge over Kendrick.

With no room in the starting staff, the Phils placed Kendrick in the bullpen a decision that so far has paid off for the Phils. Kyle has appeared in 5 games for the Phils this year spanning 7 innings. In those 7 innings Kyle has surrendered just 2 earned runs to earn himself a solid 2.57 ERA. But Kyle has been shaky in all of his outings, and in just 7 innings he has surrendered 5 hits and 6 walks a total of 11 base runners. Coming out of the bull pen I simply do not feel confident in Kendrick. If Charlie wants to keep Kendrick as a long man I'm fine with that. But if he starts bringing him into crucial game situations that's where the Phillies are going to get into trouble.

I think the Phils should use Kendrick as trade bait at the dead line. Kendrick is a solid starter and there are plenty of teams that would welcome a 3 time 10 game winner to their club. If the Phils want to trade Blanton then Kendrick could become the 5th starter for the Phils until the playoffs.

Overall I like Kendrick and I hope that he succeeds. But I think that it is time for the Phillies to move on and pull the plug on the Kyle Kendrick Project.