Friday, July 11, 2008

Kendrick back on the radar


Had to be one of the most bizarre games of the year.

Even though the wind was blowing in 14 mph to start, the game-time tempurature at Arlington Ballpark was a sweltering 94 degrees and the ball was still flying everywhere.

John Lackey, who entere the game with a 1.93 ERA, gave up a franchise-tying 15 hits and 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings, but the Angles were able to figure out a way to win, 11-10 in 11 innings.

And Howie Kendrick announced to the fantasy world: I'm back.

Howie who?

Yes, Kendrick's been sidelined most of the season with bum hammys, but it appears he's healthy again, raising his average to .328 with a 3-for-5 night, including 2 HR and 3 RBI.

If Kendrick, and admittedly it's a huge if, can stay healthy, you could be looking at a top-10 second baseman in the second half, still clearly behind Utley, Upton, Kinsler, Phillips, Roberts, Uggla, Pedroia and maybe even teammate Figgins, if he ever gets his wheels greased up again.

But considering Kendrick is a career .360 hitters in the minors (over 1,540 at-bats), there's definitely .325 MLB potential in his timber and if the hammys hold up, you may get a dozen steals and at least a handful of HRs in the second half.

Usually, you can put guys in either a sell-high or buy-low category, but Kendrick defies those odds, as the risk could really pay off, but if his owner has held tight all season, he's probably not about to pry loose, especially after last night's 2-bomb affair.

But if he's still hanging around your mixed-league waiver, and there's probably a 1-in-3 chance he is, scoop him up and see how long he stays off the DL. The injuries last year were hand and finger variety, so

As a co-worker always tells me, Kendrick is a batting champion in the making.

If he can only make it through 162 unscathed.

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've stuck with Kendrick this year, pretty happy I did so. Also have LA counterpart Jeff Kent... so I'm glad Howie's back.

Just found the fantasy blog, good stuff.